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		<title>Stories &amp; Systems To Live Better &amp; Work Smarter By Jason Montoya</title>
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		<link>https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/blog</link>
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			<title>Unboxing BassDash Fishing Vest &amp; Swimbait Jigheads + A Lake Lanier Fishing Trip // Cast &amp; Shoot #9</title>
			<link>https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/my-story/995-bassdash-fishing-vest</link>
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			<description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/08/cs-09.png" alt="bassdash fishing vest" width="1920" height="1080" loading="lazy"></p><p><span>In this episode of Cast &amp; Shoot, I head out to Lake Lanier once more to catch our first bass from the shore. I unbox some swimbait paddle tail jigheads, and after the fishing outing, I unbox my vest and pliers for the journey ahead. </span></p>

<ul>
<li><span>Explore <a href="https://amzn.to/3RNqdWE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">my list of <strong>fishing gear and lures</strong> for Lake Lanier here.</a></span><span></span></li>
<li><span>Explore <a href="https://amzn.to/4w3x8ZD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">my list of <strong>camera gear and accessories</strong> for making fishing videos here.</a></span></li>
</ul>
<h2>Cast &amp; Shoot YouTube Series</h2>
<p>This is a series I'm producing for YouTube, where I'm tracking my journey towards an upcoming Canadian fishing trip. The series dives into my fishing history, preparing to fish for Muskie and Pike in Canada, mastering shore fishing on Lake Lanier, and learning to make great fishing videos for YouTube. <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/tags/cast-shoot" rel="noopener">Click here to view all episodes of Cast &amp; Shoot.</a></p>]]></description>
			<author>jason@jasonscottmontoya.com (Jason Montoya)</author>
			<category>My Life</category>
			<pubDate>Tue, 11 Aug 2026 07:00:04 -0400</pubDate>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>3 Generations Fishing Lake Lanier (Canada Trip Prep) // Cast &amp; Shoot #8</title>
			<link>https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/my-story/994-3-generations-fishing-lake-lanier</link>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/my-story/994-3-generations-fishing-lake-lanier</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/08/cs-08.png" alt="shore fishing with my parents" width="1920" height="1080" loading="lazy"></p><p><span>In this episode of Cast of Shoot, my mom and dad try to help me catch a fish on the shores of Lake Lanier. We also try out my next suspended jerkbaits, but first, an update on preparing for my upcoming trip to Canada to catch Muskie &amp; Pike. And, unboxing of some forktail trailers, lizard bait, and paddle tail swimbaits. </span></p>

<ul>
<li><span>Explore <a href="https://amzn.to/3RGmBpl" target="_blank" rel="noopener">my list of fishing gear and supplies for <strong>Expedition Canada</strong> here.</a></span></li>
<li><span>Explore <a href="https://amzn.to/3RNqdWE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">my list of <strong>fishing gear and lures</strong> for Lake Lanier here.</a></span><span></span></li>
<li><span>Explore <a href="https://amzn.to/4w3x8ZD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">my list of <strong>camera gear and accessories</strong> for making fishing videos here.</a></span></li>
</ul>
<h2>Cast &amp; Shoot YouTube Series</h2>
<p>This is a series I'm producing for YouTube, where I'm tracking my journey towards an upcoming Canadian fishing trip. The series dives into my fishing history, preparing to fish for Muskie and Pike in Canada, mastering shore fishing on Lake Lanier, and learning to make great fishing videos for YouTube. <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/tags/cast-shoot" rel="noopener">Click here to view all episodes of Cast &amp; Shoot.</a></p>]]></description>
			<author>jason@jasonscottmontoya.com (Jason Montoya)</author>
			<category>My Life</category>
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Aug 2026 07:00:04 -0400</pubDate>
		</item>
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			<title>Expedition Canada: An Epic Fishing Adventure in Little Vermilion Lake</title>
			<link>https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/inspiration/jason/projects/989-expedition-canada</link>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/inspiration/jason/projects/989-expedition-canada</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/07/expedition-canada.jpg" alt="expedition canada" width="1920" height="1080" loading="lazy"></p><h1>Expedition Canada</h1>
<h2>An Epic Fishing Adventure</h2>
<hr>
<div><p><span>Are you ready for the most ambitious unguided fishing adventure ever captured on YouTube? Join Jason and his family on Expedition Canada, a 14-episode documentary-style series following their 1,400-mile journey from the Southeast United States to the remote waters of Little Vermilion Lake in Ontario. Experience the raw, unscripted reality of four men—Jason's father, his brothers-in-law, and himself—as they evolve from bumbling catchless anglers throwing lures into trees to landing a countless number of fish without the help of a guide in these unknown Canadian waters.</span></p></div>
<hr>
<div>

