March 17, 2025

The Hustle Never Stops: Will Harris on Marketing, Growth & Giving Back

Will Harris is back for round two on Common Cents The Podcast! Garrett Reed sits down with the founder of Hustle Marketing & Design and The Hustle Foundation to talk about entrepreneurship, marketing strategies, community impact, and the mindset it takes to build a brand that lasts. From creative campaigns and AI in marketing to lessons in resilience and giving back, Will shares his journey, his wins, and the tough lessons that have shaped his career. If you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or looking for inspiration to level up in business and life, this episode is packed with real talk and actionable insights.

Highlights:

Marketing That Works: Strategy Over Hype
- Success in marketing comes from understanding the brand, doing something different, and delivering more than promised, not chasing viral trends.
The Hustle Foundation: Giving Back to Entrepreneurs
- Will’s three-month mentorship program provides young entrepreneurs with an ebook, industry mentors, and networking opportunities to help them avoid costly mistakes.
The Power of Community & Relationship-Building
- Whether through food truck partnerships for shelters or fundraising galas, Will proves that community impact is just as important as business success.
Leveraging Free Business Resources & Social Media
- Tools like HubSpot, Trello, and MailChimp provide affordable ways to grow a business, while LinkedIn’s algorithm beats other platforms for engagement.
Mindset, Mistakes, and the Road to Success
- True friends hold you accountable, not jealous, and business success comes from taking calculated risks, learning from failures, and focusing on long-term wins.
Time Stamped Summary:

00:00 - Will Harris shares insights on branding, client relationships, and a successful charity campaign that solidified his business philosophy.
15:42 - The key to effective marketing is transparency and human insight, while The Hustle Foundation empowers young entrepreneurs through mentorship and networking.
37:59 - The importance of genuine communication and free business tools for entrepreneurs looking to scale without massive budgets.
59:28 - Facing criticism, learning resilience, and building strong, supportive relationships are crucial for long-term business success.
01:15:58 - Taking risks in business, handling criticism, and prioritizing team loyalty over short-term profits is the formula for overcoming challenges.
01:36:56 - The LeBron vs. Jordan debate highlights how businesses must adapt their marketing strategies to connect with different generations.
01:55:36 - Social media oversharing, fringe beliefs, and the importance of resilience in both personal and professional life.
02:13:18 - Wrapping up with perseverance, pursuing passion over money, and The Hustle Foundation’s upcoming Christmas Gala.