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Legacy, Branding & Making It Happen | Carter Fowler Ep. 5

Carter Fowler with Sam Silvey
In this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, Carter Fowler joins Sam Silvey to dive into expert branding strategies for businesses. As a top Chattanooga branding agency, Spectruss helps brands elevate their digital presence and dominate their market. Tune in now

Keeping It Real: How a 140-Year-Old Business Stays Relevant

Every business has a story, but not many last for 140 years. That’s exactly what Fowler Brothers Home & Patio has done.

On this episode of Spectruss Speakeasy, I sat down with Carter Fowler, the fifth-generation owner and CEO, to talk about what it takes to build a brand that lasts. Whether you’re running a family business or launching something new, this episode is packed with real-world lessons, straight talk, and no fluff.

Making It to the Fifth Generation—A Rare Feat

Less than 1% of family businesses make it to the fourth generation, let alone the fifth. Fowler Brothers is one of those rare ones.

Carter broke down how his family has stayed relevant, sticking to quality, keeping things consistent, and being willing to change when needed.

“We used to draw our ads by hand for the newspaper. Now, digital marketing is instant, but the message is the same, quality and trust.” – Carter Fowler

Branding That Stands the Test of Time

A strong brand builds trust. If your messaging, visuals, and tone change constantly, customers get confused. Carter and his team have avoided that trap.

One big change? We helped rebrand Fowler Brothers from “The Furniture Shop & Patio Shop” to a simple, recognizable brand that feels modern but still honors their history.

“Your brand is the story people tell about you when you’re not in the room. Make sure it’s a good one.” – Sam Silvey

Old-School Business Meets Digital Marketing

For decades, Fowler Brothers tracked marketing by hand—billboards, newspaper ads, you name it. Then, we helped them move to digital. Now they’re running:

  • Social media campaigns
  • Video marketing for TV & web
  • SEO-focused website content
  • Google Ads and local search strategies

The takeaway? The way you market changes, but the need to build trust and tell a strong story stays the same.

“The tools have changed, but the principles haven’t. You still have to show up, tell a great story, and build trust.” – Carter Fowler

Location, Experience, and the Human Connection

Fowler Brothers has a prime location in Chattanooga, 80,000+ cars drive by every day. But a great spot isn’t enough. They make sure their in-store experience stands out:

  • People can actually touch, feel, and test the furniture.
  • Staff is trained to help customers find exactly what they need.
  • Hassle-free delivery and setup keeps things smooth.

“People come into our store and say, ‘I saw you on TV, and you act the same way in person.’ Well, yeah, because it’s real.” – Carter Fowler

Growing Without Losing the Personal Touch

Scaling a business can make things feel corporate. Carter makes sure that doesn’t happen.

Here’s how we help brands stay personal even as they grow:

  • Automated but personalized email and SMS marketing
  • Local SEO that brings in the right audience
  • Story-driven content that keeps the brand human

“The best businesses don’t feel corporate. They feel like they’re run by real people who care.” – Sam Silvey

Lessons for Business Owners

Some straight-up takeaways from this conversation:

  • Keep your brand consistent everywhere—online, in-store, and in marketing.
  • Data is useful, but gut instinct still matters. A mix of both wins.
  • The customer experience should always be a priority.
  • Digital marketing moves fast—adapt or get left behind.
  • Be real. People connect with authenticity, not corporate buzzwords.

Carter’s mindset? Simple: Do what it takes. That’s how you make things happen.

If your business needs a fresh brand identity, a stronger online presence, or marketing that actually works, Spectruss is ready to make it happen.

Let’s talk. Schedule a consultation today!

FAQs

  1. How do you keep a brand consistent across different marketing platforms?
    Stick to the same logo, colors, tone, and messaging. Customers should recognize your brand no matter where they see it. If your Facebook looks different from your website or your in-store experience, it creates confusion.
  2. What’s the biggest mistake businesses make when they grow?
    Losing the personal connection. When companies scale, they often get too focused on systems and forget the importance of real human interaction. Automation is great, but it should enhance relationships, not replace them.
  3. How can a local business compete with big online retailers?
    Offer something they can’t—personalized service, real expertise, and a great in-person experience. Customers still want human connection, and that’s something online giants can’t provide.
  4. How important is location for a business today?
    It still matters, but digital presence is just as big. You need both—being in a high-traffic area is great, but if people can’t find you online, you’re missing out.

