How we inspire

How to Keep Growing your Business: To be Good at Anything is to Stay Consistent with Dusty Hoerler of Craftsman Plumbing

In this episode of the Amber Energy Podcast, we sit down with Dusty Hoerler, the founder of Craftsman Plumbing, to explore the journey of building a strong brand and planning for a strategic exit. Dusty shares his experiences from starting Craftsman Plumbing, growing the company over the past decade, and creating a memorable customer experience. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: The importance of a strong brand and customer experience. Navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Tips for long-term business growth and sustainability. Dusty’s approach to community involvement and networking. Strategies for planning and executing a successful business exit. 🔗 Connect with Dusty Hoerler: Website LinkedIn  Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Google Yelp Houzz Amber Design – Logo & Marketing portfolio page About Our Guest: Dusty Hoerler grew up on a small farm in Curlew, Washington. Born into a family of plumbers, you could say that the craft runs in his blood. He started plumbing at age 12 on the weekends, and did the same during the summers every year until he was 18. Commercial dive school took him to Seattle after high school, where he fell in love with the neighborhood of Ballard, where Craftsman Plumbing operates today. After spending a few […]

The Perfect Logo #BuildingYourBusiness Series

Today, Amber Energy: The Podcast embarks on a series we think will be appreciated by all business owners, but especially those of you who are just starting out or thinkig of starting a business soon. The #BuildingYourBusiness series will cover topics in-depth that are directly transferable to starting and building a solid business that will stand the test of time and your chosen industry. First up: The Perfect Logo. R: What is Amber’s Definition of a logo? A: It’s a visual representation of your brand. It’s the first impression typically of your brand and what your company says. It’s a symbol. You can learn a lot from a logo; it says a lot about you at a glance. It’s that 3-second conceptual representation of your brand. R: Why do you like working on logos? A: They’re the foundation of a brand, its why I like them so much. They say so much about you without saying anything at all. Like, how does this little button bug encapsulate the concept of your brand? Its fun to come up with something unique. From the logo everything else just spins off of it to all aspects of the business. This is one of […]

Ch-Ch-Changes! Embracing Change Instead of Resisting

Change can be exciting but more often it is daunting and fills a lot of us with doubt which leads to resistance. Recently at Amber Design we made a pretty big change; our CEO Amber Jacobs moved to Idaho! This episode dives into why embracing change will always serve you better than resisting it. You need to be confident in what you want. If you feel like a broken record, complaining about your life to everyone around you, that’s the sign that something needs to change. Amber Energy got a little more personal in this episode with both Amber and Rachel’s take on change, how to know when you need one and how to embrace it when. it comes. We strive to serve business owners and designers in all the ways. Sometimes that means the technical stuff like logos and marketing tactics, and sometimes we push more of a “human” button and we talk about things like change, being a parent while running a business, and other more personal topics. Listen to the whole podcast anywhere you get podcasts and make sure to subscribe to stay up to date on new episodes, releasing every other week! Also Available on Youtube! […]

Fighting the #WorkingMom with guest Disha Pegu

What’s your definition of a “Working Mom”? Is it simply being employed or running a business while being a mom? What about the work of simply being a mom? Employed or not, all moms WORK. ..which is why we think its time to retire the hashtag #workingmom. In this installment of Amber Energy we talk all about this subject and we’re joined by a special guest, Disha Pegu of Atarim, a website project delivery system based in London! This episode is a little ‘preview’ to the upcoming presentation Amber will be doing at the Atarim Digital Agency Summit next week on April 27th. This episode is a candid conversation about what it is to be a mom and how much work it is by itself, not to mention if you have a job or run a business at the same time. We talk gender equality, family and office dynamics, and offer solid advice on how to balance being a mom (or dad) while also following your career and business dreams. “There’s some moms out there that, deep down, really deep down wish they had a job or…maybe they passed up an opportunity or got offered a promotion but they didn’t […]

Spending Money to Make Money

These days you can start a business for relatively cheap. But how do you put your brand on the map? At a certain point, you’ll need to spend some money in order to make a little more of it. In this installment of Amber Energy we talk MONEY! In the last 6 years, Amber went from part time contractor after getting laid off from her full time gig to full fledged business owner. She has her own employees, multiple growth projects on the pipeline, and big plans for the future. that didn’t happen without spending some serious cash. This episode is a recounting of many big decisions made over the year to get Amber Design to where it is today, as well as invaluable lessons on starting a business and what you’ll need to succeed long term. “You live and learn…So I wouldn’t say there’s like, real big regrets or things I wish I would’ve done differently, it was just my natural organic progression in learning business. I didn’t learn business in school, I learned how to be a good graphic designer—but I learned the big business chops along the way.” Click on any of the links below to listen […]

