Insights

Taking Your Game to the Next Level – Brian Morris | Chief Executive O...

What Should a Fractional CMO Do in the First 90 Days?

Growth changes everything, but the answer isn’t doing more of everyth...

Marketing Director, Agency or Fractional CMO? 

If you’re a CEO or business owner trying to get your marketing under contro...

Why Your Marketing Isn’t Generating Leads

Where Lead Generation Breaks Down One of the most common things I hear from...

Changing the Perception and Paradigm of a Profession – Melissa Mahone...

Crux Marks 10 Years of Growth with Hall of Champions Induction and Fifth Co...

Media Contact: Andrew Meiller (816) 381-2600 | andrew.m...

You Can’t Read the Label from Inside the Bottle 

As Crux celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, I did something that fel...

Making Marketing Make Sense – Becky Schieber | VP of Marketing and Fr...

Fast Marketing Is the Junk Food of Business. Slow Marketing Builds Brands. ...

There’s a subtle pattern in how we make decisions, and once you see it, you...

Adaptation & Optimism in Fintech – Martha Salinas | Chief Commerc...

When the CEO Becomes the “Chief Everything Officer” 

I see it everywhere. A founder starts a company because they’re great at so...

NAIA Launches Strategic Marketing Partnership with Crux to Serve and Streng...

Advancing Education-Based Athletics and the Student-Athlete Experience Nati...

Memory and Future – Dr. Matthew Naylor, PhD | President & CEO of The Na...

A Radical Rethink: Why Crux Exists—and Why the Fractional CMO Model Works ...

Article Summary: Most small‑ and mid‑sized businesses don’t fail at marketi...

Signs Your Business Has Outgrown DIY Marketing 

Article Summary: If you woke up today and decided today that you wanted to ...

Vision Versus Reality – Brooke Barrier | VP of Strategy & Creative at C...

Is a Fractional CMO Worth It? The Real Cost of Marketing Fragmentation

Article Summary:  That reframing changes the conversation entirel...

From Outsourced Marketing to Embedded Leadership

In most organizations, marketing doesn’t struggle because of a lack of effo...

National AI Literacy Day – Why Humans in the Loop Still Matter in Mar...

National AI Literacy Day is a good reminder that access to AI is not the sa...

Fractional CMOs: Leadership, Not Just Execution 

Think of your business like a space shuttle sitting on the launch pad. ...

The Science of Intuition: Harnessing Your Hidden Superpower for Success ...

Crux-Cast 2026: The Top Marketing Trends to Watch in 2026

Staying Relevant in 2026 Will Come Down to Intention  The last few yea...

The Cognitive Distortions Sabotaging Your Marketing — Why a Fractional CMO ...

We blame the algorithm for everything in marketing. Search is down? Must be...

From Global Stage to KC’s Creative Future: Transforming communities through...

Crux Selects Kansas City Public Library and Kansas City Girls Preparatory A...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Jan. 20, 2026) — Crux KC, Kansas City...

Your New Years Resolution: Get Your Data Into Shape

Every January, we think about fitness for the new year.  We&...

Uh Oh! Your “Authenticity” is Showing: Brand trust at work

Tired of buzzword-laden PowerPoint decks? Synergistic approaches?...

Connecting Brands to People: The Power of Storytelling, Strategy & Segm...

Fractional CMOs: Strategic Marketing Without the Overhead

If you’re running a business, chances are your marketing feels a ...

Holiday Email Deliverability: Stay Pinned to the Virtual Fridge

Here’s the truth about holiday emails: they are often treated as digital Ch...

Finding the Right Fit: The Secrets of Strategic Recruiting – Julie Davis an...

Using Your EQ: Creating a Domino Effect for Success

When most people think about top performers — in business or in life — they...

Applications Open for $50,000 Crux for a Cause

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Crux KC has officially opened applications for its annua...

Analytics for Decision-Making, Turning Data into Insights

Marketing is full of opportunities to measure success. With so many valuabl...

Values-Driven Vision: Philanthropy That Starts with Why – Tracy McFerrin an...

Why Business Growth Starts with Brand Clarity 

Brand Is More Than a Logo—It’s the Lens That Drives Growth  Too often,...

