Spectruss Speakeasy podcast Archives - 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.

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

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.
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.
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.
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.