    
        <div><p>Interested in Sponsoring This Series? <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/contact">Click here to inquire.</a></p></div>
    
</div>
<h1>Episodes</h1>
<h2><span>Introduction</span></h2>
<div><p><span>In this prelude, Jason announces Expedition Canada, his biggest most ambitious project to date, what the show is about, how it came about, and a teaser trailer of what's to come.</span></p></div>
<iframe src="https://youtu.be/p0VP3mQp16o"></iframe>
<h2>1,400 Miles to Deep Canada Fishing</h2>
<div><p>In episode 1 of Expedition Canada, Jason travels 1400 miles from Atlanta to Fireside Lodge at Little Vermilion Lake in Ontario Canada, meeting up with his dad (Steve Montoya) and brother-in-laws (Ryan Lampa &amp; Austin Gros) for a grand fishing adventure.</p></div>
<iframe src="https://youtu.be/kF7SWSNgm24?si=fmmDpCK2KW4pVPBI"></iframe>
<h2><span>The Smallmouth King</span></h2>
<div><p><span>In episode 2 of Expedition Canada, the guys head out to the lake for their first day of fishing and Jason's dad asserts his fishing will on the Little Vermilion Lake's smallmouth bass. Plus, Jason catches the first Northern Pike of his lifetime. </span></p></div>
<iframe src="https://youtu.be/SkEczu9Nkeg"></iframe>
<h2><span>Squirrel Hunting</span></h2>
<div><p><span>In episode 3 of Expedition Canada, Jason and his dad continue fishing Little Vermilion Lake, trying to figure out how to catch the fish while landing more lures in trees (Squirrel Hunting) and on sticks than fish. </span></p></div>
<iframe src="https://youtu.be/s2Xqkz9HAlI"></iframe>
<h2><span>The Jerkbait</span></h2>
<div><p><span>Jason's catches fire in this epsiode of Expedition Canada. With a better understanding of Little Lake Vermilion, the guys are catching more fish, including northern pike.</span></p></div>
<iframe src="https://youtu.be/qqcel6BAUwo"></iframe>
<h2><span>Twin Falls</span></h2>
<div><p>Jason recruits a new boatmate, Austin, as they embark out together, for the first time, on day 4. All four guys travel up to the top of the lake where Little Vermilion meets Big Vermilion (Twin Falls). With a new location, new struggles arise as the guys unsuccessfully try to catch fish while watching the Smallmouth King impose his will on the lake.</p></div>
<iframe src="https://youtu.be/7-XvGMeUVB0"></iframe>
<h2><span>Muskie Brothers</span></h2>
<div><p>After a tough morning of not catching fish while watching the Smallmouth King dominate Little Vermilion Lake, an unexpected muskie bites the jerkbait. Plus, the newly minted Muskie Brothers embark on an epic retrieval of the "Muskie lure".</p></div>
<iframe src="https://youtu.be/M_jHiMceyFI"></iframe>
<h2><span>The Pike Men</span></h2>
<div><p><span>Austin is back and Day 5 begins with bang as he and Jason pull Pike into the boat. The guys explore more parts of Little Vermilion Lake they've not yet been. </span></p></div>
<iframe src="https://youtu.be/06ZGPd8NsHE"></iframe>
<h2><span>3 Pike in a Trenchcoat</span></h2>
<div><p><span>Austin and Jason stumble upon a nest of northern pike to close out our final day together. Plus, what Jason thought was a bunch of Pike follows was actually a single Muskie toying with him. </span></p></div>
<iframe src="https://youtu.be/blTe2dhqoO0"></iframe>
<ul>
        <li>

        <img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-08-02 202432.png" alt="">




<h3>Jason's Canadian Fishing Gear & Lures</h3>


<div><p>Explore the rods, reels, lures &amp; gear used in this epic fishing adventure.</p></div>

<p><a href="https://amzn.to/3RGmBpl">Explore</a></p>

    </li>
        <li>

        <img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/07/cast-shoot.jpg" alt="">




<h3>Cast & Shoot</h3>


<div><p>Explore more fishing episodes at Lake Lanier in Georgia on the Cast &amp; Shoot show!</p></div>

<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFbX5MEk1BbpDqOjuhtu_neKjARxyYPKs">Watch Show</a></p>