What Real Partnership Looks Like 

I’ve been thinking a lot about the meaning of partnership lately.  Ear...

Sports as a Superpower: Building the Identity & the Economy in KC – Kat...

The Social Media Mistakes You’re Making (And How to Fix Them)

Let’s set the scene.  It’s 10:47 a.m. You’re halfway through your seco...

PR Gold: How Your Brand Can Win Big During the Global Event 

A major event is headed to your city. The buzz is palpable, the anticipatio...

Crux, OCCU-TEC featured in the Kansas City Business Journal

This year, 32 companies in the Kansas City metro area landed on the Inc. 50...

Crux becomes 4x Inc. 5000 honoree; Ranks No. 2341 with three-year revenue g...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Crux KC has made its fourth consecutive appearance on th...

Fundamentals in Basketball & Omnichannel Marketing

“It’s all about the fundamentals.”   My dad, a former professiona...

Financial Services Marketing: Change, Consumers, Compliance

The financial services world is amid another big shift. As we move through ...

From Mickey Ears to Millionaire Moves: Maximizing the Value of Your Busines...

Sales Coaching Tips: How to Pitch Like a Pro

We’ve all been in a sales pitch that falls flat. Maybe it was too long, too...

Yes, Chef: What “The Bear” Teaches Us About AI in Marketing

In Season 2 of FX’s “The Bear,” there’s a quiet but powerful tr...

One University, One Voice: The Power of Integrated Marketing 

While institutions pride themselves on knowledge sharing and academic colla...

From Features to Feelings: B2B Brands Embrace B2C Strategy

In a digital world shaped by shrinking attention spans and rising expectati...

The Art of the Call-to-Action: Getting People to Click

For business leaders focused on growth, CTAs can’t be an afterthought. They...

Building a higher standard: Investing in operational excellence – Nilson Go...

Navigating Marketing Strategy in Uncertain Times 

Strategic marketing decision-making can sometimes feel like navigating a sh...

Mastering Generative Engine Optimization with Strategic PR

In the ever-evolving world of marketing, digital trends are changing overni...

The Social Campaign Guide Every Marketer Needs 

In the ever-evolving landscape of paid social media, paid media strategy is...

Demonstrating Worth: The Challenge and Opportunity for Higher Education—Hig...

When I think back on my time in education, I remember not only the people, ...

From SaaS to Cash: How Novel Capital Fuels Founders Without Taking Equity –...

Tailored Fit: How Marketing Research Leads to Business Success

Have you ever attempted to sew a garment without a pattern? You might end u...

Investing in Yourself Is the First Step to Investing in Your Brand

I blame myself: I’m a personal development junkie.  Every day, I...

Why Marketing Matters for Nonprofits—And How Fractional CMO Services Make I...

Nonprofits are built on passion.   Whether it’s fighting food ins...

Organic vs. Paid Social Media: Why Your Strategy Needs Both

In the world of digital marketing, social media is one of the most powerful...

Fortune Favors The Bold: Galvanizing Communities From Boardrooms to City Ha...

Authenticity in Marketing: Representing Your Brand the Right Way

Imagine walking into a coffee shop that promises “the best artisanal brew i...

The Executive Presence Blueprint: 3 Essential Elements 

We often associate “executive presence” with a corner office, a...

“Made in America” segment spotlights Crux and client, Alphapoin...

The following originally appeared on KSHB. Since the United States increase...

Novel Capital partnership featured in Kansas City Business Journal

The following originally appeared in the Kansas City Business Journal. Crux...

Don’t Let Good Content Die: How to Repurpose, Redistribute, and Recyc...

Content is still king. Or queen. Well, let’s be honest—content is the whole...

UX: The Unsung Hero Behind Web Design That Grows Your Business 

In the ever-expanding digital universe, businesses are in a constant battle...

Startland News highlights how Novel/Crux partnership will help early-stage ...

The following originally appeared in Startland News. An exclusive partnersh...

Novel Capital partnership featured in Fintech Finance News

The following originally appeared in Fintech Finance News: Crux KC has ente...

