Tag: local business marketing

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How The Barn Nursery Bloomed into a Third-Generation Success Story

Cole Webster on Spectruss Speakeasy Podcast discussing the growth of The Barn Nursery in Chattanooga
Cole Webster joins the Spectruss Speakeasy to talk about how The Barn Nursery became one of Chattanooga’s most recognized family businesses.

Most businesses don’t last. You know it, I know it. The stats aren’t great, and yet, some manage to not just hang on, but keep growing.

The Barn Nursery in Chattanooga is one of those stories. What started in the late ‘60s as a $1,500 roadside fruit stand is now an eight-figure business moving over a million plants a year. Yep, million with an “M.”

So how’d they pull it off? And more importantly, what can you take from their playbook and apply to your own business?

Pink Supreme Roses on sale at The Barn Nursery Chattanooga
Flower Carpet ‘Pink Supreme’ Roses on Buy One Get One Free offer at The Barn Nursery.

From Selling Produce to Building a Brand

The Barn didn’t just pop up overnight. Cole Webster, who runs it now, comes from a family that built this thing brick by brick. His grandparents got it started, his parents took it further, and now Cole’s leading it into something even bigger.

What stands out isn’t just the scale, it’s the heart. This is a business that kept showing up for the community, year after year. That’s something I think we all want to build.

You don’t have to sell ferns to learn something here. These three things apply no matter what business you’re in:

1. Have a clear story

The Barn didn’t try to be something it wasn’t. It’s always been family-run, service-first, and plant-loving. People know exactly what to expect.

Pro tip: If your brand is all over the place, different fonts, different messages, different vibes, that’s where to start. We help clients clean that up all the time.

2. Keep showing up

Back in the day, The Barn ran radio ads. Now it’s all over social media. Different tools, same mindset: stay in front of people.

Our  advice: Ads aren’t optional if you want to grow. And when you run them the right way, they pay for themselves.

3. Talk like a human

Automated systems might be efficient, but they’re also annoying. One thing The Barn does well, and we try to do too, is keep things personal. Real conversations, fast help.

Here’s what we hear all the time from small and mid-sized businesses:

  • “Our website’s outdated.”

  • “We’ve run ads but didn’t get results.”

  • “We’re not tracking where leads come from.”

  • “Our brand looks different everywhere.”

Any of those sound like your business? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to fix it by yourself.

What We Do at Spectruss

I built Spectruss to help businesses like yours. We’re not here for one-time jobs. We’re your crew for the long haul.

Here’s how we help:

  • Custom websites that don’t just look good, they perform

  • SEO that helps people actually find you

  • Ad campaigns on Google, Facebook, and Instagram

  • CRM systems that organize your leads and automate follow-ups

  • Branding and messaging that connects with your audience

  • Photos and video that tell your story

Spectruss location marker icon on sky background for The Barn Nursery blog feature
Spectruss provides digital marketing and location-based growth strategies for businesses like The Barn Nursery.

We’re based in Chattanooga, but we’ve helped brands across the U.S. get real results. And we’re not about fluff. We care about leads, conversions, and building something that lasts.

Let’s talk, get a free call or get to know more about our services.

What I admire most about The Barn Nursery is how they’ve held on to what matters: good people, good service, and showing up when it counts. That’s what we try to do at Spectruss too.

You don’t need to be the biggest business in town, you just need to show up smart and stay consistent.

Here are my thoughts

If a roadside stand in Rossville can grow into one of the most recognized businesses in Chattanooga, so can you. You’ve got a story. Let’s make sure people see it.

Want help making that happen?

Book a free consultation or call us and we’ll figure out what your next step looks like, no pressure.

FAQ: For Local Businesses Ready to Grow

How do I know if working with Spectruss is the right move?

If you’re ready to grow but not sure what to do next, that’s where we come in. If your brand is scattered or your ads aren’t working, you’ll benefit from having a team on your side.

Do I need to spend a lot to get started?

No. We work with businesses at all levels. We’ll help you figure out what matters most and start there. No fluff, no upsells.

What makes Spectruss different?

We act like a partner, not a vendor. Our team works in-house and we’re all local. We treat your business like it’s ours, with care, clarity, and accountability.

I’ve never done ads before. Can you help?

Absolutely. We’ll explain how it works, set them up, track results, and adjust as needed. You’ll always know what you’re paying for, and what it’s bringing in.

Can you help me rebrand or refresh my business?

Yes, whether you need a new logo, better messaging, or a full revamp, we’ll make sure it still feels like you, just sharper and more focused.

