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The Growth Flywheel: How Dr. Connor Robertson Builds Momentum Post-Acquisition

Celebrity News Staff Celebrity News Staff on August 12, 2025

By: Dr. Connor Robertson

When most people buy a business, they ask the wrong question: “How do we fix this?” Dr. Connor Robertson asks, “How do we build momentum?” It’s a subtle but powerful difference. Fixing implies something’s broken. Momentum assumes there’s already value, and you’re trying to amplify it. That’s the essence of what Dr. Connor Robertson refers to as the growth flywheel, a business framework that can potentially generate compounding returns through smart systems, positive feedback loops, and scalable trust. After acquiring dozens of businesses, Dr. Connor Robertson has developed a repeatable model that can transform a stable-but-stagnant company into a fast-moving, self-reinforcing growth machine.

What Is a Growth Flywheel?

A flywheel is a mechanical concept: once it starts spinning, it takes less energy to keep it going. In business, a growth flywheel is a system of activities that accelerate over time, creating momentum that fuels itself. For Dr. Connor Robertson, the flywheel isn’t just a metaphor; it’s a strategic operating model that aligns marketing, fulfillment, sales, and customer success into a unified loop. The end goal? A company where every new customer makes the next customer easier to acquire. A business where cash flow isn’t unpredictable, but more reliable.

The 4 Core Pillars of Dr. Connor Robertson’s Growth Flywheel

Dr. Connor Robertson’s post-acquisition roadmap centers around four interconnected pillars:

1. Customer Experience Excellence

The flywheel doesn’t spin unless the core product or service is solid. But solid doesn’t necessarily mean luxury; it means reliable, clear, and meeting or exceeding expectations.

Dr. Connor Robertson works with teams to enhance:

  • Fast, friendly service interactions

  • Transparent pricing and communication

  • Timely delivery and follow-up

  • Proactive handling of complaints

This creates customer trust, which can have a significant impact on referrals, reviews, and retention.

As he puts it, “Delight one customer, and they could bring you three more. Disappoint one, and you might lose more.”

2. Reputation Amplification

Once the customer experience is refined, the next step is building social proof and authority. Dr. Connor Robertson implements systems to turn positive experiences into marketing fuel:

  • Google review automation

  • Video testimonials from satisfied clients

  • Case studies and story-driven blog posts

  • Word-of-mouth incentives

These tools can help the brand appear larger than it may seem. The business starts attracting customers who’ve already made up their minds about purchasing.

Reputation doesn’t just attract; it also helps convert. This is why this layer of the flywheel gets considerable attention.

3. Recurring Engagement Systems

A huge mistake many business owners make is treating each customer as a one-time transaction. Dr. Connor Robertson changes this by creating ongoing touchpoints that nurture repeat business and long-term loyalty.

These systems include:

  • Email campaigns with seasonal offers

  • Reminder text messages for routine services

  • Monthly newsletters with updates or promotions

  • Personalized check-ins from account managers

With each touch, the flywheel speeds up. Customers feel remembered, not just sold to. That emotional connection can be more valuable than any advertisement.

4. Referral and Upsell Engines

As momentum builds, Dr. Connor Robertson taps into one of the most profitable channels: the customer base itself.

He sets up:

  • Referral programs tied to rewards or status

  • Cross-sell and upsell sequences based on customer behavior

  • Community marketing, such as customer spotlight features

  • VIP programs for premier clients

These strategies encourage customers to become advocates. The business starts to fuel itself. That’s when the flywheel reaches a critical point, and growth becomes more sustainable.

Why This Framework Works Post-Acquisition

Dr. Connor Robertson’s growth flywheel isn’t just a theoretical framework; it’s designed for real-world businesses that have:

  • An existing customer base

  • Some level of local or industry presence

  • Systems that are functioning but haven’t been fully optimized

  • Staff who are capable but might not be fully utilized

Rather than completely overhauling everything, his model works with what’s already in place. He doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel; he simply focuses on making it spin faster.

This approach is often particularly effective for acquired businesses, especially those in services, health, construction, logistics, or B2B.

Common Mistakes That Can Impact the Flywheel

Dr. Connor Robertson notes that not every flywheel operates automatically. Here are some common pitfalls he advises avoiding:

  • Overcomplicating the technology. It’s important to keep systems simple enough for staff to manage daily.

  • Neglecting follow-through. Every part of the flywheel depends on reliable execution.

  • Focusing only on acquisition. Without retaining customers, businesses risk stagnation.