Balancing Mom life with CEO Life

Being a mom isn’t easy. Running your own business isn’t easy. Amber Jacobs does both, and while it challenges her daily, she wouldn’t have it any other way. In this episode, Amber and Rachel get a bit more personal than they have in previous episodes. They talk about the balancing act that is being a mom of two young boys while “making it” as a CEO of a small yet growing business. “I just kind of have to put my ear muffs on when it comes to mom guilt. You know I’m not doing it their way, I’m doing it my way. My way is this interesting hybrid that is ‘career mom at home’ and it’s not right or wrong–no ones way is right or wrong.” Deciding to have kids doesn’t always have to mean giving up your dream job or starting a business. Being intensely focused on your career or getting a business off the ground doesn’t have to mean putting off having kids either. Like any decision in life, if you want to be successful, it comes down to making a solid plan to make the things important to you work. Click on any of the links below […]

How to Come Back After Setbacks in your Career

We all experience setbacks here and there. Life has a funny way of taking us on a ride that despite a planned route with specific rest stops and a destination in mind, sometimes ends up looking very different than originally planned with roadblocks we have to overcome and often a different direction entirely. In this episode, Amber and Rachel talk about the various obstacles that have come up along the way in Amber’s path from college student working 3 jobs to where she is now–wife and mom of two boys who owns her own graphic design business, leads a team of design contractors, and works with brands from all different industries across the world. “I remember I kept getting turned down at interviews because I was too green or they could tell I didn’t have enough work experience. And [during the recession] they were hiring senior designers for junior rates because they knew they could…So at one point I took the dates off my resume, and I remember that being a BIG door opener for me. As soon as I did that, I started to get more phone calls.” Setbacks don’t have to truly hold you back from what you […]

Amber Design 2021 in Review

We are full speed ahead into the New Year and already working on our 2022 goals–but an important part of setting and achieving new goals is reflecting on how we did with our last set of goals, and the work it took to get there. In episode 2 of Amber Energy: The Podcast, Amber and Rachel review the favorite projects of 2021, the lessons learned, and talk about how successful we were at achieving the goals set at the beginning of the year. Amber Design experienced a lot of growth this year and that’s involved some tough decisions and changes in how we do business. “I had three contractors I had to hire and fire. Its all about creating and having quality work and if you don’t have it you can’t grow. But its also about integrity! Business integrity is so important to me. If you don’t have it, I don’t have time for that type of shit.” Amber Energy is a podcast where we tell it like it is when it comes to business, entrepreneurship, graphic design and the life that goes along with it. None of it is easy which is why we’re passing the wisdom we’ve gained […]

New Year, New PODCAST!

For Amber Design, 2021 was very much about setting the foundation for a big growth year in 2022. While Amber prepared for some family expansion, she also made some key business decisions that have and will continue to help the brand of “Awesome Amber” grow to new heights. One of our biggest goals for 2022 is to increase and expand our reach. Enter: Amber Energy – The Podcast!   We started Amber Energy in an effort to not just talk about graphic design. Although that is a big subject we’ll be covering regularly, we also plan to go into all things business ownership, career success, and all the personal nuts and bolts that have to be tightened and oiled in order for life to keep on moving. Amber has a unique story. She’s the definition of a “self-made” woman making it in the world. She grew up in rural Western Washington on a farm with daily lessons in hard work, perseverance, and grit that would later pay off when experiencing the various hardships she’d come to face (more on that in a later episode). In high school, it became clear early on that Amber was an exceptional artist–she drew her […]

How to Keep Growing your Business: To be Good at Anything is to Stay Consistent with Dusty Hoerler of Craftsman Plumbing

In this episode of the Amber Energy Podcast, we sit down with Dusty Hoerler, the founder of Craftsman Plumbing, to explore the journey of building a strong brand and planning for a strategic exit. Dusty shares his experiences from starting Craftsman Plumbing, growing the company over the past decade, and creating a memorable customer experience. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: The importance of a strong brand and customer experience. Navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Tips for long-term business growth and sustainability. Dusty’s approach to community involvement and networking. Strategies for planning and executing a successful business exit. 🔗 Connect with Dusty Hoerler: Website LinkedIn  Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Google Yelp Houzz Amber Design – Logo & Marketing portfolio page About Our Guest: Dusty Hoerler grew up on a small farm in Curlew, Washington. Born into a family of plumbers, you could say that the craft runs in his blood. He started plumbing at age 12 on the weekends, and did the same during the summers every year until he was 18. Commercial dive school took him to Seattle after high school, where he fell in love with the neighborhood of Ballard, where Craftsman Plumbing operates today. After spending a few […]