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Lucky Number 13: The Beginning of Spectruss

The Beginning of Spectruss - Episode 2 of the Spectruss Speakeasy podcast featuring a conversation about business, branding, and entrepreneurship
Episode 2 of Spectruss Speakeasy: The Beginning of Spectruss. A deep conversation about how Spectruss started, the challenges faced, and the lessons learned in building a creative agency

What does it take to build a business from scratch? Hard work, long nights, a little luck, and maybe even cutting down a few hundred trees (literally).

In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Sam Silvey, founder of Spectruss, shares his experience from racing bicycles to launching a creative agency in Chattanooga, TN.

If you’re a small to mid-sized business owner or entrepreneur looking for insights on business, marketing, and creative problem-solving, this episode is for you.

From Racing Bikes to Building Brands

Sam’s story doesn’t start in an office, it starts on a bike.

Long before Spectruss, Sam was a competitive cyclist, pushing himself to the limit. But after dropping out of college to focus on racing, reality hit hard when he got his ass handed to him in his first pro race.

So, what do you do when your plan doesn’t work out? You adapt.

His background in computer science (the one subject in college he actually liked) led him to building websites for small businesses. His first gig? A local coffee shop website, paid partly in coffee and a few hundred bucks.

That’s when he realized businesses didn’t just need websites, they needed branding, marketing, and a plan to grow.

The Start of Spectruss

Before Spectruss, there was Silvey Development, a scrappy operation where Sam juggled coding, photography, and design to help businesses build their online presence.

But if you’ve ever started a business, you know money is tight in the early days. So, when an opportunity arose to clear a tornado-hit property (225 trees, to be exact), he took it.

With zero tree-cutting experience and a couple of chainsaws, he and his crew completed the job for $75,000, enough to fund Spectruss’ first office, new equipment, and a proper start.

From living in the back of his office on a futon to growing a creative agency, Sam built Spectruss with hard work, adaptability, and a vision to help businesses succeed.

Why Spectruss?

The name Spectruss is more than just a brand.

  • “Spectr-“ comes from spectrum, representing the wide range of creative and digital solutions they offer.
  • “-Truss” refers to a strong structural beam, symbolizing the solid foundation businesses need for growth.

At its core, Spectruss helps companies stand out through branding, marketing, and digital strategy.

Learn more about Spectruss here.

Lessons for Business Owners

Entrepreneurs, take notes. Here’s what Sam’s experience teaches about starting and growing a business:

Adaptability matters – Your first idea might not work, and that’s okay. Shift, learn, and find the right opportunity.
Success takes time – It took years of effort for Spectruss to become what it is today.
Solve real problems – Whether it’s a website, brand strategy, or marketing campaign, helping businesses grow is what makes the difference.
Work with the right people – Business is tough. Surround yourself with a team that shares your vision and values.

Where Spectruss is Today

From coffee shop websites to full-scale brand strategy, Spectruss has grown into a well-established digital marketing agency in Chattanooga.

They now help businesses with:

  • Brand Strategy & Creative Design
  • Website Development & SEO
  • Social Media & Digital Advertising
  • Marketing Campaigns & Business Growth Strategy

And they’re not slowing down. Spectruss continues to help brands grow and create real impact through digital marketing.

Listen to the Full Episode

If you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or just love real stories about starting a business from the ground up, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Catch the full episode on:

Need a Marketing Partner? Let’s Talk.

If you’re a small business in Chattanooga or beyond looking for:
✅ Branding that makes an impact
✅ Websites that actually convert
✅ Digital marketing strategies that work

Spectruss can help. 

Get in touch with us today

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Meet Diego: Our Ads Expert Who Turns Clicks into Customers

Diego Pineros, Ads Expert and Ads Manager at Spectruss, specializing in digital advertising and paid media strategies
Meet Diego Pineros, Ads Expert at Spectruss! He specializes in driving high-ROI ad campaigns through data-driven strategies.

Are Your Ads Just Burning Money? You’re Not Alone.

You’ve launched an ad campaign. You’ve set the budget. You’re seeing clicks… but where are the leads? The phone isn’t ringing, sales aren’t growing, and your return on investment? Let’s not even talk about that.

Here’s the truth: Running ads isn’t just about spending money on Facebook or Google and hoping for the best. It’s about strategy, precision, and making sure every dollar works smarter, not harder.

That’s exactly why we brought in Diego.

