Pete Kovac is an absolute legend in the advertising world and a founding partner of the iconic agency NKH&W. Pete’s been part of the Kansas City marketing scene for decades, with a career that stretches from working on the client side, to running major agencies, to co-founding one of the most successful shops in town.

He’s going to share his take on how the ad industry has evolved, what it really takes to build client relationships that last, and the lessons he’s picked up while mentoring some of the best talent to come through his doors—including Sam, by the way. And if we’re lucky, we might even get a story or two about his ranch out in the Flint Hills.

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Up next is Jim Glynn, the co-founder of the legendary senior living agency Glynn Devins. Jim and his partner George Devins started from scratch and built one of the most respected firms in the senior living space.

Jim’s story is a great ride. He takes us back to his early days doing promotions at Worlds of Fun, where he first caught the advertising bug, then to his move to John Knox Village—what would eventually become their very first client. Along the way, he shares what it takes to build a strong agency culture, attract top talent, and even steer a business through challenges like the 2008 recession. But at the heart of it all is Jim’s passion for making life better for seniors.

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David Westbrook has shaped Kansas City’s marketing and communications world in a big way. He’s the founder of Corporate Communications Group, and his story is incredible. From navigating challenges as a blind student to building a powerhouse PR firm and stepping into community leadership, David has done it all.

You’ll hear him share some amazing stories—like leading the national awareness campaign for NPR, something near and dear to our hearts, and helping shape the brand and reputation of the Shawnee Mission School District and so many other meaningful campaigns over the years. David’s journey is proof of what happens when perseverance, creativity, and purpose all come together.

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Harry Campbell’s name comes up a lot when you talk about marketing in Kansas City — and for good reason. He’s had a standout career that’s taken him from Procter & Gamble to Sprint, with several entrepreneurial ventures in between. Whether it was leading big-time sponsorships or driving growth as a general manager, Harry has made a lasting impact. His mix of versatility, business savvy, and genuine passion for marketing has earned him deep respect in the industry.

In today’s conversation, we get into Harry’s backstory — how those early days at P&G shaped a marketing-first mindset that stuck with him through every chapter. He’ll share lessons learned from iconic leaders like Dan Hesse and explain how his approach to leadership and team building helped him navigate challenges and come out stronger.

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Nick Vedros is a true legend in visual storytelling. Nick’s photography has taken him all over the world, from right here in Kansas City to big stages with some of the biggest brands, top publications, and creative agencies out there. Whether he’s shooting a high-energy ad campaign, an intimate portrait, or capturing the soul of a place, Nick’s sharp eye and fresh perspective have made him one of the most in-demand photographers around.

But Nick’s story is about way more than just stunning photos. He fell in love with photography when he was just 12 years old, and since then, he’s navigated the twists and turns of the creative world with passion and a relentless drive to learn. In our conversation we dig into his creative process, the lessons he’s picked up along the way, and the challenges he’s overcome. Plus, we’ll chat about how Kansas City has shaped his work and the vibrant creative community here.

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If you’ve listened to this podcast before, chances are you’ve already heard his name. Matt Anthony isn’t just a Kansas City advertising legend — he’s one of the foundational forces behind it. Trace almost any thread through the local marketing community, and sooner or later, it leads straight to him.

Over the years, Matt built a career full of milestones — culminating in his leadership of VML, which has grown into not just Kansas City’s largest agency, but the largest agency in the world. But his journey didn’t stop there.

When his time in advertising began to wind down, Matt turned a personal promise to his late brother into a powerful nonprofit that’s making a real impact. Today, he joins us to reflect on the path, the purpose, and the stories he and Sam share from their time in the trenches together.

This episode is packed with heart, insight, and a rare glimpse into a legacy that helped shape an entire industry.

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Deb Turpin didn’t just ride the waves of change in the design world — she helped shape them.

Back in 1985, Deb co-founded River City Studio and built it from the ground up into one of Kansas City’s most admired creative agencies. For 25 years, she led with guts and vision — guiding her team through industry changes, from the dawn of desktop publishing to the digital and social media boom.

In this episode, Deb pulls back the curtain on what it really took to build a business that lasted — and mattered. She shares the highs, the hard lessons, and how River City became known not just for killer design, but for a rock-solid culture and a fierce commitment to the community.

If you’re an entrepreneur, creative, or just someone who loves a good story about building something meaningful — you don’t want to miss this episode of KC Marketing Legends.

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Mike Goff is someone who’s left a lasting mark not just on Kansas City, but on the national and global stage. Mike’s career spans the agency world, the corporate world, and now the fast-growing space of fractional CMO services. He’s worked with some of the most iconic names in business and culture — Hallmark, the NFL, even the Rolling Stones — and played a key role in bringing the Sprint Center to life in the heart of downtown KC.

What makes Mike stand out is his relentless curiosity, his gift for building high-performing teams, and his ability to connect marketing to the bigger business picture. His career is packed with insights — a real roadmap for any marketer looking to grow and lead. And on top of all that, he’s simply one of the kindest people you’ll meet.

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