Owning Your Voice: Why It’s Time to Start a Podcast

Looking for an exciting new way to elevate your brand?  Take a dive in...

Novel Capital names Crux KC exclusive marketing partner

Exclusive partnership offers growth-focused marketing services to early-sta...

Leading with courage and character: Educating tomorrow’s workforce – Dr. Sa...

SEO vs. SEM: What’s the Right Move for Your Growth?

Scaling a business is all about momentum—getting in front of the right peop...

Why Aligning Marketing and Sales is Essential for Maximizing ROI

In most organizations, marketing and sales exist in separate silos, with di...

Using Social Media Analytics to Drive Marketing Strategies

Social media is a vital tool for brands to connect with their audience, bui...

Crux-Cast 2025: The Top Marketing Trends to Watch in 2025 

Marketing strategy in 2025 is a paradox. It’s more AI-driven than ever, yet...

Why They Buy: Understanding the Path to Purchase in Consumer Brand Marketin...

Web Accessibility: A Fractional Marketing Perspective

The internet is a powerful tool that connects people worldwide, providing a...

Choosing the Right CMS: WordPress, HubSpot, and Shopify for Scalable Busine...

Choosing the right CMS can make or break your website, especially when you&...

Moments of Truth: The Journey is the Destination When it Comes to Winning C...

In the ever-evolving world of customer experience, one concept has stood th...

How the Cookie Crumbles: Everything you need to know about Browser Cookies ...

Ingredients:  2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour  1/2 teaspoon baking s...

Banking on Innovation: Humanizing and Simplifying Banking as a Service (Baa...

Brewing Conversions: CRO and Website Content Strategy

We all talk a lot about best practices in web. From content to design, acce...

Crux Selects The Prospect KC for 2025 Pro-Bono Marketing Services Program

For Immediate Release  Kansas City, Mo. — Crux KC, Kansas City’s marke...

The Value of Messaging: Authentic Words Build Unstoppable Brands 

In today’s crowded market, brands aren’t competing solely for attention—the...

Soundbite Savvy: Master the Media with These Top Tips  

In today’s fast-paced world, executives aren’t just leaders within th...

Content Marketing Unleashed: How to Create Value-Driven Content that Engage...

In the bustling digital marketplace, where everyone is vying for attention,...

Recharging the Imagination: Burnout Solutions to Fuel Your Inspiration

Creative burnout is an all-too-familiar experience in the design world. Whe...

Crux Partnership With Primeview Featured in AV Magazine

Crux is proud to announce its partnership with Primeview, which “offe...

Mastering SEO: A Beginner’s Guide to Making Your Website Stand Out

Have you ever wondered why some websites always seem to know how to steal t...

Low risk, high reward: Fueling business growth with a fractional CMO

By Melea McRae “The business enterprise has two–and only two–ba...

From Competition to Community: A Chef-Driven Legacy – Kelly Magee | CEO �...

Preserving a City Landmark, Projecting a Community Brand – George Guastello...

Coding to Close the Digital Divide – Tammy Buckner | Co-Founder and CEO of ...

Applications Open for 2025 Crux for a Cause

 For Immediate Release Sept. 17, 2024   KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Crux KC has offi...

Melea McRae featured on “The Corporate Couch” podcast

Crux Founder & CEO Melea McRae recently joined Jeff Pelaccio on his pod...

Understanding the Digital Marketing Landscape: An Overview

In today’s fast-paced digital world, it’s essential for small a...

What’s Your Sign? Harnessing Earth, Water, Fire, and Air in Your Brand Stra...

Here’s a bold thought: Astrology can teach us a lot about branding. Hear me...

The Art and Science of Staffing – Matt Sharples | Co-Founder & CEO at ...

Crux KC earns Inc. 5000 for 3rd time at No. 1694 in 2024 with three-year re...

For Immediate Release August 13, 2024 NEW YORK, August 13, 2024 – Inc. reve...

Coalition of the Willing: Marketing Kansas City on a Global Stage – T...

Crux adds key creative and digital leadership, nearly doubles office space ...

For Immediate Release Crux adds key creative and digital leadership, nearly...

Solving problems through service, strategy and serendipity – Aviva Ajmera |...

