We recently connected with Robin Beattie and have shared our conversation below.

Robin, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Starting my business was not one single moment. It was really a series of realizations that built over time. After spending years in corporate America doing marketing for global brands, I reached a point in my life where I wanted more flexibility and independence in the work I was doing. When my daughter Brooke was born, I knew I needed to create a career that allowed me to be present for my family while still using the experience and skills I had spent decades building.

The idea began with recognizing that many businesses, especially local ones, struggled with marketing strategy. They knew they needed digital marketing but did not know where to start or how to make it effective. I saw an opportunity to help in a very personal and meaningful way.

The early days were equal parts exciting and intimidating. I started by reaching out to contacts, having conversations, and really listening to what business owners needed. I worked from home, built processes from scratch, researched tools, created service offerings, and handled everything myself from strategy to execution. Every day felt like problem solving in real time.

The first year was about learning how to run a business, not just marketing one. I had to figure out pricing, operations, hiring, client communication, and scaling services while continuing to deliver results. As momentum grew, so did confidence. What began as a small step away from corporate life evolved into first, a general agency, Squeaky Wheel Branding and Marketing, and a few years later, Squeaky Wheel Restaurant Marketing, which focuses specifically on helping restaurants succeed in an increasingly competitive digital space.

Looking back, execution came from simply starting before everything felt perfect and committing to continuous improvement along the way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My career has always centered around effective marketing that delivers results and storytelling and branding that helps businesses connect with their target in meaningful ways. I began my professional journey working with major national brands at companies like Coca-Cola North America and Kao Brands, where I gained experience building strategies for well known products such as Simply Orange, Minute Maid, Jergens and Natural Glow. This brand management foundation taught me the importance of leveraging data, how to execute large scale marketing strategies and campaigns that drive results, and the importance of strong branding to build strong awareness and loyalty.

After leaving corporate America, I founded Squeaky Wheel Branding & Marketing, a digital marketing agency focused on helping small businesses grow through strategic branding, digital advertising, website development, social media management, SEO, and content creation. For eight years, we partnered with businesses across a wide range of industries, helping them build stronger brands and compete in an increasingly digital world.

As our work evolved, so did our focus. Seeing the unique challenges restaurants and hospitality businesses face, I launched Squeaky Wheel Restaurant Marketing, a sister agency dedicated exclusively to partnering with restaurant owners and operators.

Today, we operate two agencies with distinct purposes. Squeaky Wheel Branding & Marketing supports small businesses across all industries, while Squeaky Wheel Restaurant Marketing provides specialized marketing strategies built specifically for restaurants and hospitality brands looking to grow, attract guests, and stand out in a competitive market.

What sets us apart is our commitment to results and relationships. We do not believe in one size fits all marketing. Every client has a different story, audience, and goal, so our strategies are customized and performance driven. We strive to become true revenue partners in our clients’ success rather than just another vendor.

What I am most proud of is the impact we have made for businesses and restaurant owners and operators. Watching businesses grow, expand, and thrive because of work we helped implement is incredibly rewarding. I want people to know that our brand is built on integrity, collaboration, and genuine passion for helping others succeed.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Consistency and trust have played the biggest roles in building the agencies’ reputation. From the beginning, I focused on delivering real results rather than quick wins or trends that would not last. When clients see measurable growth and feel supported, relationships naturally strengthen.

Another important factor has been specialization. By focusing deeply on digital marketing, and restaurants and hospitality, we developed a strong understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities. That expertise allowed us to provide solutions that truly work for operators.

Word of mouth has also been incredibly powerful. When clients trust you and see success, they share that experience with others. Over time, those relationships build a reputation that no advertising campaign can replace.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Communication and partnership are at the heart of how we maintain client relationships. We stay connected through regular strategy meetings, performance reporting, and ongoing conversations about goals and opportunities. Marketing should never feel transactional, so we make sure clients always understand what we are doing and why.

We also focus on education. The digital landscape changes constantly, and helping clients understand new platforms, trends, and strategies builds confidence and trust. When clients feel informed and involved, loyalty naturally follows.

Most importantly, we genuinely care about our clients’ success. We celebrate their wins, support them through challenges, and adapt strategies as their businesses grow. That level of partnership creates long term relationships that often extend far beyond a typical agency engagement.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://squeakywheelrestaurantmarketing.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squeakywheelrestaurantmktg/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/squeakywheelrestaurantmarketing
• Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/squeaky-wheel-restaurant-marketing/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@squeakywheelbrandingmarket747
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/squeaky-wheel-branding-and-marketing-sugar-land