2237 - Why Authenticity Matters More Than Ever in Advertising with FPW Media's Owen Garitty

Authenticity in the Age of AI: How Owen Garitty of FPW Media Keeps Marketing Human

On this episode of The Thoughtful Entrepreneur, host Josh Elledge speaks with Owen Garitty, Founder and CEO of FPW Media, a creative marketing agency redefining brand storytelling in an AI-saturated world. Owen shares how FPW blends advanced technology with genuine human connection, offering a fresh perspective for business owners, marketers, and creatives navigating the challenges of modern branding.

Finding Balance: Why Analog Matters in a Digital World

Owen Garitty kicks off the conversation by sharing a surprising source of creative clarity—gardening. His hands-in-the-soil approach is more than just a hobby; it's a metaphor for the power of stepping back from digital overload. In a world dominated by automation, Owen believes it’s essential for creatives to disconnect and reconnect with themselves.

This philosophy directly influences how FPW Media operates. From high-end film production to augmented reality and experiential marketing, FPW integrates cutting-edge tools without sacrificing authenticity. The company keeps 95% of its production in-house, allowing for tighter quality control, stronger collaboration, and more emotionally resonant outcomes.

While AI plays a growing role in the marketing world, Owen emphasizes using it with intention. Rather than relying on generic AI tools, FPW trains custom models tailored to each client’s brand voice and data. The result? More precise insights and storytelling that feels human, not manufactured.

About Owen Garitty

Owen Garitty is the Founder and CEO of FPW Media. Known for his deep understanding of storytelling, Owen blends old-school creative instincts with next-gen marketing tools to help brands stay real in a world that often feels artificially curated.

About FPW Media

FPW Media is a full-spectrum creative agency offering services in branding, content production, AR/VR, experiential marketing, and more. With a massive in-house production facility and a focus on authenticity, FPW helps brands create powerful, emotionally resonant content that breaks through the noise.

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

• FPW Media Website
• Owen Garitty on LinkedIn

Episode Highlights:

• Why disconnecting from digital tools can fuel better creative strategy
• How FPW Media uses AI with precision, not as a generic shortcut
• The dangers of synthetic content and the "boomerang effect"
• Actionable ways to build brand authenticity in the age of automation
• How FPW’s in-house team and creative space set them apart

Conclusion

In today’s fast-moving, AI-driven marketing world, staying authentic is more than a nice-to-have—it’s a competitive advantage. As Owen Garitty of FPW Media makes clear, brands that invest in real stories, real people, and real connections will stand out in a sea of synthetic content. If you want your marketing to resonate—not just reach—now’s the time to humanize your strategy.

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