June 2025 - Spectruss Marketing and Advertising

What happens when a small diner idea survives a plane crash, passes through three generations, and still sticks to the same principles it started with? You get Chick-fil-A, and a whole lot more than just chicken.

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, I sat down with Seth Cathy, grandson of Chick-fil-A founder Truett Cathy. And no, this wasn’t your standard business interview. This was about purpose, grit, and what really matters when you’re building something that lasts.

From Soda Bottles to a National Brand

Truett Cathy didn’t grow up with much. He started out during the Great Depression selling glass Coca-Cola bottles at age 8 and, as Seth joked, “the only toy he had was his brother’s loose tooth.” That same scrappy energy is what turned a simple diner into a fast-food empire with more than 3,300 locations.

And it almost didn’t happen. A tragic plane crash nearly cut everything short, but Truett pulled through. What stuck with Seth was not just the resilience, but the reason his grandfather got up every day, to care for people and run a business with purpose.

Exploring how Chick-fil-A’s story relates to local entrepreneurs and business growth

Paving your own way

Seth didn’t just inherit a last name, he inherited a mindset. And while his path didn’t lead him straight into the Chick-fil-A boardroom, the values stayed with him. He studied history, ran a pottery studio on Main Street in Chattanooga, and ended up building community through motorcycles.

You read that right. Vintage Hondas. 120 acres on Lookout Mountain. Off-road rides that turned into meetups with meaning. Seth has a thing for bringing people together, and it’s not just about the bikes.

What Small Businesses Can Learn

Here’s where this hits home for every small or mid-sized business: You don’t need a billion-dollar brand to build trust or make an impact. You just need to know why you started and stick to it.

Too many business owners jump straight into ads, websites, or social media without a clear message. That’s like riding without knowing where the trail goes.

You need structure. You need a brand that speaks clearly. That’s exactly what we do at Spectruss. We help you figure out your story, build tools that support it (like custom websites, branding, and automated systems), and then get that story in front of the right people.

Why This Episode Matters

This conversation with Seth wasn’t about being famous or successful. It was about keeping your feet on the ground, even when your business grows fast. It was about knowing that no matter how many people you serve, it still comes back to purpose, discipline, and relationships.

Your business has a story. Maybe you haven’t told it yet. Maybe it’s been buried under to-do lists and customer support calls. But it’s there, and it’s the one thing your competitors can’t copy.

We’re here to help you bring it forward.

New Spectruss Speakeasy episodes reveal powerful branding insights from the Chick-fil-A story

FAQ: Questions Small Business Owners Ask

How do I figure out what my brand values actually are?

Start by thinking about why you opened your business. What do you want customers to remember about you? That’s where your values live.

Can I grow without losing what makes my business special?

Yes, if you stay consistent. Write down your story, your message, and what you won’t compromise on. Then build from there.

What slows down most small businesses when they try to grow?

Not being clear. If your message changes every month or your site doesn’t match your customer experience, it all feels confusing. People don’t buy when they’re unsure.

I’m not great at writing or storytelling. Does that matter?

Not at all. You don’t need to be a writer. You just need to be honest about what you do and why. We help shape that into branding and marketing that makes sense.

In that case, our team can help you develop your story. You got the experience an we got the rest. Contact us to discuss it further.

How can Spectruss help me?

We help businesses like yours build smart websites, create strong messaging, run ads that actually work, and set up systems that keep things running even when you’re busy.

If you are an small business owner and you are looking for a partner to achieve your marketing goals, check our service page here.

Let’s be honest, getting leads shouldn’t feel like throwing money into a black hole. But if you’re a small business owner, chances are it does. You’ve probably tried boosting posts, hiring a freelancer, or even doing it all yourself. And still… nothing changes.

At Spectruss, we help small businesses like yours turn confusion into clarity, and clicks into real customers. This article walks you through what’s missing and how to finally start generating leads that matter, with support that sticks.

What Is Lead Generation (And Why You Might Be Missing the Mark)

Lead generation means turning strangers into people who are actually interested in your product or service. But here’s the thing: not every click or follow means someone wants to buy.

A real lead is someone who’s ready to reach out. If your inbox is full of junk leads (or totally empty), your approach probably needs some changes.

Why Most Small Businesses Struggle with Getting Leads

Here are the common problems we see:

Your website is slow or confusingYou’re running ads with no plan (or just hitting “boost” on Facebook)
You have no system to track or follow up with leads
Your branding doesn’t feel consistent or professional

Sound familiar? It’s not your fault. You’re focused on running your business, not trying to figure out how online marketing works.

The truth: you don’t need a vendor, you need a partner.

Vendors sell you one thing. Partners create full strategies that support your growth.

At Spectruss, we focus on long-term plans because that’s how real results happen. Our mission is simple: help your small business show up online, build trust, and bring in steady leads.

What to expect when you work with a true marketing partner:

A plan made just for your business
Clear updates on what’s working (and what’s not)
Full support, from visuals to lead follow-up
A team that’s all in on your success

Local bakery owners checking digital orders and working together to get more leads

What Spectruss Does to Help You Get More Leads

Here’s what we focus on every day for our clients:

1. Websites That Turn Visitors Into Customers

Fast, mobile-friendly, and built with purpose. Every page is designed to make it easy for people to call, click, or buy.

2. SEO That Gets You in Front of Local Customers

We help your business show up when people search for what you do—right down to your city or zip code. It’s smart, targeted visibility that works over time.

3. Paid Ads That Actually Perform

We run ad campaigns across Facebook, Instagram, Google, and YouTube. The goal? Reaching the right people with the right message and turning clicks into calls.

4. CRM and Automation That Keep Leads Moving

Once leads come in, we help you keep track of them. From follow-up emails to reminders, we make sure nobody slips through the cracks.

5. Branding That Feels Trustworthy

We help you look and sound like the real deal, so people trust you from the first visit.

Need a starting point? Try these 5 simple fixes

Update your homepage: Add your phone number and a clear button like “Get a Quote.”
Check your Google Business profile: Make sure your hours, location, and photos are current.
Ask for more reviews: They help build trust fast.
Figure out what service brings you the most money: Then focus your marketing there.
Schedule a chat with someone who can help you plan your next move: Like us.

FAQs About How To Get Leads

How much should I spend on lead generation?

A good starting point is about 5–10% of your revenue. For businesses trying to grow quickly, spending a bit more on targeted strategies makes a real difference.

Do I need both SEO and ads?

If you want leads now and later, using both works best. Ads help short-term, SEO helps you stay visible long-term.

What’s the difference between a lead and a sale?

A lead is someone showing interest. A sale happens when they buy. We help you get both.

Can social media really help me get leads?

Yes, if you’re doing more than just posting. With good targeting and messaging, platforms like Facebook can bring in customers, not just likes.

Do you have troubles with your social media? Find out more here.

How do I know if my website is the problem?

Check if your site is easy to use on a phone, loads quickly, and has a clear call to action. If it doesn’t, you’re likely missing out on leads. We can take a look and tell you what’s going wrong.

Real help starts here!

You don’t have to keep guessing. If your business isn’t getting leads, the problem might be something we can fix, quickly. We’ll help you figure it out, and we’ll stick with you while your business grows.

Get your free consultation here.