Next Millennium: Client Story

Next Millennium: Client Story

Igniting growth with strategic marketing leadership.  Next Millennium at a Glance Company size: 61 Employees Industry: Digital Advertising Technology (AdTech) / Publisher Monetization & Demand Solutions, Media Buying & Selling (for both publishers and advertisers) High-impact Ad Formats  Business model: B2B Headquarters: New York, New York Authentic Growth® Drivers: Sharpen Market Focus and Value Proposition Expand Brand Awareness and Create Demand Make Tactical Marketing Execution More Strategic The Problem Next Millennium is an advertising technology company that connects advertisers and publishers directly with innovative and engaging ad formats to bring together exclusive demand and supply that is unavailable in the…
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Institute for Sustainable Communities: Client Story

Institute for Sustainable Communities: Client Story

From reactive to strategic: ISC’s journey to a stronger brand and smarter marketing. “Working with Authentic has been a true gift for an organization the size of ISC–we have big marketing goals without the budget for a Chief Marketing Officer. [Our CMO] was a trusted partner, mentor to staff, and active member of our leadership team. Our organization now has a robust marketing strategy and the structure to achieve it, even beyond our engagement with Authentic.” Rebecca Kaduru, President, Institute for Sustainable Communities Institute for Sustainable Communities at a Glance Company size: 45 employees Industry: Non-Profit / Associations / Membership…
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Crystal D: Client Story

Crystal D: Client Story

Building marketing maturity one quarter at a time.  Crystal D at a Glance:  Company size: 83 employees Industry: Manufacturing / Distribution Business model: Distribution / Network, Channel Partnerships / Alliance Headquarters: St Paul, MN Authentic Growth® Drivers:  Build a Strong Marketing Team (Right People in the Right Seats) Sharpen Market Focus and Value Proposition / Brand Messaging Expand Market Share The Problem Crystal D centers on creating "The WOW Effect" through high-quality recognition awards, including trophies, plaques, and crystal awards. The business had weathered many transitions and their marketing team was in need of structure, guidance, and a long-term partner…
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[Event Recap] VIP.MN Summer Mixer for Visionaries, Integrators, and Implementer Partners 2025

[Event Recap] VIP.MN Summer Mixer for Visionaries, Integrators, and Implementer Partners 2025

It’s heating up here in Minnesota and we wanted to kick off the summer right by bringing together our exceptional community of Visionaries, Integrators, and Implementer Partners (VIPs) together. Nearly 100 Visionaries, Integrators, and Implementer Partners joined us for a fun evening of conversation, connection, and tasty food & drink on June 3, 2025 at the Lynhall in Edina.  View Photo Gallery These events continue to be a privilege to host for this wonderful community. We are so grateful to be surrounded by fantastic business leaders in our local community.  Want to join our community of Integrators? Visit our website…
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Why EOS® Companies Struggle with Marketing: The “Little m Dilemma”

Why EOS® Companies Struggle with Marketing: The “Little m Dilemma”

Companies running on EOS®* often struggle with marketing — not because EOS is flawed, but because of how marketing is typically integrated (or under-integrated) into the Accountability Chart and organizational structure. Here’s a clear look at what’s really going on, rooted in what Authentic calls the “Little m Dilemma.” Read on below, or watch the following video to hear directly from our Founder and CEO, Jennifer Zick, as she unpacks a common story for businesses who Run On EOS®: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9s4rbeCGZ4 1. EOS Structure Puts Sales & Marketing in One Seat In the EOS model, the “Sales & Marketing” roles are…
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How Fast-Growing Companies Scale Their Marketing Without Hiring a Full-Time CMO

How Fast-Growing Companies Scale Their Marketing Without Hiring a Full-Time CMO

In this episode of the Shift Spotlight podcast, host Winter Paskins interviews Jennifer Zick about her journey from small-town pageant queen to the founder of Authentic®, a fractional CMO firm dedicated to helping growth-stage companies overcome chaotic, strategy-less marketing. Zick shares how Authentic® helps clients Overcome Random Acts of Marketing® by embedding experienced CMOs directly into client teams as W-2 employees—a distinctive model that builds deeper relationships, culture, and results. Watch the Full Episode https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L20GuMwyM68 Listen to the Full Episode Key Takeaways Overcoming Random Acts of Marketing®: Jennifer explains the most common challenge facing growing businesses — disjointed, tactical marketing…
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Allure Aesthetics: Client Story

Allure Aesthetics: Client Story

Scaling Smart: When Strategy Meets Execution “[Our CMO] helped us start viewing marketing from the top down - shifting from instinct to metrics, strategy, and sustainable growth. She brought structure without slowing us down, and kept us focused on the bigger picture.” Cory Gallagher, CAO, Allure Aesthetics Allure Aesthetics at a Glance Company size: ~10-15 employees Industry: Health / Medical / Pharmaceutical Business model: B2C, Brick-and-Mortar Headquarters: King of Prussia, Pennsylvania Authentic Growth® Drivers: Sharpen Market Focus and Value Proposition Expand Brand Awareness and Create Demand Make Tactical Marketing Execution More Strategic The Problem Allure Aesthetics is a luxury medical…
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Authentic Intelligence™: Our Human-Centric Approach to AI Innovation

Authentic Intelligence™: Our Human-Centric Approach to AI Innovation

The artificial intelligence revolution is transforming how businesses operate, and marketing is no exception. Every day brings new AI-powered tools promising to automate campaigns, generate content, and optimize performance. But amid the excitement and hype, critical questions emerge: How do we harness AI's power while maintaining ethical standards, protecting privacy, and preserving the human insight that drives authentic business relationships? At Authentic®, we believe the answer lies in Authentic Intelligence™—our human-centric approach to AI innovation that enhances rather than replaces human expertise, guided by our core values of Authenticity, Wisdom, Humility, Passion, and Generosity. The Challenge: Innovation Without Foundation The…
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Demand Generation vs Lead Generation

Demand Generation vs Lead Generation

Explore the differences, connections, and strategies to leverage both approaches for maximum growth impact. Demand generation and lead generation often overlap, but their goals and tactics differ significantly. In this webinar, a panel of marketing experts will clarify these concepts and discuss how to align them with business objectives. Learn how to build a strategy that balances awareness with conversion-focused initiatives. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXSB8URGqaA Key Takeaways Demand generation is top-to-mid funnel, focused on awareness, consideration, and engagement; lead generation is bottom-of-funnel, focused on sales-ready leads and handoff to sales. Branding acts as both a filter and a net, helping the right customers…
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We helped pack 51,264 meals for children!

We helped pack 51,264 meals for children!

Authentic team members, clients, Ally Network Partners, and friends gathered at Feed My Starving Children on April 24, 2025 to help pack meals in support of the organization’s mission to break the cycle of poverty around the world. Along with other volunteers, together the group helped pack 89 boxes filled with 51,264 meals which will feed 140 kids for a year! View photo gallery Feed My Starving Children’s Mission Feed My Starving Children (FMSC) believes hope starts with food. As a Christian nonprofit, FMSC is dedicated to seeing every child whole in body and spirit. FMSC works with food distribution…
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