PEARL LEMON INTERVIEWS:
KENT LEWIS
As President and Founder of Anvil Media, Inc., Kent Lewis is responsible for managing operations, marketing and business development towards their purpose of creating a meaningful impact for Anvil’s clients, community, and employees. They do this through creative problem-solving, making and leveraging connections and educating others.
A Fireside Chat
I had the opportunity to have an amazing conversation with Kent Lewis from Anvil Media today. Kent and I initially got to talking about media placements for public relations, and I wanted to ask him more.
So, he took the time to talk to me and answer some questions so I could get to know him better and hear more about the things that have helped shape his business success to date – let’s get stuck into it!
What Is The Book (Or Books) You’ve Given Most As A Gift, And Why?
There are three books that have had a profound impact on me, personally and professionally. I’ve always been fascinated with human behavior and social psychology. As a result, I’ve found these books quench my thirst for learning and impact the way I communicate and understand human nature, which, in turn, helps my efficacy as a marketer:
Instant Rapport Audio by Michael Brooks
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini
Predictably Irrational by Dan Ariely
Honorable mentions go to Malcolm Gladwell and Seth Godin for their contributions across multiple works.
What Purchase Of $100 Or Less Has Most Positively Impacted Your Life In The Last Six Months?
I would have to say my Sony Bluetooth headphones (MDR-XB650BT) have been amazing, as I love listening to music and have found that the microphone is exceptional for calls. The battery life is also insane, and I paid under $70 on Woot.
When You Feel Overwhelmed Or Unfocused, Or Have Lost Your Focus Temporarily, What Do You Do?
When I hit a wall, I take a break/breather. If I only have a moment, I’ll do a few deep breaths to refocus. If I have more time, I’ll walk around, get a drink or snack and reset. Even more time, I might take a game break (I have a cocktail arcade game at home).
Lastly, the best way I’ve found to problem-solve is to sleep on the challenge. I always have a clear head and perspective the next morning.
What Are Bad Recommendations You Hear In Your Profession Or Area Of Expertise?
“Hire great people and get out of the way.” Total BS.
It’s difficult to hire great people, and I’ve learned not to expect that they immediately and consistently nail the job out of the gate. Now I inspect, not expect. That includes setting goals, having check-ins and offering guidance and support.
Secondly, the e-myth: “Work on the business, not in the business”. I wrote an article on my lesson and perspective that you can check out.
In The Last Five Years, What New Belief, Behavior, Or Habit Has Most Improved Your Life?
Listening to my biorhythms since COVID hit. I’ve learned not to fight waking up early (especially if I have new ideas, big projects or energy) and working late (I’m most productive in the afternoon/evening).
What Is One Of The Best Or Most Worthwhile Investments You’ve Ever Made?
Investing quarantine time with my family. I’ve connected with my sons in new and powerful ways, just spending time together during the day.
LISTEN MORE, TALK LESS.
- KENT LEWIS
If You Could Have A Gigantic Billboard Anywhere With Anything On It — What Would It Say And Why?
You get one try at this, don’t waste it. Make every day count, make every action matter.
How Has A Failure, Or Apparent Failure, Set You Up For Later Success?
Failing as an employee – not respecting incompetent management, doing it my way (which was better) etc. got me fired twice, but it set me up to run Anvil and provide a solid financial platform and a ton of fun.
What Advice Would You Give To A Smart, Driven College Student About To Enter The “Real World”? What Advice Should They Ignore?
Network frequently and intentionally. Give before you ask.
Tell Us About Your Business. What Does It Do And What Value Do You Add?
I’ve been in the digital marketing world since 1996, primarily at 9 agencies. I’ve founded 2 and co-founded 2. I’ve run Anvil Media since 2000. We’re a measurable marketing agency that specializes in Paid Media, SEO, email marketing, and content strategy.
What Careers Advice Would You Give To Your 21-Year Old Self?
Have more empathy for others. Listen more, talk less.
Tell Us About Someone You Admire And Why You Admire Them?
I admire Ryan Reynolds for his sense of humour, entrepreneur/investor mindset and mostly, for his marketing brilliance for Aviation Gin and Mint Mobile.
What Profession Other Than Your Own Would You Like To Attempt?
Teacher, race car driver, professional skateboarder
What Is A 'Hack' You Have For Success That Most People Don't Know About?
I use Hootsuite to pre-schedule social media posts throughout the week (for the past 10 years). People think I don’t sleep, as I’m always in their feeds.
Where Do You See Your Industry In The Next 5 Years?
Even more focused on data and providing business-level value (strategy).
What Is The Most Surprising Thing You've Seen In Your Industry?
Former employees who steal our process, employees, and clients and are completely okay with it. This is unusual in our small town of Portland.
What Is A Useful Skill Someone Could Learn In One Minute?
How to schedule posts on social media.
How Has Covid-19 Changed Your Company?
Remote working mostly, and creating new ways to stay connected and engaged.
How Has Covid-19 Changed Your Industry?
Travel and tourism is dead until a vaccine has taken effect, so those clients are gone. Remote working is the new normal.
What Did You Have For Breakfast This Morning?
Peanut butter and banana.
What's Your Favourite Holiday Destination?
Hawaii.
What's Your Favourite Colour?
Orange (Anvil’s colour).
What Popular Celebrity Do You Admire The Most And Why?
Ryan Reynolds (man crush).
What One Thing In Life Do You Consider To Be Overrated?
Diets.
What Are You NOT Very Good At?
Dieting!
What's Your Star Sign?
Scorpio.
About Us
Pearl Lemon are an SEO, PPC, PR, and B2B lead-generation agency. We are based in London but service clients around the world.
We have taken the time to interview entrepreneurs and experts (like Kent) in this new series.
