Donna Tuttle - VP of Marketing, Whataburger

Donna Tuttle podcast episode graphic on Digital and Dirt

In Episode 16 of this season’s Digital and Dirt podcast, Ian welcomes Donna Tuttle, Vice President of Marketing at Whataburger, a fast food chain with over 1,000 locations across 15 states. 

A former journalist with a love for storytelling and brand-building, Donna discusses how she moved from newsroom deadlines to the fast-paced world of fast food marketing, where she launched Whataburger’s first digital newsroom and spearheaded cultural collaborations and community-driven expansion efforts. She explains what makes the Whataburger brand beloved across generations and discusses how leadership style, fan-driven marketing, and Whataburger’s culture has kept both customers and employees coming back.

Key Topics Covered:

  • From the Newsroom to Brand Building: Donna discusses how her early career in journalism and reporting on business stories laid the groundwork for her transition into brand marketing.

  • Launching Whataburger’s Digital Newsroom: She shares how she helped create the company’s first content hub, featuring nostalgic and personal stories tied to Whataburger’s iconic status.

  • Community-Driven Expansion: Donna details Whataburger’s thoughtful approach to entering new markets, which includes conducting local listening tours, focusing on workforce development, and building cultural connections.

  • Merch: From collaborations with Bruce Bolt and Yeti to a 75th-anniversary collaboration with Wrangler, Donna explains how the company leverages merchandise to extend brand reach and become a fan favorite. 

  • Celebrity Fans & Fan Service: With fans like Lainey Wilson, Bobby Witt Jr., and Ed Sheeran, Donna shares how Whataburger reacts to shoutouts from celebrities in real-time and how the brand turns its superfans into partners.

  • Leading with Care: Donna reveals the details of her leadership style, which includes developing and focusing on the individual strengths of employees and treating every team member like family.

  • Southern Hospitality in Every Tray: Finally, she explains how the chain uses simple gestures to reinforce its values of pride, care, and love. 

To learn more about Donna and how she uses authentic brand storytelling to boost the Whataburger brand, tune in to the full episode available on all podcast platforms.