The Next Level: How the NAIA helps small colleges create sustainable perfor...

The Pickleball Effect: Building a Brand on Backyard Community – Kelli Alldr...

How do I Know if My Marketing is Working? 6 Questions to Ensure You’re Meas...

What’s Inside? Is everyone singing the same song? Is your brand perce...

Leaders flex first: Building an effective team through engagement and envir...

The human element: A people-first approach to labor and employment law – Ke...

All in: Redefining the commercial insurance industry with “we” culture – Ri...

The Crux-Cast: Marketing Trends to Watch in 2024

Every year at Crux, we survey our team to identify emerging trends and inte...

Crux for a Cause featured in Startland News

A company lauded among Kansas City’s top small businesses for three consecu...

Crux KC Selects WeCode KC and Child Abuse Prevention Association for 2024 C...

Company doubles pro-bono service offering to $100,000 to support two nonpro...

Leading from the Heart(land): Championing KC on the International Stage ...

Alfa Romeos to Alpha Waves: Inside the Cranium of a Creative Entrepreneur &...

Crux ranks #35 on Business Journal Fast 50

(Photo courtesy of the Kansas City Business Journal) Crux Founder & CEO...

The Benefits of a Fractional CMO

Can a fraction be more than a whole? While perhaps imponderable mathematica...

Balancing Fast Growth and Slow Purpose: A Navigational Guide for Entreprene...

Growing up around sailboats, I learned early on that sailing isn’t ju...

Crux-Xcelerate pivots with key hire, fueling growth for local businesses th...

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release Kansas City, Mo. – In most organization...

Leveraging EQ to Build Relationships and Develop Sales Engines – John...

The C-Suite Value of Chief Marketers: Strategy and Stewardship – Tom ...

Crux KC Ranks No. 1,500 on Inc. 5000, Up 1,178 Spots From 2022

For Immediate Release August 15, 2023 Crux KC Ranks No. 1,500 on Inc. 5000,...

Balancing Entrepreneurial Risk & Operational Safety – Skuli Gudmu...

Crux lands on Business Journal’s Fast 50 list

Crux has landed on the Kansas City Business Journal’s Fast 50 list fo...

Your Personal Brand and the Power of Connection – André Davis | Corpo...

Kansas City’s Urban Growth, Economic Impact, and the Power of Partner...

Startland News recognizes Crux, Crema for Top 10 and Best Workplaces honors

The following appeared originally in Startland News: A workplace in the era...

Business Journal highlights Crux for Inc Best Workplaces honor

“Six Kansas City-area companies have landed on Inc. magazine’s 2023 B...

Crux scores Inc. Magazine’s Best Workplaces honor

  For Immediate Release  Crux earns Inc. Magazine’s 2023 Best Workplaces ho...

Fostering Entrepreneurship Through Collaboration – Kim Randolph | Pre...

Crux featured in Business Journal for Top 10 Small Business Accolade

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce revealed its Top 10 Small Busin...

Revive your online presence: How to recognize when it’s time to reima...

In the dynamic world of digital marketing, the importance of a strong onlin...

Crux selected as two-time Champion of Business

A panel of four judges selected 15 companies from hundreds of nominations a...

Building Business Value and Knowing Your Customer – Grant Burcham | F...

Crux for a Cause, What If Puppets featured in Startland News

The following originally appeared in Startland News: Going digital during t...

Melea McRae featured on Banking on KC podcast

Crux Founder & CEO Melea McRae was recently invited onto Country Club B...

Marketing Research and Emotional Resonance – Grant Gooding | Founder ...

Making Investments and Growing Your Business – Tim Webster Founder, C...

AI in Marketing: The Partner to Your Process

As a marketer, you know all too well the challenges of efficiently managing...

What if Puppets Selected for Crux for a Cause Pro-Bono Marketing Services

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release January 11, 2023 Kansas City, Mo. — Kan...

Charlie Hustle highlights Crux capabilities, partnership in Business Journa...

Charlie Hustle’s Chase McAnulty recently sat down with Leslie Collins...

Leveraging HubSpot for Business Growth – Brian Bresee | HubSpot’s Dir...

Crux partnership with Charlie Hustle featured in Kansas City Business Journ...