The Role of Storytelling in Branding with Taylor Rubart of Flannel Media

In this episode of the Amber Energy Podcast, we dive deep into the world of video marketing with Taylor Rubart, the founder of Flannel Media. Taylor shares his journey from a ninth-grade video production class to running a successful media company that specializes in video production, storytelling, and marketing strategy. 🎥 In this episode: – The importance of representing your brand well online. – Taylor’s early experiences in video production. – The role of storytelling in building meaningful connections. – The evolution of storytelling from ancient times to social media. – Behind the scenes of a 20th-anniversary video project for a major client. – Tips on creating engaging and impactful video content. 🔗 Connect with Taylor Rubart: – Flannel Media Website – https://flannelmedia.com/ – LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorrubart/ -Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/flannelmedia_/ -Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/flannelmediavids Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation! Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Amber Energy. 💡✨ Listen to the whole podcast anywhere you get podcasts and make sure to subscribe to stay up to date on new episodes, releasing every other week! Also Available on Youtube!         Do you want to hear Amber speak more on things like change, personal and career growth, and entrepreneurship? […]

Ch-Ch-Changes! Embracing Change Instead of Resisting

Change can be exciting but more often it is daunting and fills a lot of us with doubt which leads to resistance. Recently at Amber Design we made a pretty big change; our CEO Amber Jacobs moved to Idaho! This episode dives into why embracing change will always serve you better than resisting it. You need to be confident in what you want. If you feel like a broken record, complaining about your life to everyone around you, that’s the sign that something needs to change. Amber Energy got a little more personal in this episode with both Amber and Rachel’s take on change, how to know when you need one and how to embrace it when. it comes. We strive to serve business owners and designers in all the ways. Sometimes that means the technical stuff like logos and marketing tactics, and sometimes we push more of a “human” button and we talk about things like change, being a parent while running a business, and other more personal topics. Listen to the whole podcast anywhere you get podcasts and make sure to subscribe to stay up to date on new episodes, releasing every other week! Also Available on Youtube! […]

Fighting the #WorkingMom with guest Disha Pegu

What’s your definition of a “Working Mom”? Is it simply being employed or running a business while being a mom? What about the work of simply being a mom? Employed or not, all moms WORK. ..which is why we think its time to retire the hashtag #workingmom. In this installment of Amber Energy we talk all about this subject and we’re joined by a special guest, Disha Pegu of Atarim, a website project delivery system based in London! This episode is a little ‘preview’ to the upcoming presentation Amber will be doing at the Atarim Digital Agency Summit next week on April 27th. This episode is a candid conversation about what it is to be a mom and how much work it is by itself, not to mention if you have a job or run a business at the same time. We talk gender equality, family and office dynamics, and offer solid advice on how to balance being a mom (or dad) while also following your career and business dreams. “There’s some moms out there that, deep down, really deep down wish they had a job or…maybe they passed up an opportunity or got offered a promotion but they didn’t […]

The Perfect Logo #BuildingYourBusiness Series

Today, Amber Energy: The Podcast embarks on a series we think will be appreciated by all business owners, but especially those of you who are just starting out or thinkig of starting a business soon. The #BuildingYourBusiness series will cover topics in-depth that are directly transferable to starting and building a solid business that will stand the test of time and your chosen industry. First up: The Perfect Logo. R: What is Amber’s Definition of a logo? A: It’s a visual representation of your brand. It’s the first impression typically of your brand and what your company says. It’s a symbol. You can learn a lot from a logo; it says a lot about you at a glance. It’s that 3-second conceptual representation of your brand. R: Why do you like working on logos? A: They’re the foundation of a brand, its why I like them so much. They say so much about you without saying anything at all. Like, how does this little button bug encapsulate the concept of your brand? Its fun to come up with something unique. From the logo everything else just spins off of it to all aspects of the business. This is one of […]

Spending Money to Make Money

These days you can start a business for relatively cheap. But how do you put your brand on the map? At a certain point, you’ll need to spend some money in order to make a little more of it. In this installment of Amber Energy we talk MONEY! In the last 6 years, Amber went from part time contractor after getting laid off from her full time gig to full fledged business owner. She has her own employees, multiple growth projects on the pipeline, and big plans for the future. that didn’t happen without spending some serious cash. This episode is a recounting of many big decisions made over the year to get Amber Design to where it is today, as well as invaluable lessons on starting a business and what you’ll need to succeed long term. “You live and learn…So I wouldn’t say there’s like, real big regrets or things I wish I would’ve done differently, it was just my natural organic progression in learning business. I didn’t learn business in school, I learned how to be a good graphic designer—but I learned the big business chops along the way.” Click on any of the links below to listen […]

