Episode Player

How are we doing? Who do you want to learn from next? Text us with notes and ideas.

From ripping out Yellow Pages to designing iconic logos, Brady Waggner's marketing journey embodies the creative hustle that defines success in the industry. As co-founder and executive creative director of HOOK, Brady brings a refreshing perspective to brand development that goes beyond traditional approaches.

Brady's story begins in Minnesota as the son of an advertising executive during the waning days of the Mad Men era. Growing up surrounded by markers, tear sheets, and creative energy in his father's agency housed in the Pillsbury Mansion sparked a lifelong passion. After studying advertising journalism at the University of Kansas – a foundation he credits for teaching him how to uncover brand truths through effective questioning – Brady made his way to Charleston with a simple philosophy: "I want to work where I want to live, not live where I want to work."

HOOK's approach to marketing centers on creating surprise and relevance – "If it's different, they'll notice, and if it's relevant, they'll listen." This philosophy has guided their work with lifestyle brands, particularly in the beverage industry where they've helped importers position European products for American consumers. One of their standout projects includes creating the iconic fish hook logo for HUK performance fishing apparel by cleverly turning the "U" into a hook shape – a simple yet brilliant solu

King & Columbus is a full-service marketing and advertising agency based in South Carolina that helps brands grow through a mix of creative storytelling and data-driven strategy. They offer everything from branding and content creation to media planning, digital advertising, and PR—focused on delivering measurable results across digital, social, and traditional channels. https://kingandcolumbus.com

South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) is a public, nonprofit organization that fuels South Carolina’s innovation economy by supporting technology-based startups, academic research, and industry partnerships. Through funding, coaching, and its investment arm SC Launch, SCRA helps early-stage companies grow, commercialize ideas, and scale within the state’s key innovation sectors.

Support the show

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Annual Sponsor: ‪SCRA; South Carolina Research Authority

Quarterly Sponsor: King and Columbus

CAMACast Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton, Rachel Backal, Tom Keppeler, Amanda Bunting Comen, 

Silicon Harbor Hot Take Host: Stanfield Gray, https://digsouth.com

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Score by:  The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

Yo...