Charlie Hustle selected Crux KC to steer the Kansas City-based apparel comp...

Charlie Hustle Partners with Crux KC as Marketing “Un-Agency” of Record

For Immediate Release December 13, 2022 Kansas City, MO – Two local Kansas ...

The state of marketing: 5 trends to expect in 2023

In marketing, it’s frighteningly easy to mingle with yesterday’s news. Once...

The Story Behind Crux – Melea McRae | Founder and CEO of Crux KC, LLC

President & CCO Ethan Whitehill introduces our first episode with Crux...

Here’s the Secret to Boosting Profits With PR

Helen Rosen Woodward once said, “Advertising is what you pay for, publicity...

Accelerate Through the Turn: Driving Your Brand in an Uncertain Economy

Earlier this year, Netflix announced season five and six extensions for “Fo...

Tom Butch joins Crux KC advisory board, serves as consulting strategist

Kansas City, Mo. — Crux KC announces that Thomas Butch has joined its advis...

Crux Internships: A Peek Behind Door #3

Bringing different perspectives into the workplace helps broaden our unders...

The advisory board: Establishing a sounding board to advance your business

“It’s your right to be uncommon if you can … You desire to take the calcula...

Turn your wire into a plank: How to delegate to elevate your business

Some of the best entrepreneurial advice I received from my mentor and busin...

Crux Featured in KCBJ Inc. 5000 Article

Crux was among 50 KC-area companies to land on the 2022 Inc. 5000 list, whi...

Crux KC Receives Ranking No. 2678 Among America’s Fastest-Growing Private C...

For Immediate Release Aug. 16, 2022 Contact: Kara Brooks (816) 381-2600 | k...

A Gut Check for Your Brand

First it was market share. Then it was mind share. Now, today’s marketers a...

Measure What Matters: Leveraging Data to Define Marketing Success

It’s no secret that data and analytics are essential to any business –...

Trust the Process: Why Workflow Management Software is Key to Delivering an...

What’s the status of the deliverable? Did you receive my request? Can you f...

Top-Gun Branding: Target Their Minds to Win the Business

To win the dogfight for brand preference, think “inside” your customer’s de...

Crux selects Kanbe’s Markets as annual recipient of $30K pro bono marketing...

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release January 25, 2021 Contact: Claire Martin...

Pitch Perfect: 7 Tips for Crafting a Winning PR Pitch

If you’ve ever had a great story in mind for your business, you may already...

Leveling up: 5 ways Dungeons & Dragons has made me a better marketer

Tuesday is, without doubt, my favorite day of the week. I rush home from wo...

Why entrepreneurs should rule the world

This October marked the seventh annual Pure Pitch Rally, one of my favorite...

‘Un-agency’ to double office space following 60% revenue, 100% staff growth...

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release December 1, 2021 Contact: Claire Martin...

The cost of COVID: Prolonged grief and how (not) returning to the office ca...

Running a business can feel like an Olympic feat some days, especially in t...

Crux named to Business Journal’s Best Places to Work for 2021

Crux KC is proud to be one of the 47 companies honored by the Kansas City B...

‘Un-agency’ recruits new president & COO following explosive growth, n...

Kansas City, Mo. — It’s all hands on deck as Crux KC (Crux) rides the tailw...

Returning to His Roots: Q&A with President & COO Ethan Whitehill

Earlier this summer, Crux proudly welcomed Ethan Whitehill into the fold as...

Melea McRae inducted into Women Who Mean Business 2021 class

Last week, Crux Founder & CEO Melea McRae was officially inducted into ...

The Easiest Solution for Every Type of Digital Marketing Campaign

When’s the last time you truly sat down to audit your marketing efforts? A ...

Crux, Burcham investment featured in Kansas City Business Journal

“Former Mobank CEO Burcham invests in KC marketing agency” By: ...

Crux KC featured in Grow KC for Top 10 distinction

The following excerpt was originally featured in Grow KC: For Melea McRae, ...

Burcham investment, company growth featured in Startland News

One of KC’s top small businesses markets explosive growth into new key inve...