History of Responsive Logos with Adam Jeffers

The constantly updating and growing world of technology has made us change how we as consumers see and interact with brands through their websites, logos and marketing. As times change, so must brands if they want to stay top of mind. That means designers have had to change and grow too. In this installment of Amber Energy we have our first guest join us for a talk on responsive logos! Adam Jeffers is a designer who’s worked with Amber Design for just over a year. He specializes in Logos, icons, illustration and photo editing and has been a huge asset to the team. This episode is a deep dive on responsive logos and websites and how they came to be from the early 2000s to now as technology, internet and social media has evolved. “Its amazing what you can get away with with familiarity and shape and color at such a small and simplified logo version” Click on any of the links below to listen to this episode of Amber Energy and get the whole story and all the tips on how to juggle mom life, personal self care, and your career without going absolutely crazy. Episodes will be aimed […]

Balancing Mom life with CEO Life

Being a mom isn’t easy. Running your own business isn’t easy. Amber Jacobs does both, and while it challenges her daily, she wouldn’t have it any other way. In this episode, Amber and Rachel get a bit more personal than they have in previous episodes. They talk about the balancing act that is being a mom of two young boys while “making it” as a CEO of a small yet growing business. “I just kind of have to put my ear muffs on when it comes to mom guilt. You know I’m not doing it their way, I’m doing it my way. My way is this interesting hybrid that is ‘career mom at home’ and it’s not right or wrong–no ones way is right or wrong.” Deciding to have kids doesn’t always have to mean giving up your dream job or starting a business. Being intensely focused on your career or getting a business off the ground doesn’t have to mean putting off having kids either. Like any decision in life, if you want to be successful, it comes down to making a solid plan to make the things important to you work. Click on any of the links below […]

How to Come Back After Setbacks in your Career

We all experience setbacks here and there. Life has a funny way of taking us on a ride that despite a planned route with specific rest stops and a destination in mind, sometimes ends up looking very different than originally planned with roadblocks we have to overcome and often a different direction entirely. In this episode, Amber and Rachel talk about the various obstacles that have come up along the way in Amber’s path from college student working 3 jobs to where she is now–wife and mom of two boys who owns her own graphic design business, leads a team of design contractors, and works with brands from all different industries across the world. “I remember I kept getting turned down at interviews because I was too green or they could tell I didn’t have enough work experience. And [during the recession] they were hiring senior designers for junior rates because they knew they could…So at one point I took the dates off my resume, and I remember that being a BIG door opener for me. As soon as I did that, I started to get more phone calls.” Setbacks don’t have to truly hold you back from what you […]

Amber Design 2021 in Review

We are full speed ahead into the New Year and already working on our 2022 goals–but an important part of setting and achieving new goals is reflecting on how we did with our last set of goals, and the work it took to get there. In episode 2 of Amber Energy: The Podcast, Amber and Rachel review the favorite projects of 2021, the lessons learned, and talk about how successful we were at achieving the goals set at the beginning of the year. Amber Design experienced a lot of growth this year and that’s involved some tough decisions and changes in how we do business. “I had three contractors I had to hire and fire. Its all about creating and having quality work and if you don’t have it you can’t grow. But its also about integrity! Business integrity is so important to me. If you don’t have it, I don’t have time for that type of shit.” Amber Energy is a podcast where we tell it like it is when it comes to business, entrepreneurship, graphic design and the life that goes along with it. None of it is easy which is why we’re passing the wisdom we’ve gained […]

Transforming Retail Through Experiences: Insights from Mark Sandeno

In this episode of the Amber Energy Podcast, we sit down with Mark Sandeno, CEO of Experiences and founder of Helpful Human, to discuss the power of experiential retail and how businesses can leverage community-building to create lasting memories for their customers. Mark shares insights into the experience economy, the importance of hosting unique events in retail spaces, and how to cultivate brand loyalty through meaningful interactions. Tune in to learn how you can transform your business by focusing on customer experiences and community engagement. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: The concept of the experience economy and its impact on retail. How businesses can create memorable experiences for their customers. The role of community-building in fostering brand loyalty. Practical tips for hosting successful events in retail spaces. Mark’s entrepreneurial journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way. 📢 Topics Discussed: The importance of creating community-centered experiences in retail. Strategies for implementing experiential marketing. How to leverage customer interactions to build brand loyalty. The challenges and rewards of running a customer-focused business. Mark’s advice for retailers looking to innovate and stand out in the market. 🔗 Connect with Mark Sandeno: Experiences Website Linked In Facebook Instagram About Our Guest: Mark is the […]

