What can you build with $180 and a bold idea? Josh Rockoff joins Matt Mueller to share how he resurrected a forgotten brand and turned it into a cult favorite — without paid media. In this episode, Josh reveals why performance marketing became an addiction for many brands, and how he replaced it with trust-driven, zero-paid-media tactics that deliver lasting growth. Matt calls it “wartime marketing” — where resourcefulness meets authenticity. If you’re rethinking your 2026 growth plan, this conversation is a masterclass in scrappy strategy, community building, and earning attention instead of buying it.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Retail Innovation
02:46 Reviving Dormant Brands
05:44 Marketing on a Budget
08:33 Leveraging Customer Data
11:10 Improving Margins in Retail
14:09 Mindset Shifts for Retail Success
Keywords: brand growth, zero paid media, marketing strategy, consumer trust, brand turnaround, authentic marketing, Rethink Retail 2026
Thanks for checking out this episode of innovate ON purpose.
Learn more about Matt Mueller here:
1. Website: https://themindfulinnovator.com
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmuellerinnovation/
3. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Matthew.F.Mueller/
4. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattmuellerinnovation/
5: Twitter: https://twitter.com/MattMuellerInv8
6. TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mattmuellerinnovation
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