Grant Burcham invests in Crux, accelerates explosive growth

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Melea McRae selected for 2021 Women Who Mean Business class

Crux Founder & CEO Melea McRae was recently named to Kansas City Busine...

McRae talks growth and diversity on Chamber Top 10 panel

Founder & CEO Melea McRae gathered with other Greater Kansas City Chamb...

Crux earns Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Top 10 Honor

Crux was named a 2021 Top 10 Small Business by the Greater Kansas City Cham...

Melea McRae among three KC entrepreneurs to win Enterprising Women of the Y...

Kansas City, Mo. – Three local business leaders have been recognized as 202...

Why you should connect your employees with your company’s “why”

Drummers, man. Believe me: For a role synonymous with keeping time, drummer...

‘Un-agency’ experiences exponential growth; doubles head count and square f...

Kansas City, Mo. – Just two months after doubling its square footage, Crux ...

Thought leadership: How to find your voice in a crowded marketplace

What topic could you give a 20-minute TED Talk on right now with no prepara...

Think email marketing is outdated? 5 reasons to think again

In the age of constantly evolving technology, marketing innovation, social ...

Culture eats strategy for breakfast, but what happens when culture and stra...

Patrick Mahomes needs no introduction. Both a Super Bowl champ and MVP, he’...

5 social media tips for startups and small businesses

In honor of World Social Media Day this year, we’re highlighting five socia...

5 reasons why now’s the right time for a marketing investment

Promoting your business in a time of crisis can be extremely difficult. You...

A Good Red is Hard to Find

Imagine showing up to a meeting with a few of your colleagues, and when you...

Are you and your customers singing the same song?

Pearl Jam to Rage Against the Machine, then to Enya and – wait – is that Ha...

The power of the case study: How to “close the deal” with a strong third-pa...

Kansas City has been my home for a long time, but I’ve been fortunate to ha...

Staying afloat: How outsourced marketing can serve as your life preserver

Nothing makes these sweltering summer days more bearable than an afternoon ...

‘Un-agency’ startup continues momentum with key hires and office expansion ...

Kansas City, Mo. – One area startup has found a way to topple the barriers ...

The art of perseverance: How to set your business up for success

He’s back. After an 11-year dry spell, Tiger Woods clinched his 15th major ...

A different approach to sales: Gaining momentum with Crux-Xcelerate

We’ve been a little quiet over the last few months—but with good reason! I ...

Crux KC, Crux-Xcelerate featured in Thinking Bigger

Thinking Bigger‘s Claire Martin writes about the success of Crux KC a...

Crux KC looks to “Xcelerate” sales and revenue for emerging businesses wit...

Kansas City, Mo. – Moving forward requires a little speed, and two Kansas C...

Roadmap for success: Effective B2B marketing tactics to grow your business

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve loved long road trips. From soaking up the bac...

Gather ‘round, it’s story time: The importance of storytelling in your comp...

I pride myself on my identity as a writer and creator, but that didn’t prev...

What’s behind door #3?

Throughout my 25 years in marketing, business owners have asked me countles...

For B2B companies, even the smallest brand cue can have a memorable impact

Coca Cola. Just mentioning the name conjures up images of a flowing script ...

The good kind of growing pains

We know. It’s been a while. The past six months have been some of the most ...

Sharpen your marketing with an outsourced team

Ever since childhood, I’ve been enamored with the Swiss Army knife. I’d bor...

Speaking the B2B Language

Anyone in a relationship can identify: Even if you understand the words you...

Crux Lands in the Crossroads

A sofa just rolled past our office door. To the left, an electrician is wir...

Is it time to change tradition?

Don’t get me wrong—I’m a big fan of tradition, especially around the holida...

From Smallville to Superman: What’s Your Origin Story?

Everyone loves a good origin story. Hewlett Packard basically started Silic...

‘Can you hear me now?’ How a strong tagline can expand your reach

Think different. I’m lovin’ it. Where’s the beef? Three very distinct compa...

Making the Most of ‘Made in Kansas City’: Why small businesses need to inve...

While the “Made in KC” mark is becoming ubiquitous on T-shirts and tote bag...

What’s in a Name?

I finally made the leap! For the past five years I envisioned what this wou...