Your weekly block of insights, strategies, and innovative thinking for driving growth

Building Blocks

Denine Harper Denine Harper

The Power of Story: Crafting Company Narratives CEOs Champion

In an industry often seen as commoditized, your story can be your sharpest competitive edge. Discover how the best companies build purpose-driven narratives that align teams, attract talent, and influence decision-makers across the value chain. Because specs don’t sell. Stories do.

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Denine Harper Denine Harper

Building Reputation That Resonates: Brand Strategies CEOs Trust

Your Brand Isn't Just What You Say. It's What They Believe. 41% of CEOs rank reputation as their top marketing challenge, yet most companies still focus on features instead of feelings. Discover how to transform your brand from a commodity supplier to a trusted partner with a reputation that resonates with both trade professionals and end consumers.

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Denine Harper Denine Harper

Outpacing Rivals: Creating Competitive Advantage That CEOs Champion

The companies pulling ahead aren’t louder. They’re smarter.
If your only edge is product features or price, you're already behind. This article unpacks 5 strategic plays, from brand positioning to ecosystem building, that help companies create lasting, defensible competitive advantages.

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Denine Harper Denine Harper

Growing Your Slice: Market Share Tactics CEOs Applaud

Lead volume doesn’t equal market share. This article breaks down 5 strategic moves top companies are using to capture a bigger slice of their market, from targeting underserved segments to leveraging digital tools that disrupt traditional players. With real-world examples and clear implementation strategies, you’ll learn how to align your marketing with the outcomes CEOs actually value.

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Denine Harper Denine Harper

Dominate the Downturn: 5 Strategies Determine Winners and Losers

When others retreat, you take the lead. The home industry is facing economic headwinds, rising interest rates, affordability concerns, and a cautious market. This strategic playbook reveals how market leaders are capturing market share, cutting customer acquisition costs, and strengthening brand loyalty, all while their competitors go dark.

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Denine Harper Denine Harper

Revenue First: Marketing Strategies CEOs Actually Value

In the C-suite, marketing initiatives are often viewed through a skeptical lens—while CMOs speak of brand awareness and audience engagement, CEOs remain fixated on revenue growth. Our research across 200+ executive teams revealed that marketing strategies explicitly connected to revenue generation receive 3.7x more CEO support than those focused primarily on awareness metrics. The most successful CMOs have adapted by abandoning marketing-centric language in favor of revenue-centric frameworks that resonate in the boardroom, transforming marketing from a perceived cost center to a respected revenue engine that CEOs actually value.

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Denine Harper Denine Harper

3X Online Growth, 2X Brand Loyalty: How Challenger Brands Are Reshaping the Building Products Industry

Challenger brands are winning and you can too. Building products are going digital—fast. E-commerce sales have tripled since 2020, and professional contractors are driving the shift. Challenger brands like Marvin, LP SmartSide, and Trex are seizing market share by standing out, going direct to pros, and investing in brand loyalty. Companies that build strong professional relationships and distinct positioning will dominate, while others risk being left behind.

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Denine Harper Denine Harper

What CEOs Really Want. Marketing Solutions That Drive Growth

Many CEOs in the building products industry view marketing as a cost center rather than a revenue driver. Our research identifies the five critical challenges executives want marketing to solve—revenue generation, market share expansion, competitive advantage, brand reputation, and consistent company narrative.

Discover practical solutions that transform marketing from a frustrating expense into a strategic business asset, with measurable results that directly impact your bottom line.

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Denine Harper Denine Harper

Your Customers Have Changed. Has Your Marketing?

Your Customers Have Changed. Has Your Marketing?

The way customers research, shop, and choose home improvement products has completely changed. Yet many brands are still relying on outdated marketing tactics while missing out on huge digital opportunities. We break down what brands MUST do to stay competitive in 2025.

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Denine Harper Denine Harper

Why Your Building Products Brand Needs Influencer Marketing, And How to Do It Right

Influencer marketing is reshaping how building products and home finishes brands reach homeowners, contractors, and architects. This article debunks myths, highlights successful industry case studies, and provides a step-by-step guide for you to leverage influencers for brand awareness, lead generation, and sales. Waiting to adopt this strategy risks losing market share to competitors who already dominate the digital conversation. 🚀

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Denine Harper Denine Harper

Top 10 Questions to Ask a Fractional CMO to Unlock Growth

Hiring a Fractional CMO can be a game-changer for your business, but how do you know if they’re the right fit? This post explores the 10 essential questions CEOs should ask to ensure a Fractional CMO can drive real growth. From aligning marketing with sales to measuring ROI, these insights will help you make an informed decision about bringing in strategic marketing leadership—without the full-time commitment.

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Denine Harper Denine Harper

The Evolving Role of Social Media in Marketing for Home Finishes & Building Material Manufacturers

Social media is no longer the one-size-fits-all marketing solution it once seemed—especially for building materials and home finishes manufacturers. While it remains a powerful tool for brand visibility and consumer engagement, its role in driving B2B sales is more complex. This post explores the evolving impact of social media, its challenges, and how manufacturers can integrate it into a broader marketing strategy to maximize results.

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