PR Expert Zack Fishman Shares Secrets For Building a Cult Brand

Interview between Gregg Majewski and Zack Fishman, Chief Growth Officer of Fishman PR, to discuss the evolving world of franchise branding, the power of authentic storytelling in PR, and how businesses can leverage modern media to build cult-like followings that drive success.

In this episode of Rooms for Seconds, Gregg Majewski sits down with Zack Fishman, Chief Growth Officer of Fishman PR, to discuss the shifting landscape of public relations, the rise of business influencers, and the secrets to building a cult brand. Zack shares insights on how brands can stand out in today's crowded market, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, social media, and content-driven strategies. Whether you're in the restaurant industry or looking to grow your business, this episode offers invaluable advice on creating a brand that resonates with both consumers and investors. Tune in to discover how you can elevate your brand and become the next big thing!

The Evolution of PR and Media

Public relations has shifted from traditional methods like press releases and newspaper ads to a more complex, multi-channel strategy. Today, PR includes social media, podcasts, and thought leadership to create ongoing touchpoints with consumers. Zack Fishman highlights that PR is now about building brand familiarity long before a customer makes contact:

We want them to see as many different stories about as many different facets of your business as possible. So they feel like A) they're comfortable with spending the money that they're likely going to spend, but B) you know, the deal will go faster.” Zack explained.

The pandemic accelerated this shift, making it crucial for brands to engage consumers across various platforms. In this new landscape, building a brand identity is about constant engagement, not just media coverage.

Authenticity in Branding

Authenticity has become essential for successful branding, with consumers demanding genuine connections from the companies they support. Brands like Jersey Mike’s succeed because their values are woven into their business.

“Whatever you're going to do, you have to be %100 authentic moreso today, than ever. You can't fake it anymore. The brands that are authentic and lean into what they are, the ones that are thriving.” Gregg Majewski says.

Consumers today quickly recognize disingenuous marketing, so brands must stay true to their core values. Authenticity builds trust and loyalty, which is more important than ever in the competitive marketplace.

The Rise of Business Influencers

Business influencers are now playing a critical role in shaping brand perception, particularly in franchising. Zack Fishman notes the growing impact of influencers on platforms like LinkedIn and podcasts, calling them the new voices of business:

“We talk about back in the day, it used to be authors that were really the people in business that people gravitated to but nowadays, I think it's podcast hosts and people on TikTok and on X and things of that nature that are really giving rise to what we will see in the future.”

These influencers create personal connections with their audience, building trust and credibility for the brands they endorse. This trend shows that business leaders and thought influencers are becoming as important as the brands themselves in shaping consumer opinion.

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About Zack Fishman

Since joining Fishman PR in 2019, Zack has been the face of Fishman PR’s business development efforts by leading the sales process, speaking at industry conferences and co-hosting his podcast, Modrn Business. Additionally, Zack is key contact for vendor relationships through Franchise Supplier Network, a supplier consultancy he is a partner in.

About Gregg Majewski

Gregg Majewski has a vast amount of experience as a corporate executive in the restaurant industry. As the former CEO of Jimmy John’s, he played a major role in expanding the franchise from 33 to 300+ stores in just 5 years by surrounding the company’s marketing strategy around the innovative approach of delivering sandwiches and being “freaky fast”. Majewski has worked to develop restaurant concepts over the last two plus decades, before starting Craveworthy Brands in 2023, which currently includes a growing portfolio of restaurant brands.

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Room for Seconds is produced and published by Cali BBQ Media on behalf of Craveworthy Brands

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