Who knew a career pivot could lead to mastering the dynamic world of marketing? It worked for Brooklyn-born Mark Friedman. Step into our journey as we explore Mark’s thrilling transition from the gritty world of accounting to becoming a marketing maven after being asked to invest $3 million in a budding catalog company during the late 80s boom. An era where there was no room for the faint-hearted. Join us as he recounts his growth, the errors he made along the way, the lessons he learned, and the resurgence of catalogs in digital marketing.

The digital age brought with it identity resolution technology, and Mark found himself riding this wave of change. This technology, though a boon for tracking customer behavior, raises some serious eyebrows on data privacy. We delve into the changes in iOS and how it's become trickier to track customers, marking a pivotal shift in digital marketing. Mark also shares insights on how crucial it is to understand what a business can afford to spend on marketing and why a return on investment is key to survival, especially for small businesses. 

Our hike concludes with Mark’s transformation from a salaried employee to an entrepreneur. Hear how the power of networking led him to his first consulting gig in just two months. Our trail also takes us through Mark’s return to the corporate world with his dream role at Steve Madden. Plus, he reveals how his podcast, The Marketing Playbook, has helped him form connections with industry giants. We also discuss the critical role successful team-building plays in the grand scheme of things, emphasizing the importance of hiring individuals with complementary skills. So lace up your boots and join us on this enlightening journey!

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