Hello,
This week, we’re diving into brands on the rise, community activations, and why education is still your best asset in marketing.
Brands to Watch in 2026
SEEQ
A food brand from Minnesota. Instagram
I met the founders, Hannah and Ben, a few weeks ago. They built a $30 million business from scratch with a clear focus on protein.
Through unconventional social media. They run challenges, like a world record for eating the most peaches in an hour — right in Venice Beach. They activated their community in a way that’s both bold and memorable.
If you work with brands, take notes. Their playbook is worth copying.
Saint Sass
I met the founders Vivien and Larissa last weekend in LA — they were celebrating their 4th birthday. Their secret? Community activations, transparency in the journey, and showing the process, not just the final product.
When they came to LA, they invited influencers, shared their planning, and let the audience in on how it all came together.
Retreature
Instagram, run by my good friend Dom Stroh. He’ll be sharing his journey, social strategy, and insights at TRENDCON on September 25th in Leipzig.
TRENDCON
Here’s an exclusive offer for newsletter readers: €100 off your ticket with the code BDX100. Get your ticket. This is the last discount, so if you’ve been thinking about joining, now’s the time. Seats are limited, and it’s going to be epic.
We’ll have amazing speakers this year: extreme athletes, top founders, and creators who are crushing it with Gen Z content. And yes — there will be a cold plunge, so bring your courage.
Marketing Learnings
One thing I’ve been thinking a lot about is feedback. Whether you’re working with an agency, a freelancer, or your own team, good feedback is structured, concrete, and tangible. Don’t just say, “I don’t like this.” Give time codes, examples, and alternatives. Be objective. Separate your personal emotions from the project. Feedback should move the needle, not just vent frustration.
Pro tip: Always ask yourself: Is this just my opinion, or does it actually impact results? Be clear, be precise, and make your editor’s or team’s life easier.
Check out this hilarious reel by Sebastian Jelic about feedback culture: Instagram Reel.
Education is Everything
This week I finished my ground school for pilot license training. Hours of learning, online tests, and practice — but it reminded me: there’s always time to learn. If you don’t educate yourself, you’ll fall behind in marketing. Trends change fast, strategies evolve, and the brands that keep learning are the ones that win. So, take a little time for yourself. Read, watch, test, and experiment. Growth comes from knowledge + action.
That’s it for this week. Check out the brands, take notes on community activations, give better feedback, and never stop learning. See you next Friday! ✌️
Benjamin
Connect with Me
© BDX MEDIA CORP 2024. All rights reserved.