Finding Your Freedom Through Entrepreneurship & Authorship | Tips from Jason Yormark

In this episode of the Amber Energy Podcast, we sit down with Jason Yormark, founder of Socialistics and author of Anti Agency: A Realistic Path to a $1,000,000 Business. Jason shares his journey from corporate life to building a successful social media agency, offering valuable insights on entrepreneurship, branding, and creating a sustainable business. We discuss the importance of building a runway before taking the leap, the challenges and rewards of running your own business, and the lessons learned from writing and launching a book. Tune in for practical advice and inspiration for your entrepreneurial journey. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: Jason’s transition from corporate life to founding Socialistics. The importance of building a brand and creating momentum. Key lessons from Jason’s book, Anti Agency. The challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Tips for writing and launching a successful book. 🔗 Connect with Our Guest: Jason Yormark: Website Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn Twitter Socialistics: Website Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Youtube About our Guest: Jason Yormark is the founder of Socialistics (www.socialistics.com), a leading social media agency that helps businesses turn their social media efforts into real measurable results. He is a 20+ year marketing veteran whose prior work has included launching and managing […]

Setting Your Business Up for Long-Term Success: Key Advice for Selling | Brian Hardy & Ezra Moore

In this episode of the Amber Energy Podcast, we’re joined by two innovative business leaders: Brian Hardy of The Maverick and Ezra Moore of Plain English Technology Services. Discover essential tips for scaling your business with an exit strategy in mind, and learn how automation, AI, and tailored IT solutions are transforming businesses today. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: The importance of automation and AI in modern marketing. Ezra’s journey in adapting enterprise IT solutions for small businesses. How networking and mastermind groups have played a crucial role in their careers. The evolution of business operations and technology over the years. Key advice on selling a business and ensuring a smooth transition. 🔗 Connect with Our Guests: Brian Hardy – The Maverick Ezra Moore – Plain English Technology Services 📢 Topics Discussed: The role of automation and AI in business growth. Strategies for implementing effective IT solutions. The power of networking and mastermind groups. Personal stories of business evolution and success. Practical advice on selling a business and planning an exit strategy. 🔔 Subscribe to Amber Energy Podcast for more insights on entrepreneurship, business branding, marketing, and graphic design. #AmberEnergyPodcast #BusinessAutomation #ITSolutions #BrianHardy #EzraMoore #TheMaverick #PlainEnglishTech #Entrepreneurship #Marketing #Branding #BusinessGrowth #ExitStrategy #SellYourBusiness […]

The Role of Storytelling in Branding with Taylor Rubart of Flannel Media

In this episode of the Amber Energy Podcast, we dive deep into the world of video marketing with Taylor Rubart, the founder of Flannel Media. Taylor shares his journey from a ninth-grade video production class to running a successful media company that specializes in video production, storytelling, and marketing strategy. 🎥 In this episode: – The importance of representing your brand well online. – Taylor’s early experiences in video production. – The role of storytelling in building meaningful connections. – The evolution of storytelling from ancient times to social media. – Behind the scenes of a 20th-anniversary video project for a major client. – Tips on creating engaging and impactful video content. 🔗 Connect with Taylor Rubart: – Flannel Media Website – https://flannelmedia.com/ – LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorrubart/ -Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/flannelmedia_/ -Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/flannelmediavids Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation! Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Amber Energy. 💡✨ Listen to the whole podcast anywhere you get podcasts and make sure to subscribe to stay up to date on new episodes, releasing every other week! Also Available on Youtube!         Do you want to hear Amber speak more on things like change, personal and career growth, and entrepreneurship? […]

Unlocking Marketing Magic with AI: Insights from Ashley Laabs of Composure Digital

In this exciting episode, Amber Jacobs, owner of Amber Design, sits down with Ashley Laabs, Head of Content at Composure Digital. Join us as we dive deep into the world of marketing and branding, exploring how Ashley and Amber create magical content for their clients. 🚀✨ It’s our responsibility as creatives to be those tastemakers. In a way, this is where it can be helpful to use A.I., and this is where it can be harmful if humans stop producing relevant new content. – Ashley Laabs Topics Covered: The role of AI in content creation and its impact on trust and authenticity. The evolution of marketing agencies and the shift towards a more flexible, freelance-driven model. The importance of personal branding and building genuine connections on platforms like LinkedIn. Ethical considerations and best practices for using AI in creative work. Reflections on the recent Writers Guild strike and its implications for content creators.   About Our Guest: Ashley Laabs brings a wealth of experience in content strategy and brand messaging, having worked with everyone from small businesses to Fortune 500 giants like Amazon, T-Mobile, eBay, and Acer. Learn about her journey from running a trade magazine to leading content at […]