5. What’s the one piece of advice for businesses trying to improve their marketing?
Don’t just focus on selling, focus on building relationships. The companies that win are the ones that make customers feel like they’re part of something bigger.

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Art, Business & Authenticity | Genesis the Grey Kid Ep. 4

Genesis the Grey Kid on Spectruss Speakeasy Podcast - Episode 4 | Art and Business Discussion
Genesis the Grey Kid joins the Spectruss Speakeasy Podcast to talk about art, business, and authenticity in Episode 4

What happens when creativity meets business, art blends with entrepreneurship, and staying true to yourself is the foundation for success? You get Genesis the Grey Kid an artist who walked away from the music industry’s formula-driven approach to pursue a career in fine art on his own terms.

In Episode 4 of Spectruss Speakeasy, we spoke with Genesis about his path from writing for Atlantic Records to becoming a full-time painter, the lessons he picked up along the way, and why staying genuine is everything, whether in art or branding.

From Music Industry Pressure to Independence

Before dedicating himself to painting, Genesis was immersed in the music business. He wrote songs in Kid Cudi’s studio, worked on major-label projects, and had opportunities most musicians dream about. But behind the scenes, the industry pushed a specific approach that left little room for originality.

One moment made him rethink everything:

“I was writing a song, and they told me, ‘We need to put some gunshots in this.’ I was like, what are you talking about? That’s not even my style.”

Music had become less about creativity and more about hitting a predetermined formula. Instead of following along, Genesis took a different route, he left.

Turning Art Into a Business

Walking away from music meant starting from scratch financially. There were no steady paychecks or record deals, just a decision to pursue something more meaningful.

“At first, I was just around artists all the time. But then I started spending time with tech founders and business owners. They’re the ones buying the art.”

By changing his environment, Genesis learned how to turn his creativity into something financially sustainable. A residency at Lamp Post Group, a venture capital firm in Chattanooga, introduced him to collectors and investors who appreciated his work.

That experience reinforced an important idea, art and business are connected. The same applies to any small or mid-sized business:

  • Find the right audience.
  • Market yourself with confidence.
  • Being yourself is what makes people invest in you.

Competition, Growth & Pushing Limits

During the conversation, Genesis and Spectruss CEO Sam Silvey discussed an interesting topic, does competition help people improve?

“You don’t know how far you can go until you find someone pushing you.”

Genesis pointed out that while art isn’t a sport, having something that drives you forward is valuable. Whether it’s in business, music, or racing motorcycles (which Sam is passionate about), competition helps refine skills.

Learn more about Spectruss Racing here.

That same idea is what drives Spectruss, your brand shouldn’t just exist. It should stand out, improve, and make an impression. Blending in with the crowd is never a winning strategy.

Chattanooga’s Role in Creative Growth

One key takeaway from this episode is how Chattanooga’s business and creative scene helped shape Genesis’ career. From his early days at Sylvie Huffaker Creative to the connections he made at Lamp Post Group, the city gave him opportunities to build relationships with people who appreciate and invest in art.

For local businesses, this is a reminder that community matters. Partnering with local creatives, marketing professionals, and entrepreneurs can help businesses grow in unexpected ways.

That’s where Spectruss comes in. Our team helps businesses build their brand, digital presence, and marketing strategies, so they don’t just exist, but thrive.

What’s Next for Genesis the Grey Kid?

Genesis has several upcoming projects:

  • A new art series where he paints live portraits of creatives, capturing their energy and personality rather than just their appearance.
  • The launch of Culture and Code Museum, led by his wife, Karen, which will focus on artistic and cultural storytelling.
  • Continuing to expand his artistic reach beyond galleries and into conversations that matter.

The Main Lesson: Art and Business Work Together

This episode of Spectruss Speakeasy highlights that art and business don’t have to be separate worlds. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, or business owner, growth comes down to a few core ideas:

  • Stay true to your vision. Don’t chase trends, be original.
  • Understand the business side. No matter how talented you are, people need to know about your work.
  • Surround yourself with the right people. Your network can be the difference between struggling and succeeding.