  • Failing to track metrics. If you’re not monitoring retention, referrals, and customer value, optimization becomes difficult.

Momentum comes from alignment and consistency, not complexity. That’s why Dr. Connor Robertson keeps the systems straightforward and emphasizes training people, not just installing software.

The Flywheel vs. the Funnel

Marketing agencies often rely on funnels—lead generation into sales, end of story. But for Dr. Connor Robertson, funnels end too soon. “Funnels extract value,” he says. “Flywheels create value over and over again.”

A funnel sees customers as an endpoint. A flywheel views them as the beginning of new opportunities. This shift in perspective is what leads to sustainable growth, rather than fleeting bursts of revenue.

The Final Word: Businesses Should Get Easier Over Time

Dr. Connor Robertson’s growth flywheel challenges the traditional narrative. Instead of stating, “Growth is hard,” he designs businesses where growth becomes easier the longer the company operates.

  • Customers trust you more.

  • Your systems become more efficient.

  • Your team improves at execution.

  • Your brand gains momentum.

That’s the compound effect. And once the flywheel is in motion, it doesn’t just help grow your business; it can increase its value with less ongoing effort.

To learn more about how Dr. Connor Robertson uses the growth flywheel to scale acquired businesses, visit www.drconnorrobertson.com.

 

Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and reflects the author’s personal insights and experiences. The strategies mentioned may not be applicable to every business and do not guarantee specific results. Readers are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals before making any significant business decisions

Dylan Smith: The Relentless Operator Powering Westwood Media Group and the 1% Event’s Rise to Business Stardom

Celebrity News Staff Celebrity News Staff on August 12, 2025

By: Westwood Media Group

Springfield, MO – August 12, 2025 — In every business success story, there’s the visionary who sets the course and the operator who ensures the ship reaches its destination. At Westwood Media Group, Dylan Smith is both — a co-owner, strategist, and execution powerhouse whose fingerprints are on every significant achievement the company has scored in recent years.

Known for his ability to blend operational discipline with sales drive, Smith has played a key role in shaping Westwood’s growth trajectory. But 2025 has marked an even bigger stage for him — as one of the driving forces behind the 1% Event, Springfield’s rising business conference that’s redefining what it means to gather entrepreneurs under one roof.

Owning the Vision at Westwood Media Group

As a co-owner of Westwood Media Group, Smith isn’t just managing a to-do list — he’s setting the direction of the company alongside his business partner, Kyle Gardner.

Westwood’s mission is straightforward yet ambitious: to turn clients into industry leaders, authority figures, and household names through elite-level press, branding, and media placement. But in a competitive industry where everyone promises results, Westwood has carved out a space by consistently delivering them — and Smith’s ownership role has been pivotal to that reputation.

Smith oversees day-to-day operations with a founder’s mentality. He ensures campaigns are executed flawlessly, clients receive exceptional service, and the team remains aligned with Westwood’s long-term strategy. But his operational expertise is only half the equation — he’s also the company’s primary sales driver, responsible for bringing in the kind of high-value clients that fuel long-term growth.

Operating on a profit-based ownership model, Smith’s incentives are directly tied to the company’s performance. That alignment fuels his competitive edge — every decision, every deal, every project is treated like an investment in his own future. “Dylan thinks like a CEO because he is one,” Gardner says. “When you combine his sales instincts with his ability to execute, you get someone who can scale a business without losing sight of quality.”

From Media to Movement: Dylan’s Role in the 1% Event

In 2025, Smith’s ownership impact extended beyond Westwood’s client base. He took on a leading role with the 1% Event, a high-energy, red-carpet-style business conference designed to equip entrepreneurs with the tools, connections, and mindset to join the high-tier in their industry.

While the 1% Event features well-known speakers and captivating stage moments, Smith is one of the key forces making it all happen behind the scenes. He handles critical aspects of event operations — from coordinating with speakers and sponsors to ensuring the marketing campaigns convert interest into ticket sales.

Leveraging Westwood’s marketing engine, Smith has been instrumental in increasing the event’s profile. The branding, press outreach, and content strategy surrounding the 1% Event reflect the same high-level execution Westwood clients experience — and it’s paying off. Attendance is climbing, sponsorships are growing, and the event’s reputation as a prominent business hub in the Midwest is spreading fast.

