Interview with Scott Medlin - The Santa’s Wonderland Story!

Nestled outside of Houston, Texas is the World’s Largest Christmas Park that draws over a half million visitors a year from around the country. In this interview with Santa’s Wonderland founder Scott Medlin, you will learn how his childhood passion for Christmas became a magical business success story. Like most entrepreneurs, success didn’t come without many challenges. Scott shares what he learned through his entrepreneurial journey and reveals how getting his brand in alignment made all the difference.

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Connect and Follow Brandon Coleman Jr

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Connect and Follow Scott Medlin

Scott Medlin is the Founder and CEO of Santa’s Wonderland, the World’s Largest Christmas Park, located in College Station, Texas. He and his family created the 150-acre park as a happy holiday place that preserves and perpetuates the true meaning and “Spirit” of Christmas! His entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and hard work have resulted in a magical masterpiece that makes Santa’s Wonderland a one-of-a-kind Christmas experience attracting nearly half a million visitors from across the country. Although Santa’s Wonderland is only open during the holiday season, the preparation, maintenance, and growth of the park is a year round endeavor. Scott, with the support of his wife Deb, and his parents Phil and Ann, reflect the true commitment and success of a well-aligned family enterprise.

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@santas_wonderland?lang=en

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/OldTymeWonderland

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/santaswonderland/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SantaWonderland/

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Learn how the very best consultants challenge their clients! My guest today is marketing agency Managing Partner, Eric Poerschke, a successful brand strategist who challenges entrepreneurs to think differently. His firm, NextLevel Thinking, is a strategic partner for clients who depend on brand alignment guidance to achieve growth and success. Join us for an entertaining and valuable discussion that will help you see your business differently.

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Ask Brandon ANY Question!

https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/brand-on/#index

Pre-Order Brand ON! The Book

https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/order-book/

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Connect and Follow Brandon Coleman Jr

Email: bcj@brandoncolemanjr.com

Website: www.brandoncolemanjr.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncolemanjr/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brandoncolemanjrofficial

Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialbrandoncolemanjr

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Connect and Follow Eric Poerschke

Eric Poerschke—a visionary marketing strategist and Managing Partner at NextLevel Thinking. Eric is celebrated for his bold, customer-centered approach, where he redefines how brands connect by seeing the world through their customers’ eyes. His unique "outside-in, inside-out" methodology uncovers what makes brands unforgettable, why customers are drawn to them, and how internal dynamics can fuel or hinder growth.

As an "Intuitive Activator," Eric transforms concepts into tangible, impactful strategies that drive revenue, streamline acquisition, and build loyalty. He’s at the helm of a team dedicated to client success, cultivating partnerships that elevate brands and exceed expectations. Through his forward-thinking strategies, Eric continues to position NextLevel Thinking as a powerhouse in marketing innovation and strategic growth.

Website: https://yournextlevel.cc/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextlevel-thinking/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextlevel.thinking/

Email: EJP@yournextlevel.cc

This episode features Brandon in the guest seat, originally published on the Nice Guys on Business podcast. Branding legend Brandon Coleman Jr joins the Nice Guys Podcast, sharing decades of valuable insights on the power of brand alignment. From defining a brand as a "promise wrapped in a delivery" to discussing how success can erode brands, Brandon provides an expert’s perspective on building and maintaining a strong, consistent brand. Learn the importance of aligning every customer touchpoint with brand promises, the challenges entrepreneurs face in prioritizing branding, and Brandon's inspiring journey of relaunching his branding career in this new phase of his career. This conversation is a must-listen for any business owner seeking to strengthen their brand.

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Ask Brandon ANY Question!

https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/brand-on/#index

Pre-Order Brand ON! The Book

https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/order-book/

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Connect and Follow Brandon Coleman Jr

Email: bcj@brandoncolemanjr.com

Website: www.brandoncolemanjr.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncolemanjr/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brandoncolemanjrofficial

Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialbrandoncolemanjr

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(00:00:04) Intro

(00:01:35) About Brandon Coleman Jr.

(00:02:40) Branding in 1976

(00:03:51) Brand is a Promise

(00:04:54) Turnkey and Messaging

(00:05:30) Branding as Making a Promise

(00:06:10) Brand Promise for Entrepreneurs

(00:08:43) Branding Before Modern Era

(00:11:14) Brand Alignment

(00:14:20) No Perfect Brand Alignment

(00:18:11) Podcast Name Critique

(00:22:20) Rethinking Safety Announcements

(00:23:31) Brand Consistency and Fun

(00:26:21) Success Eroding Brands

(00:27:29) Brands Morphing

(00:30:01) Brand Loyalty

(00:31:32) Selling Company Motivation

(00:35:31) Starting a Consulting Firm

(00:39:53) Hidden Power of Brand Alignment

Discover the Top 7 Potholes that will knock your brand out of alignment and give your business a bumpy ride. Branding guru Brandon Coleman Jr shares his insights from 50 years of guiding clients along the road to success and identifies the unforeseen issues that hobble the smooth ride for many entrepreneurs. Avoid these surprising problem spots in your business journey and get in alignment to turn your Brand ON!!