If you’re ready to make your business stand out, let’s connect. Spectruss helps businesses establish their brand with marketing and digital strategies that work.

And if you haven’t yet, listen to the full episode with Genesis the Grey Kid, you won’t want to miss this one.

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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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Spectruss Speakeasy: Why Racing Became Part of Our Marketing Strategy

Spectruss Speakeasy marketing podcast logo featuring bold typography and modern branding, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Spectruss Speakeasy marketing podcast logo featuring bold typography and modern branding, based in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Well, here we are. The first episode of the Spectruss Speaeasy podcast is live.

I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure how this would turn out. Talking about Spectruss Racing on a marketing podcast? A bit different. But that’s kind of the point.

Marketing agencies all sound the same. Everyone is talking about SEO strategies, paid ad hacks, and conversion rates (which, yes, matter), but it’s exhausting. Spectruss Racing started because I needed something outside of business to sink my teeth into, and now, it’s become a core part of what makes Spectruss different.

If you want to hear the full unfiltered conversation (including near-death filming experiences and questionable tax write-offs), go listen to the episode here.

But if you’re more of a reader, let’s break it down.

How I Ended Up Racing Dirt Bikes in My 30s

I didn’t grow up riding dirt bikes. I raced bicycles, first mountain biking, then road cycling, and eventually, at a professional level. The goal was to make a living from it, but between some brutal crashes and the 2008 market crash, that plan fell apart.

Fast forward to 2019, I was running Spectruss and needed something outside of work to obsess over. I bought my first dirt bike, entered a race, and that was it. Fifty-plus races later, I’m still here.

How Racing Became a Marketing Strategy

1. Branding That Gets Attention

If you’ve ever watched NASCAR, you’ve seen logos slapped on every car, driver suit, and helmet. That’s not an accident, it’s marketing. Branding is about being remembered.

And let’s be honest: marketing agencies are boring. Everyone posts the same “how to grow on social media” tips. Nobody cares.

Spectruss Racing is something different. When people see our brand on a dirt bike, a jersey, or a race video, it sticks. They associate Spectruss with something exciting, not just another agency talking about ad budgets.

Don’t believe me? Harvard Business Review backs this up. Brands that connect emotionally with people stand out. That’s exactly what we’re doing.

2. Racing Sets Us Apart from Every Other Agency

When I started Spectruss over a decade ago, there were only a few digital marketing agencies. Now, there’s one on every street corner, and a hundred more run out of basements.

So, we had two choices:
🔹 Compete by shouting louder than everyone else.
🔹 Do something so different that people remember us.

We went with option two.

Think about Red Bull, they aren’t just an energy drink company. They’ve built an empire around extreme sports, content, and culture. That’s the model we’re following. Marketing is storytelling, and Spectruss Racing is part of our story.

The Absolute Chaos of Filming Racing Content

I love racing. Zach Etengoff, our videographer, does too,except when I’m flying past him at 45 mph, 12 inches away from his head.

Filming extreme sports is brutal, and Zach will be the first to tell you:
🎥 Dirt bikes move FAST. Timing shots is a nightmare.
🎥 Everything looks flatter on camera. Hills that feel impossible in real life look tiny in footage.
🎥 You get one shot. Unlike filming in a studio, if we miss a moment, it’s gone.

Zach swears it’s worth it. I say he has trauma from almost dying on set. Either way, we’ve got some insane race footage coming soon.

What’s Next for Spectruss Speakeasy?

This podcast isn’t just about racing. We’re bringing on business owners, creators, and storytellers to talk about marketing, branding, and doing things differently.

If you run a business, create content, or just love crazy stories, this is for you.

🎧 Go listen to Episode 1.

If you want your marketing to actually stand out, let’s talk.

📩 Work with Spectruss.

Now, I’m off to crash a dirt bike. Catch you next episode. 

200 W M.L.K. Blvd
Suite 901
Chattanooga, TN 37402

info@spectruss.com

423.264.2404

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Stay connected with us and receive the latest news and marketing tips from our team.

Stay connected with us and receive the latest news and marketing tips from our team.

200 W M.L.K. Blvd
Suite 901
Chattanooga, TN 37402

info@spectruss.com
423.264.2404
Linkedin Youtube Instagram