What’s a Sales Funnel? #BuildingYourBusiness Series

What the *fu#k* is a Sales Funnel?? Getting a customer to visit your website is usually pretty easy. but what makes them stay there to look around? What pushes them forward on the path to purchase rather than pushing them to close out their tab? Closing a sale of any kind through marketing tactics is hardly ever an accident. Customers buy products and sign up for services because they’re more than just curious–they’ve bought in. And they’ll only buy in with confidence if you lead them there with a sales funnel. “Those value propositions of why your product is so superior from the competition. So then through client/customer reviews, different certifications, different things like that, of why you’re superior…and then you can be like “BUY NOW! Because we’re so awesome! And now you know you need it because we’ve proven to you why it’s so awesome. And then not just buy this product but buy this support product that goes with it.” This episode of Amber Energy is part of our #BuildingYourBusiness Series which is meant for the newer and/or hopeful business owner to help give them the tools to start and nurture their business. Our last #BYB series episode is […]

Why Hire Boutique Over a Big Fish Design Agency?

If you’re a business owner you’ve probably been faced (or maybe are currently faced) with the decision to choose a boutique design agency OR a “big fish” design firm. In this episode of Amber Energy: the podcast, we talk about the pros and cons of each side of the coin. R: Would you rather have a big team of various levels of expertise looking and working on your project or would you rather have 1-2 more experienced designers/creative directors working on it? A: Yeah, it’s just less layers…when you have a bigger company I get the rationale of why you have to be that way, because there’s more people to manage. A boutique agency like us is a little bit more nimble and usually more responsive. At Amber Design we give you a very “bespoke” experience. You get to be as involved as you want to be and your company’s project files are handled with the utmost care with highly experienced designers, including Amber who gives the final approval even if she has one of her contractors do most of the design work. Listen to the whole podcast anywhere you get podcasts and make sure to subscribe to stay up […]

Fighting the #WorkingMom with guest Disha Pegu

What’s your definition of a “Working Mom”? Is it simply being employed or running a business while being a mom? What about the work of simply being a mom? Employed or not, all moms WORK. ..which is why we think its time to retire the hashtag #workingmom. In this installment of Amber Energy we talk all about this subject and we’re joined by a special guest, Disha Pegu of Atarim, a website project delivery system based in London! This episode is a little ‘preview’ to the upcoming presentation Amber will be doing at the Atarim Digital Agency Summit next week on April 27th. This episode is a candid conversation about what it is to be a mom and how much work it is by itself, not to mention if you have a job or run a business at the same time. We talk gender equality, family and office dynamics, and offer solid advice on how to balance being a mom (or dad) while also following your career and business dreams. “There’s some moms out there that, deep down, really deep down wish they had a job or…maybe they passed up an opportunity or got offered a promotion but they didn’t […]

The Perfect Logo #BuildingYourBusiness Series

Today, Amber Energy: The Podcast embarks on a series we think will be appreciated by all business owners, but especially those of you who are just starting out or thinkig of starting a business soon. The #BuildingYourBusiness series will cover topics in-depth that are directly transferable to starting and building a solid business that will stand the test of time and your chosen industry. First up: The Perfect Logo. R: What is Amber’s Definition of a logo? A: It’s a visual representation of your brand. It’s the first impression typically of your brand and what your company says. It’s a symbol. You can learn a lot from a logo; it says a lot about you at a glance. It’s that 3-second conceptual representation of your brand. R: Why do you like working on logos? A: They’re the foundation of a brand, its why I like them so much. They say so much about you without saying anything at all. Like, how does this little button bug encapsulate the concept of your brand? Its fun to come up with something unique. From the logo everything else just spins off of it to all aspects of the business. This is one of […]

Spending Money to Make Money

These days you can start a business for relatively cheap. But how do you put your brand on the map? At a certain point, you’ll need to spend some money in order to make a little more of it. In this installment of Amber Energy we talk MONEY! In the last 6 years, Amber went from part time contractor after getting laid off from her full time gig to full fledged business owner. She has her own employees, multiple growth projects on the pipeline, and big plans for the future. that didn’t happen without spending some serious cash. This episode is a recounting of many big decisions made over the year to get Amber Design to where it is today, as well as invaluable lessons on starting a business and what you’ll need to succeed long term. “You live and learn…So I wouldn’t say there’s like, real big regrets or things I wish I would’ve done differently, it was just my natural organic progression in learning business. I didn’t learn business in school, I learned how to be a good graphic designer—but I learned the big business chops along the way.” Click on any of the links below to listen […]

