On this week’s episode of the Digital and Dirt podcast, Ian sits down with Krystal Faircloth, Senior Director of Brand Marketing at Smalls Sliders, to discuss her career journey across sports, consumer brands, influencer marketing, and technology, and how she’s helping build a fast-growing restaurant brand through creative storytelling and community connections.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
How Krystal’s experience at LSU Athletics and Community Coffee shaped her approach to brand storytelling, creative strategy, and maintaining brand consistency.
How building her own platform as an early content creator led to opportunities in influencer marketing, brand partnerships, and NIL technology.
How Krystal applies her cross-industry experience to building Smalls Sliders, a fast-growing quick-service restaurant brand expanding into new markets.
How Smalls Sliders uses its signature orange shipping-container restaurants, creative can drops, and local community recognition to build awareness and establish a presence in new markets.
Why local connections, Smalls creators, emerging athletes, and franchisee partnerships are central to the brand’s approach to community engagement.
How Smalls Sliders uses playful social content, unexpected campaigns, and inspiration from other industries to create memorable brand experiences and stand out in a crowded category.
Why embracing career pivots, staying curious, and being willing to learn something new can help marketers grow and bring fresh perspectives to a brand.
Tune in to the full conversation to hear Krystal’s perspectives on building brands, navigating career pivots, creating authentic community connections, and using creativity to help a growing restaurant brand stand out.