Engineering Brand Love ft. Rick Milenthal
Thu Jan 22 2026
What happens when marketing becomes more automated, data-driven, and efficient — but less human? In episode 102 of Brand Story, we sit down with Rick Milenthal, Chairman, Founder, and CEO of The Shipyard, to explore why emotion still matters more than technology, how fear can hold brands back, and why understanding people is the key to building brands that last.
This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation.
Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman.
Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/engineering-brand-love
Continue the conversation on social:
For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use.
We’re also on:
Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup
Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing
Chapters:
(00:00) – Meet Rick Milenthal and The Shipyard
(03:10) – Curiosity, fear, and adapting to change
(09:01) – Building The Shipyard
(11:59) – Engineering brand love and emotional storytelling
(23:10) – Culture, leadership, and mental health in agencies
(27:21) – Client work spotlight: EVs & Visit California
(34:47) – The future of The Shipyard
(37:00) – Fear vs adventure in leadership
(40:54) – Rick's advice to his younger self
More
What happens when marketing becomes more automated, data-driven, and efficient — but less human? In episode 102 of Brand Story, we sit down with Rick Milenthal, Chairman, Founder, and CEO of The Shipyard, to explore why emotion still matters more than technology, how fear can hold brands back, and why understanding people is the key to building brands that last. This is Brand Story, a podcast celebrating the stories of real people who are making an impact on brands, business, and the world around them. Episodes feature guests from a variety of backgrounds who bring their own unique perspectives to the conversation. Brand Story is created and produced by Gravity Group, a full-service brand and marketing agency, and is hosted by Gravity Group President, Steve Gilman. Links and Information From the Episode Here: gravitygroup.com/podcast/engineering-brand-love Continue the conversation on social: For more of Brand Story, check out our LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/gravitygroupmarketing), where we’ll post previews and highlights of shows, behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, plus other marketing news you can use. We’re also on: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gravitygroup Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/gravitygroupmarketing Chapters: (00:00) – Meet Rick Milenthal and The Shipyard (03:10) – Curiosity, fear, and adapting to change (09:01) – Building The Shipyard (11:59) – Engineering brand love and emotional storytelling (23:10) – Culture, leadership, and mental health in agencies (27:21) – Client work spotlight: EVs & Visit California (34:47) – The future of The Shipyard (37:00) – Fear vs adventure in leadership (40:54) – Rick's advice to his younger self