Balancing Mom life with CEO Life

Being a mom isn’t easy. Running your own business isn’t easy. Amber Jacobs does both, and while it challenges her daily, she wouldn’t have it any other way. In this episode, Amber and Rachel get a bit more personal than they have in previous episodes. They talk about the balancing act that is being a mom of two young boys while “making it” as a CEO of a small yet growing business. “I just kind of have to put my ear muffs on when it comes to mom guilt. You know I’m not doing it their way, I’m doing it my way. My way is this interesting hybrid that is ‘career mom at home’ and it’s not right or wrong–no ones way is right or wrong.” Deciding to have kids doesn’t always have to mean giving up your dream job or starting a business. Being intensely focused on your career or getting a business off the ground doesn’t have to mean putting off having kids either. Like any decision in life, if you want to be successful, it comes down to making a solid plan to make the things important to you work. Click on any of the links below […]

How to Come Back After Setbacks in your Career

We all experience setbacks here and there. Life has a funny way of taking us on a ride that despite a planned route with specific rest stops and a destination in mind, sometimes ends up looking very different than originally planned with roadblocks we have to overcome and often a different direction entirely. In this episode, Amber and Rachel talk about the various obstacles that have come up along the way in Amber’s path from college student working 3 jobs to where she is now–wife and mom of two boys who owns her own graphic design business, leads a team of design contractors, and works with brands from all different industries across the world. “I remember I kept getting turned down at interviews because I was too green or they could tell I didn’t have enough work experience. And [during the recession] they were hiring senior designers for junior rates because they knew they could…So at one point I took the dates off my resume, and I remember that being a BIG door opener for me. As soon as I did that, I started to get more phone calls.” Setbacks don’t have to truly hold you back from what you […]

Amber Design 2021 in Review

We are full speed ahead into the New Year and already working on our 2022 goals–but an important part of setting and achieving new goals is reflecting on how we did with our last set of goals, and the work it took to get there. In episode 2 of Amber Energy: The Podcast, Amber and Rachel review the favorite projects of 2021, the lessons learned, and talk about how successful we were at achieving the goals set at the beginning of the year. Amber Design experienced a lot of growth this year and that’s involved some tough decisions and changes in how we do business. “I had three contractors I had to hire and fire. Its all about creating and having quality work and if you don’t have it you can’t grow. But its also about integrity! Business integrity is so important to me. If you don’t have it, I don’t have time for that type of shit.” Amber Energy is a podcast where we tell it like it is when it comes to business, entrepreneurship, graphic design and the life that goes along with it. None of it is easy which is why we’re passing the wisdom we’ve gained […]

New Year, New PODCAST!

For Amber Design, 2021 was very much about setting the foundation for a big growth year in 2022. While Amber prepared for some family expansion, she also made some key business decisions that have and will continue to help the brand of “Awesome Amber” grow to new heights. One of our biggest goals for 2022 is to increase and expand our reach. Enter: Amber Energy – The Podcast!   We started Amber Energy in an effort to not just talk about graphic design. Although that is a big subject we’ll be covering regularly, we also plan to go into all things business ownership, career success, and all the personal nuts and bolts that have to be tightened and oiled in order for life to keep on moving. Amber has a unique story. She’s the definition of a “self-made” woman making it in the world. She grew up in rural Western Washington on a farm with daily lessons in hard work, perseverance, and grit that would later pay off when experiencing the various hardships she’d come to face (more on that in a later episode). In high school, it became clear early on that Amber was an exceptional artist–she drew her […]

Finding Your Freedom Through Entrepreneurship & Authorship | Tips from Jason Yormark

In this episode of the Amber Energy Podcast, we sit down with Jason Yormark, founder of Socialistics and author of Anti Agency: A Realistic Path to a $1,000,000 Business. Jason shares his journey from corporate life to building a successful social media agency, offering valuable insights on entrepreneurship, branding, and creating a sustainable business. We discuss the importance of building a runway before taking the leap, the challenges and rewards of running your own business, and the lessons learned from writing and launching a book. Tune in for practical advice and inspiration for your entrepreneurial journey. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: Jason’s transition from corporate life to founding Socialistics. The importance of building a brand and creating momentum. Key lessons from Jason’s book, Anti Agency. The challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship. Tips for writing and launching a successful book. 🔗 Connect with Our Guest: Jason Yormark: Website Facebook Instagram Youtube LinkedIn Twitter Socialistics: Website Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Youtube About our Guest: Jason Yormark is the founder of Socialistics (www.socialistics.com), a leading social media agency that helps businesses turn their social media efforts into real measurable results. He is a 20+ year marketing veteran whose prior work has included launching and managing […]

