In this episode of The Kula Ring, hosts Jeff White and Carman Pirie talk with Dan Gingiss, Chief Experience Maker at The Experience Maker, about why customer experience is the ultimate competitive differentiator. Dan breaks down his WISE framework and explains how manufacturers can apply these principles to create memorable, talk-worthy moments that drive word-of-mouth. From finding fun in everyday touchpoints to creating immersive sensory experiences, Dan reveals practical ways to humanize your brand and make every interaction remarkable.

In this episode of The Kula Ring, we’re joined by Ruth Stevens, President of eMarketing Strategy and professor at NYU Stern. Ruth explains why retention, reactivation, and expansion are the most underleveraged levers in B2B marketing and how marketers can partner with sales to maximize customer lifetime value. From data-driven “reasons to call” to subscription-based models, Ruth offers tactical advice on how manufacturers can double revenue without acquiring a single new customer.

In this episode of The Kula Ring, hosts and Kula Partners co-founders Carman Pirie and Jeff White introduce the Industrial Buyer Pulse, a new quarterly research initiative that uncovers how North American industrial buyers are thinking and behaving today. From buyer confidence and digital enablement to supplier research and supply chain resilience, Carman and Jeff share key findings that will help manufacturers shape go-to-market strategies and align more closely with the realities of their buyers’ journeys.

Defining an ideal customer and sourcing a target account list to match should be easy, but it isn’t. On this episode of The Kula Ring, Jeff and Carman discuss how to craft an ideal customer profile (ICP), identify tools that can help, and warn about pitfalls along the way.

In this episode of The Kula Ring, Jeff Yurek, VP of Marketing at Nanosys, discusses the unique challenges of marketing breakthrough nanotechnology. He explains quantum dots, tiny semiconductor particles that emit precise, tunable light for displays and imaging, and how he built awareness through blogging and storytelling, fostering relationships with global brands despite the technology’s inherent secrecy. Jeff also explores the future of B2B marketing, content creation, and the importance of staying curious in a rapidly evolving landscape.

In this episode of The Kula Ring, hosts Jeff White and Carman Pirie talk with Rajeev Thakur, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Silanna Semiconductor. With over 25 years in the automotive industry and a unique blend of engineering and marketing expertise, Rajeev discusses navigating long, complex sales cycles, balancing highly technical conversations with business value, and adapting messaging across industries. He also shares insights on building trust in niche markets, fostering partnerships, and leveraging conferences for targeted outreach.