Meet Diego – The Ads Expert Who Gets Real Results

Diego isn’t your average Ads Manager. He’s the guy who fixes what’s broken in your marketing. The budget strategist who knows how to make ads work for you, not against you. He’s built successful campaigns for medical practices, local businesses, e-commerce brands, luxury hotels, and even global companies like Old Spice, Oral-B, and Pampers.

His approach? He doesn’t just focus on traffic, he focuses on results.

  •  Medical & Wellness Businesses (Core Strength Wellness Center, Rosen Vein Care, Prostate Cancer Institute of Arizona) → Designed ad campaigns that book appointments instantly, rather than leaving patients waiting on a form submission.

  • Local Repair Businesses (Plumbers, Electricians, Appliance Technicians) → Ads that drive immediate phone calls, because when your pipes burst, you don’t have time to wait.

  • E-Commerce & Retail (Sokios, Cherubina, Mercules) → Custom retargeting strategies that convert abandoned carts into paying customers.

  • Luxury Hotels & Resorts (Palace Resorts) → Managed multi-million-dollar campaigns, increasing direct bookings.

  • Mass Consumer Brands (Old Spice, Pampers, Max Factor, AB InBev) → Structured ad strategies that keep these household names in front of the right audience.

Why This Matters for Your Business

Many businesses lose money on ads because they don’t have someone who understands what works. They end up targeting the wrong audience, using ineffective copy, or worse, setting and forgetting their campaigns, hoping for a miracle.

Diego analyzes, refines, and improves your campaigns so that every ad dollar is used efficiently.

That means:

  • Higher Returns – Less wasted spend, more qualified leads.
  • More Conversions – Whether it’s phone calls, bookings, or online sales, Diego makes sure people take action.
  • Smart Strategy – Real-time adjustments based on performance data, not assumptions.

Get to know more about how ads work here.

Let’s Fix Your Ads – Free Strategy Call with Diego

If your ads aren’t delivering results, let’s change that. We’re offering a FREE 15-minute strategy call where Diego will personally help you identify what’s missing in your ad strategy and how to start seeing real results.

Book your free strategy call now

You’re already running ads, let’s make sure they actually work.

FAQ: Working with Diego & Spectruss for Your Ad Strategy

1. What makes Diego’s ad strategies different from other media buyers?

Diego doesn’t just set up ads and let them run—he continuously refines them based on real-time data to bring in higher conversions and lower ad costs. His approach is customized for each business, ensuring that your ads aren’t just driving traffic but bringing in qualified leads and sales.

2. Can Diego help if my business has never run paid ads before?

Absolutely! Whether you’re starting from scratch or have past campaigns that didn’t perform well, Diego will build a tailored strategy from the ground up. He makes sure your ad spend is used wisely and effectively, helping you target the right audience with the right message.

3. How soon can I expect to see results from a campaign?

It depends on factors like your industry, competition, and budget, but most clients start seeing improvements within the first few weeks. Diego focuses on quick wins while also creating a long-term plan for consistent growth.

4. Does Diego only work with businesses in Chattanooga?

No! While Spectruss primarily serves small to mid-sized businesses in Chattanooga, Diego has experience working with national and international brands across multiple industries. No matter where you’re located, he can develop an ad strategy that fits your market.

5. What do I need to get started with Diego?

All you need is a clear goal—whether it’s more leads, higher sales, or stronger brand awareness. Diego and the Spectruss team will handle the rest, setting up an ad strategy that delivers results.

Want to improve your ads? Book a FREE strategy call now!

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Case Study: How Spectruss is Helping Full Throttle Distillery’s Online Presence

Rustic copper still at Full Throttle Distillery with an American flag in the background, showcasing the craft of Tennessee moonshine making
Inside Full Throttle Distillery – where authentic Tennessee moonshine is crafted with heritage and tradition.

A strong digital presence is critical for businesses today, especially in industries like craft spirits and hospitality. Full Throttle Distillery, known for its authentic Tennessee moonshine and rich history, recognized the need to enhance its website while staying true to its roots. That’s where Spectruss came in.

Our goal? Create a new website that reflects Full Throttle’s brand, improves functionality, and enhances user experience—without losing the authenticity that makes them unique.

About Full Throttle Distillery

Located in Trimble, TN, and Estes Park, CO, Full Throttle Distillery is a brand that embodies tradition and craftsmanship. Their moonshine, inspired by early 1900s recipes, is crafted using authentic copper stills for a true taste of history. Visitors enjoy on-site tastings, guided tours, live entertainment, and Southern hospitality, making the distillery a must-visit destination.

