Episode Description:
Hey everyone, it’s Gary Leeman here on Revved Up, and I’m thrilled to chat with Matt Powell, CEO of Merak, a powerhouse Dallas-based multi-unit marketing firm that’s been rocking it for nearly 45 years. Matt shares his incredible 24-year journey at Merak, from being thrust into the CEO role with just two days’ notice to fostering unlimited growth and a strong team culture. We dive deep into leadership styles, core values like integrity and tenacity, and how to build trust while navigating tough decisions. If you’re a leader looking to inspire your team, avoid common pitfalls like holding onto bad hires, or just want real talk on creating a positive work environment, this episode is packed with insights that’ll get you revved up. Hit play, subscribe, and let’s grow together!

Guest Introduction:
Everybody, meet Matt Powell, the CEO of Merak, a fantastic Dallas-based multi-unit marketing firm known for its stellar reputation. Matt’s been with them for an impressive 24 years, starting from agency hops to finding stability and unlimited growth there. A native Texan, father of four, he’s all about building strong teams and cultures—his backstory is truly inspiring, and I’m excited to dig into his leadership wisdom today.

Key Takeaways:

• Matt’s 24 years at Merak show that stability and growth potential keep great talent around—find a place where you can advance every day, just like he did.
• Being thrust into the CEO role taught Matt the value of seeking external mentorship through groups like Vistage; it’s lonely at the top, so expand your network for fresh perspectives.
• Core values aren’t just words—Merak lives them by recognizing employees who embody integrity, tenacity, and more, even checking business decisions against them.
• Don’t hold onto toxic hires; it hurts the team more than helping, and remember, rock stars want to play with other A-players to stay challenged and engaged.
• Servant leadership works best with younger generations—get in the trenches, explain the ‘why,’ and build advocacy to make discomfort part of the growth journey.
• Embrace the uncomfortable as a leader; start ‘dancing crazy’ on that hill, find your second dancer, and watch the momentum build.

Chapter Markers:
0:00 Intro
0:08 Building Advocacy as a Leader
0:45 Welcome and Guest Overview
2:06 Matt’s Background and Merak’s Story
3:20 Longevity in Marketing
4:03 Unlimited Growth Potential
5:36 Inspiration and Mentorship
6:07 Thrust into CEO Role
7:36 Vistage and Peer Groups
9:36 Lonely at the Top
11:36 Tough Decisions as CEO
14:34 Leadership Style: Servant Leadership
18:53 Doorman Fallacy and Experience Value
20:27 Core Values at Merak
23:32 Living Core Values Daily
25:40 Hiring for Values
32:09 Addressing Bad Fits
35:54 Toxic Hires Story
39:01 A-Players and Challenges
41:40 Dancing Guy Analogy
43:21 Embracing Discomfort
44:42 Wrapping Up and Q&A

Keywords:
Gary Leeman, Matt Powell, Revved Up podcast, Merak agency, marketing leadership, agency culture, core values, servant leadership, CEO journey, team building, growth mindset, mentorship, Vistage, advertising industry, Dallas marketing