Episode Summary
In this inspiring episode, host Russel Dubree sits down with Erika Palmer and Anna Woodlock, the dynamic duo behind Purpose Marketing, a full-service marketing agency based in Lubbock, Texas. The conversation traces their journey from separate careers in marketing to a thriving (but never generic) partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared leadership, and community impact.
Episode Highlights:
- How a spontaneous happy hour conversation led to the founding of Purpose Marketing
- Why pricing confidently took five years and what they learned
- Navigating hard social conversations during the pandemic with grace and values
- Building a culture that thrives on in-person collaboration, even in a remote-friendly world
- How they’re investing in the next generation through Purpose Camp and new ventures
Agency Info
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Company: Purpose Marketing
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Year Started: 2018
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Employees: 11-25
We didn’t start out as friends. We started out with respect.
Anna Woodlock
Key Takeaways
Complementary Partnerships Build Stronger Businesses
Erika and Anna’s success stems from mutual respect and clear division of strengths. Erika brings the creative vision; Anna anchors it with strategic execution. Their contrasting skillsets aren’t just tolerated, they’re celebrated. It’s a partnership forged not in friendship, but in performance, and it works precisely because of their intentionality in communication and trust.
Agency Culture Matters, And It Starts With Purpose
From the name to their policies, Purpose Marketing is built on intention. They didn’t just want to start another agency; they wanted to create a workplace where every woman has a seat at the table. Their story includes creating a value statement all employees sign, reinforcing their mission to uplift, educate, and develop young women in marketing.
Pandemic Pressures Led to Clarifying Values
When confronted with a team request to take a stand on a sensitive social issue, Anna and Erika used the moment to reflect, not react. Instead of issuing a performative statement, they revisited their “why” and formalized it. That clarity has since guided hiring, communication, and client work.
Giving Back: Purpose Camp and Seated Rentals
Their mission isn’t limited to digital marketing. “Purpose Camp” aims to mentor high school girls, teaching social media literacy, resume writing, and personal branding. Meanwhile, Seated Rentals, their new venture, solves a community need for better event rentals while tying back to their brand philosophy of giving everyone a seat at the table. Literally.
Show Notes
- Instagram: @Purpose_Marketing – Best place to see the team culture in action
- Travis Tritt – “I’m Gonna Be Somebody” – Anna’s childhood anthem of ambition
- Seated Rentals – Their event rental company with brand-aligned roots
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