How to Keep Growing your Business: To be Good at Anything is to Stay Consistent with Dusty Hoerler of Craftsman Plumbing

In this episode of the Amber Energy Podcast, we sit down with Dusty Hoerler, the founder of Craftsman Plumbing, to explore the journey of building a strong brand and planning for a strategic exit. Dusty shares his experiences from starting Craftsman Plumbing, growing the company over the past decade, and creating a memorable customer experience. 🎙️ Episode Highlights: The importance of a strong brand and customer experience. Navigating the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Tips for long-term business growth and sustainability. Dusty’s approach to community involvement and networking. Strategies for planning and executing a successful business exit. 🔗 Connect with Dusty Hoerler: Website LinkedIn  Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Google Yelp Houzz Amber Design – Logo & Marketing portfolio page About Our Guest: Dusty Hoerler grew up on a small farm in Curlew, Washington. Born into a family of plumbers, you could say that the craft runs in his blood. He started plumbing at age 12 on the weekends, and did the same during the summers every year until he was 18. Commercial dive school took him to Seattle after high school, where he fell in love with the neighborhood of Ballard, where Craftsman Plumbing operates today. After spending a few […]

The Role of Storytelling in Branding with Taylor Rubart of Flannel Media

In this episode of the Amber Energy Podcast, we dive deep into the world of video marketing with Taylor Rubart, the founder of Flannel Media. Taylor shares his journey from a ninth-grade video production class to running a successful media company that specializes in video production, storytelling, and marketing strategy. 🎥 In this episode: – The importance of representing your brand well online. – Taylor’s early experiences in video production. – The role of storytelling in building meaningful connections. – The evolution of storytelling from ancient times to social media. – Behind the scenes of a 20th-anniversary video project for a major client. – Tips on creating engaging and impactful video content. 🔗 Connect with Taylor Rubart: – Flannel Media Website – https://flannelmedia.com/ – LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorrubart/ -Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/flannelmedia_/ -Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/flannelmediavids Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation! Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Amber Energy. 💡✨ Listen to the whole podcast anywhere you get podcasts and make sure to subscribe to stay up to date on new episodes, releasing every other week! Also Available on Youtube!         Do you want to hear Amber speak more on things like change, personal and career growth, and entrepreneurship? […]

Ch-Ch-Changes! Embracing Change Instead of Resisting

Change can be exciting but more often it is daunting and fills a lot of us with doubt which leads to resistance. Recently at Amber Design we made a pretty big change; our CEO Amber Jacobs moved to Idaho! This episode dives into why embracing change will always serve you better than resisting it. You need to be confident in what you want. If you feel like a broken record, complaining about your life to everyone around you, that’s the sign that something needs to change. Amber Energy got a little more personal in this episode with both Amber and Rachel’s take on change, how to know when you need one and how to embrace it when. it comes. We strive to serve business owners and designers in all the ways. Sometimes that means the technical stuff like logos and marketing tactics, and sometimes we push more of a “human” button and we talk about things like change, being a parent while running a business, and other more personal topics. Listen to the whole podcast anywhere you get podcasts and make sure to subscribe to stay up to date on new episodes, releasing every other week! Also Available on Youtube! […]

Fighting the #WorkingMom with guest Disha Pegu

What’s your definition of a “Working Mom”? Is it simply being employed or running a business while being a mom? What about the work of simply being a mom? Employed or not, all moms WORK. ..which is why we think its time to retire the hashtag #workingmom. In this installment of Amber Energy we talk all about this subject and we’re joined by a special guest, Disha Pegu of Atarim, a website project delivery system based in London! This episode is a little ‘preview’ to the upcoming presentation Amber will be doing at the Atarim Digital Agency Summit next week on April 27th. This episode is a candid conversation about what it is to be a mom and how much work it is by itself, not to mention if you have a job or run a business at the same time. We talk gender equality, family and office dynamics, and offer solid advice on how to balance being a mom (or dad) while also following your career and business dreams. “There’s some moms out there that, deep down, really deep down wish they had a job or…maybe they passed up an opportunity or got offered a promotion but they didn’t […]