“Dylan’s a closer in every sense of the word,” Gardner notes. “He doesn’t just sell a ticket or a sponsorship — he sells the vision. People buy into the 1% Event because they believe in what it stands for, and Dylan makes sure that belief turns into action.”

The 1% Event Experience

The next 1% Event will take place on September 6th, 2025, at 1900 W Sunset St, Springfield, MO. Doors open at 11:00 AM, followed by a networking hour and red carpet from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and then a packed lineup of powerhouse speakers from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Attendees can expect a mix of high-impact talks, networking opportunities, and business-building moments. But what makes the event stand out — and where Smith’s influence is more visible — is in its execution. From the lighting to the schedule flow to the follow-up after the event, every detail is designed to make attendees feel like they’re part of something meaningful.

Smith’s approach to event operations mirrors his business philosophy: create a seamless experience where value is obvious, and people will return again and again.

An Entrepreneur’s Mindset in Every Move

Smith’s path to becoming a co-owner of Westwood Media Group and a driving force in the 1% Event wasn’t accidental. It’s the product of years spent honing his sales skills, learning the intricacies of operations, and adopting an ownership mindset long before he officially took a stake in the company.

That mindset shows up in everything he does. Whether it’s negotiating a high-ticket media package, refining a marketing funnel for an event, or troubleshooting a last-minute change in a live production, Smith operates with the calm urgency of someone who understands that every detail impacts the brand.

He’s not interested in short-term wins that compromise long-term vision. Instead, he’s building for sustainability — making sure Westwood’s clients and the 1% Event attendees both walk away with results that exceed their expectations.

The Power of Being Behind the Scenes

While many entrepreneurs chase personal brand visibility, Smith’s impact comes from a different angle. He’s not the one giving the keynote at the 1% Event (at least, not yet). He’s the one ensuring the keynote happens on time, with the right audience in the seats and the right buzz around it.

In business, that role is often undervalued — until you realize it’s the reason everything works.

“Visibility is great,” Smith says, “but the real power is in making things happen consistently. That’s what builds trust, and trust is what builds everything else.”

Scaling the Vision

Looking ahead, Smith sees significant growth opportunities for both Westwood and the 1% Event. For Westwood, the plan is to expand its press and media services into new industries while deepening client relationships through integrated marketing solutions.

For the 1% Event, expansion could mean multiple cities, larger venues, and year-round workshops designed to keep momentum high between conferences.

The connective tissue between both ventures? Value creation. Smith’s belief is that if you help people reach their goals faster — whether that’s gaining industry credibility or building a stronger business network — you’ll always have a market.

A Legacy in the Making

At just this stage in his career, Dylan Smith has already positioned himself as a rare blend of operator and entrepreneur. He’s a co-owner who sells, a strategist who executes, and an event producer who thinks like a brand builder.

In the months ahead, he’ll be splitting his time between closing high-ticket Westwood deals, finalizing 1% Event logistics, and mapping out expansion plays for both. It’s a workload that would overwhelm more — but for Smith, it’s fuel.

“Pressure is part of the game,” he says. “If you want to build something worth talking about, you have to be willing to carry the weight.”

And carry it he does.

For Springfield’s business community — and for the growing number of entrepreneurs, executives, and dreamers impacted by his work — Dylan Smith is proof that the people who change the game aren’t always on the stage. Sometimes, they’re the ones building it.

For more information: projectfuturefirst.com

The PR Game: How Publicists Build, Manage, and Protect Celebrity Brands

Celebrity News Staff 2 Celebrity News Staff 2 on August 12, 2025

How Publicists Create Stars: A Look at the PR Game

In the glittering world of Hollywood, music, and celebrity culture, talent is only part of the equation for achieving superstardom. Behind every A-list actor, chart-topping musician, and influential public figure stands a crucial, often unseen, force: the publicist. These strategic communicators are the architects of a celebrity’s public persona, meticulously crafting narratives, managing crises, and orchestrating every public-facing move to build and sustain a star’s career. A publicist’s work is a delicate blend of strategic planning, relationship management, and crisis control, operating as the gatekeeper between a celebrity’s private life and their public image.

The role of a publicist goes far beyond simply booking interviews. It is a sophisticated, high-stakes game of perception, where every quote, every red carpet appearance, and every social media post is a calculated part of a broader strategy. This article will delve into the multifaceted world of public relations for celebrities, exploring how publicists build a star’s brand from the ground up, manage the inevitable scandals, and ensure that their clients remain relevant and adored in the ever-scrutinizing public eye.