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Ask Brandon ANY Question!

https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/brand-on/#index

Pre-Order Brand ON! The Book

https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/order-book/

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Connect and Follow Brandon Coleman Jr

Email: bcj@brandoncolemanjr.com

Website: www.brandoncolemanjr.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncolemanjr/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brandoncolemanjrofficial

Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialbrandoncolemanjr

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(00:00:04) Intro

(00:00:41) Pothole 1- Internal Marketing Employees

(00:03:47) Pothole 2- External Marketing Vendors

(00:05:39) Pothole 3- The Owner's Forest

(00:06:36) Pothole 4- Personal Pride And Success

(00:09:28) Pothole 5- The Wrong Brand Or Concept

(00:10:15) Pothole 6- Compromising To Please Others

(00:11:19) Pothole 7- Unintentional Morphing

Send me your question and I'll answer it @ https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/brand-on/

Just like the very best championship-level athletes, entrepreneurs are responsible for leading their team, and their brand, to victory. Whether you were blessed with the gift of situational awareness and can see the whole business playing field at once, or you need guidance and support to align your brand, understanding the imperative need of leadership in a brand alignment initiative is critical. Building a truly aligned brand is no easy feat - it requires courageous leadership, clear communication of your vision, and meticulous attention to detail across every customer touchpoint. In this episode, brand legend Brandon Coleman Jr shares the essential leadership elements to help you become a brand alignment superstar and lead your organization to new heights of trust, loyalty, and long-term success. Get ready to turn your Brand ON!!

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Ask Brandon ANY Question!

https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/brand-on/#index

Pre-Order Brand ON!! The Book

https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/order-book/

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Connect and Follow Brandon Coleman Jr

Email: bcj@brandoncolemanjr.com

Website: www.brandoncolemanjr.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncolemanjr/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brandoncolemanjrofficial

Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialbrandoncolemanjr

(00:00:30) Brand Alignment and Leadership

(00:08:27) Driving Employee Engagement and Innovation

(00:11:21) Outro

There is no greater consumer joy than experiencing an aligned brand. Discover the hidden power of brand alignment and what an aligned brand can achieve. Brandon Coleman Jr, a branding legend, shares insights from his 50 years of strategic brand consulting to reveal why truly aligned brands are so elusive. Learn what it takes to create an aligned brand from the captivating story of Buc-ee’s, the Texas phenom convenience store chain that has perfected brand alignment. Learn how to find your own point of alignment to turn your Brand ON! This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs seeking to create a truly aligned brand.

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Ask Brandon ANY Question!

https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/brand-on/#index

Pre-Order Brand ON! The Book

https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/order-book/

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Brand ON! Acclaimed Award Nomination form

Link: https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/order-book/

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Connect and Follow Brandon Coleman Jr

Email: bcj@brandoncolemanjr.com

Website: www.brandoncolemanjr.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncolemanjr/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brandoncolemanjrofficial

Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialbrandoncolemanjr

(00:00:04) Intro

(00:02:49) Aligned Brands

(00:08:56) Brand Dilution

(00:10:57) Buc-ee's Case Study

(00:17:55) Outro

Great brand alignment is part art, part science, and a whole lot of common sense. Branding legend Brandon Coleman Jr unpacks how brands are successfully aligned so entrepreneurs can avoid the pitfalls of self-proclaimed “experts”. Whether you are launching a new venture or revitalizing an established business, this episode will equip you with the insights to Turn Your Brand ON!

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Ask Brandon ANY Question!

https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/brand-on/#index

Pre-Order Brand ON! The Book

https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/order-book/

————

Connect and Follow Brandon Coleman Jr

Email: bcj@brandoncolemanjr.com

Website: www.brandoncolemanjr.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncolemanjr/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brandoncolemanjrofficial

Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialbrandoncolemanjr

(00:00:04) Introduction

(00:02:59) Brand Alignment: Art, Science, or Common Sense?

(00:09:30) The Three Elements of Brand Alignment

(00:10:47) The True Brand Alignment Leader

(00:15:40) Outro

Brand Alignment is what sets the enormously successful businesses apart from the rest. Ironically, it is also the most overlooked, critically strategic differentiator that can catapult an entity from good to great. In this episode, Brandon Coleman Jr describes what brand alignment is, versus what it most certainly is not, and why brand alignment is the strategic key to business success.

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Ask Brandon ANY Question!

https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/brand-on/#index

Pre-Order Brand ON! The Book

https://www.brandoncolemanjr.com/order-book/

————

Connect and Follow Brandon Coleman Jr

Email: bcj@brandoncolemanjr.com

Website: www.brandoncolemanjr.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandoncolemanjr/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brandoncolemanjrofficial

Facebook: www.facebook.com/officialbrandoncolemanjr

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(00:00:04) Introduction

(00:02:58) Brand Alignment as a Powerful Weapon

(00:04:08) Defining Brand Alignment

(00:05:15) Eight Reasons Why Brand Alignment is Powerful

(00:09:05) Brand Alignment Beyond Business

(00:09:56) Closing Remarks