190: Sky Zone's Josh Cole on marketing and brand partnerships

Sky Zone's Josh Cole on marketing and brand partnershipsDuring this 190th episode of “Marketing Today,” host Alan Hart interviews Josh Cole, the chief marketing officer at Sky Zone. Sky Zone is an active environment with gravity-defying aerial attractions with around 210 locations around the world.Cole began his career with a short stint in financial services before making a jump into the entertainment industry at Universal Studios parks and resorts division. He joined as the first team, specifically focused on internet marketing. He was involved in starting all of their social media and digital marketing from the beginning. Five years ago, he made the "jump" to Sky Zone to widen his responsibilities and oversee "all things marketing."Cole discusses his gratefulness that someone took a chance on him. "You got to hire for intangibles. You've got to find someone who is smart, curious, and has the right personality and dig in." He shares the importance and health benefits of "active" play. "We know that we have the highest awareness, but awareness doesn't mean anything unless it turns into visits." Cole discusses the importance of GX (guest experience), research, and branding.Highlights from this week's “Marketing Today”: Josh's background and journey into marketing. 01:18A unique story: the big jump from financial services to marketing. 03:39The "soaring" business of Sky Zone. 08:21The key factors that differentiate Sky Zone from other parks. 11:56Three elements for how the "totality of marketing" comes into play. 16:22The challenges and opportunities for franchise marketing. 22:29Advantages of "Battle-tested" marketers. 27:25Sky Zone's partnership with Carnival Cruise Lines. 29:01Josh's defining moment/experience that makes up who he is today. 33:58Josh's advice for a young marketer starting out. 36:35Current brands to be watching. 38:39The future of marketing and opportunity for marketers. 41:09Linking commerce to culture, naturally. 42:53 Resources Mentioned:Sky Zone'sWebsiteUniversal Studios Parks in Osaka, JapanCarnival Sky Zone at SeaCarnival PanoramaShaquille O'Neal Sky Zone Dunk Contest in LAJosh Cole on LinkedIn Become a member today and listen ad-free, visit https://plus.acast.com/s/marketingtoday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.