Crafting the Public Persona: The Art of Brand Building

The PR Game How Publicists Build, Manage, and Protect Celebrity Brands

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com

The foundation of a publicist’s work is brand building. A celebrity is, in essence, a product, and a publicist’s job is to define that product and market it to the world. This process begins with a deep understanding of the client’s unique identity, talents, and aspirations. The publicist then translates this into a compelling and consistent public persona that resonates with target audiences. This crafted image is what the public sees, hears, and reads, and it must be carefully managed across all media platforms.

Part of this brand building involves creating a narrative. Is the celebrity an earnest, down-to-earth humanitarian? Or a rebellious, edgy artist? The publicist will work to frame every public appearance, interview, and project in a way that reinforces this narrative. For a new artist, a publicist might secure features in smaller, trendsetting publications before pitching them to major outlets. This graduated approach builds credibility and a loyal following before they are thrust into the harsh spotlight. For established stars, the goal is often to refresh their image or align them with a cause they care about, such as environmentalism or social justice, adding depth and relatability to their brand.

Publicists are masters of media placement. They strategically choose which magazines, talk shows, and digital platforms are the best fit for their client’s message. They cultivate relationships with journalists, editors, and producers, understanding that a strong network is invaluable for securing positive and impactful media coverage. The goal is not just to get a celebrity’s name in print, but to place it in a context that reinforces their desired public image and pushes their career forward. This strategic approach ensures that the client’s story is told on their terms, rather than leaving their image to chance.

Crisis Management: Damage Control in the Digital Age

In a world where one misstep can go viral in seconds, a publicist’s role as a crisis manager is more critical than ever. When a scandal erupts, whether it’s a leaked photo, a controversial comment, or legal trouble, the publicist is the first line of defense. Their job is to contain the damage, control the narrative, and guide their client through the storm with as little long-term harm to their reputation as possible.

The first step in crisis management is to gather all the facts and assess the situation calmly. A good publicist will have a plan ready to execute almost immediately. This often involves issuing a carefully worded statement, either from the publicist’s firm or from the celebrity themselves, that addresses the situation without adding fuel to the fire. Timing is everything in these situations, and a quick, strategic response can often prevent a small incident from becoming a career-ending disaster. The statement’s tone can be apologetic, defiant, or simply informational, depending on the circumstances, but its purpose is always to shape public perception.

In the digital age, crisis management extends to social media. Publicists work with their clients to craft social media posts that address the issue without being overly defensive or emotional. They might also advise a temporary break from social media to allow the news cycle to move on. For more serious issues, the publicist may advise the celebrity to do a carefully controlled “mea culpa” interview or to make a public appearance at a charity event, shifting the narrative from the negative event to a positive, forward-looking message. A skilled publicist understands that the public has a short attention span, and their job is to help their client survive the initial backlash and then strategically move them back into the public’s good graces through a series of positive, well-managed events.

The Art of the Pitch: Securing Opportunities and Maintaining Relevance

The PR Game: How Publicists Build, Manage, and Protect Celebrity Brands

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com

Once a celebrity has established their brand and weathered any storms, a publicist’s ongoing work focuses on maintaining relevance and securing new opportunities. This is the art of the pitch, where a publicist proactively seeks out media placements and speaking engagements that align with the client’s brand and career goals. This consistent effort ensures that a celebrity remains in the public eye and continues to be seen as a desirable and influential figure.

A publicist’s work involves pitching their clients for a wide variety of opportunities. This can include everything from magazine covers and feature stories to guest spots on popular talk shows and invitations to exclusive events. For a movie star, a publicist will work tirelessly during the promotional cycle of a new film, securing interviews and red carpet appearances that generate buzz and drive people to the box office. For a musician, this might involve pitching them for a performance slot on a major award show or a high-profile festival. They also play a crucial role in securing brand partnerships and endorsement deals, which are often a major source of income for celebrities.

Maintaining relevance in an ever-changing media landscape also means understanding new platforms and trends. A good publicist is constantly monitoring social media trends, podcasts, and digital-first publications to find new and innovative ways to get their client’s message out. They might advise a celebrity to launch a podcast, start a YouTube channel, or partner with a popular TikTok creator to reach a new and younger audience. This forward-thinking approach ensures that their clients’ fame doesn’t fade with time. Ultimately, a publicist is a career manager, a brand strategist, and a crisis controller all rolled into one, a master of the invisible strings that keep a celebrity’s public image in perfect harmony with their professional aspirations.