However, their existing website didn’t fully showcase the energy and experience that customers get in person.

The Challenge: Keeping Authenticity While Modernizing the Website

Full Throttle Distillery wanted to update their main website and multiple location pages, but they had some key requests:

  • Maintain their brand identity—Rustic, bold, and true to their Tennessee heritage.
  • Improve functionality—A smoother, more intuitive layout for visitors.
  • Enhance SEO—Better rankings for “craft moonshine distillery Tennessee” and other high-intent keywords.
  • Mobile Optimization—A seamless experience for users on any device.

With multiple locations and offerings, their digital presence needed a clear, engaging structure that could attract new customers and drive more in-person visits.

Our Approach: Blending Heritage with Digital Innovation

At Spectruss, we believe a business’s website should tell its story while delivering a smooth user experience. Our plan for Full Throttle Distillery focused on three major improvements:

1. Keeping the Brand’s Identity Intact

Full Throttle Distillery’s authenticity and history are central to its brand. We worked closely with their team to preserve their voice, rustic aesthetic, and storytelling elements, while improving usability.

2. Website Design & Functionality Enhancements

To make the website more engaging and functional, we implemented:

  • A streamlined layout for easier navigation.
  • High-quality visuals & storytelling to immerse visitors in the Full Throttle experience.
  • Interactive elements like a tasting reservation system and updated event calendar.
  • Call-to-action buttons such as “Visit Full Throttle Distillery” and “Subscribe to Our Newsletter” for lead generation.

3. SEO & Digital Marketing Optimization

A visually appealing website isn’t enough—it also needs to rank well on Google. Our SEO improvements included:

  • Keyword optimization for “best moonshine in Tennessee,” “handcrafted spirits Trimble TN,” and more.
  • Location-based SEO to improve searches for “moonshine distillery near me”.
  • Mobile-friendly enhancements to ensure a great experience across devices.

We also incorporated local search optimization strategies similar to those recommended by Moz (link), which can help businesses rank higher in regional and industry-specific searches.

Beyond the Website: Expanding to Multi-Location Pages

Since Full Throttle Distillery has multiple locations, we’re also revamping their Trimble, TN and Estes Park, CO location pages. Each will have:

  • Customized local content that highlights regional experiences.
  • Easy navigation for customers looking for location-specific details.
  • Consistent branding across all platforms.

This strategy ensures that each distillery location maintains its unique identity while staying connected under one strong digital presence.

The Expected Impact: What This Means for Full Throttle Distillery

With the new website, Full Throttle Distillery can expect:

  • Higher engagement from visitors exploring their services online.
  • Increased bookings for tastings, tours, and events.
  • Stronger brand storytelling that connects with their audience.
  • Improved search rankings, driving more organic traffic.

A well-optimized website is a powerful marketing tool, allowing businesses to reach customers before they even step through the door. Research from HubSpot (link) confirms that well-designed websites with strong SEO can increase conversions and customer trust.

What This Means for Your Business

Does your business need a website upgrade while maintaining its brand identity? Whether you run a distillery, restaurant, or any business in Chattanooga, Spectruss specializes in:

  • Custom web design tailored to your brand.
  • SEO strategies to help you rank higher.
  • Engaging digital experiences that drive real results.

If your website needs a refresh, let’s talk—we can help you create a digital presence that truly represents your brand.

Contact Spectruss today! Spectruss.com

FAQ: Full Throttle Distillery’s Website Revamp by Spectruss

1. How will the new website help Full Throttle Distillery attract more visitors?

The updated site will feature clear navigation, high-quality visuals, and strong calls to action to encourage users to book tastings, explore products, and visit the distillery. Improved SEO strategies will also help increase visibility in search results for moonshine enthusiasts and tourists.

2. Will the website include e-commerce features for purchasing Full Throttle’s spirits online?

Currently, Full Throttle Distillery’s website is focused on visitor engagement, tastings, and location-based experiences. 

3. How does Spectruss make sure the website keeps Full Throttle’s authentic brand identity?

We work closely with their team to match the rustic, bold aesthetic that represents their heritage and craft spirit industry roots. The design, colors, imagery, and storytelling will all align with their authentic brand voice while improving user experience.

4. Can Spectruss help other businesses in Chattanooga improve their websites too?

Absolutely! Whether you run a distillery, restaurant, retail store, or service-based business, we specialize in custom web design, SEO, and digital marketing to help you grow. Contact us today to see how we can elevate your online presence. 

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