    </li>
        <li>

        <img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/07/2-1.jpg" alt="fireside lodge">




<h3>Explore Fireside Lodge</h3>


<div><p>Plan your own Canadian wilderness fishing adventure on Little Lake Vermilion.</p></div>

<p><a href="https://www.firesidelodge.com/">Learn More</a></p>

    </li>
    </ul>
<h1>Meet The Guys</h1>
<hr>
<div><p>Just 4 normal guys (except that fly fisherman) going on an adventure up north to catch some fish while capturing memories that will last a lifetime.</p></div>
<div>

        <img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/07/7_08_53_42_11.jpg" alt="">
    
    
    
    
        <h2>Jason Scott Montoya</h2>
    
        <p>Filmmaker, Author, & Muskie Brother</p>
    
        <div><p data-path-to-node="1">A fifth-generation entrepreneur, author (<i data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="75">Path of the Freelancer</i>), and storyteller, Jason is the creative force behind <i data-path-to-node="1" data-index-in-node="152">Cast &amp; Shoot</i>. Bringing a strategic narrative vision to the expedition, Jason blends his background in digital media and storytelling to document the raw human dynamics, family legacy, and creative grind of the 14-part series.</p>
<h3 data-path-to-node="6"></h3>
<ul class="uk-subnav uk-subnav-divider uk-margin-medium-top"></ul></div>
    
    
</div>
<div>

        <img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/07/dad.jpg" alt="">
    
    
    
    
        <h2>Steve Montoya</h2>
    
        <p>Retired Entrepreneur, Expedition Catalyst & Smallmouth King</p>
    
        <div><p data-path-to-node="2">The visionary who initiated the entire Canadian journey, Steve represents the patriarch of the Montoya family. Returning to his roots driving a small aluminum boat—Steve proved to be the undisputed <em>Smallmouth King</em> of the trip, landing more smallmouth bass than anyone on the crew (and quite possibly everyone else combined). Bringing decades of life experience, nostalgia, and steady wisdom to the bush, he serves as the driving force and heart behind this multi-generational expedition.</p>
<h3 data-path-to-node="4"></h3>
<h3 data-path-to-node="6"></h3>
<ul class="uk-subnav uk-subnav-divider uk-margin-medium-top"></ul></div>
    
    
</div>
<div>

        <img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/07/4_00_42_12_18.jpg" alt="austin edward Gros">
    
    
    
    
        <h2>Austin Gros</h2>
    
        <p>World-Renowned Photographer, Morale Engine, & Muskie Brother</p>
    
        <div><div _ngcontent-ng-c4126289547="" class="container"><message-content _ngcontent-ng-c4126289547="" _nghost-ng-c2068471080="" id="message-content-id-r_19ceedb49cd49129" class="ng-star-inserted">
<div _ngcontent-ng-c2068471080="" inline-copy-host="" class="markdown markdown-main-panel enable-luminous-fast-follows enable-updated-hr-color md-content tutor-markdown-rendering" id="model-response-message-contentr_19ceedb49cd49129" aria-busy="false" aria-live="off" dir="ltr">
<p data-path-to-node="10">An internationally acclaimed destination wedding and editorial photographer based in Nashville, Tennessee, Austin stepped into this expedition, serving as the crew's ultimate engine of morale. Bringing an infectious energy, spontaneous dancing, deep personality, and heart to the group, Austin’s warmth and humor provided the essential levity and joy needed during long, physically demanding stretches in the Canadian bush. </p>
</div>
</message-content></div>
<ul class="uk-subnav uk-subnav-divider uk-margin-medium-top"></ul></div>
    
        <p><a href="https://austinedward.com/">Connect With Austin</a></p>
    
</div>
<div>

        <img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/07/7_08_49_01_18.jpg" alt="">
    
    
    
    
        <h2>Ryan Lampa</h2>
    
        <p>Community Leader & Founder of People Loving Nashville</p>
    
        <div><p data-path-to-node="13">A former music tour and production manager turned humanitarian, Ryan is the founder of <i data-path-to-node="13" data-index-in-node="87">People Loving Nashville</i> and <i data-path-to-node="13" data-index-in-node="115">Paradeisos Coffee Company</i>. Having spent over 15 years leading relief and restoration efforts for Nashville's unhoused community, Ryan brings relational depth, quick humor, and an instinctual edge to the crew. As the group’s designated fly fisherman and "forward-facing human sonar," Ryan spent the trip reading the wind, weather, and currents to crack the lake's code and consistently put the guys on top of the fish.</p>
<p data-path-to-node="14"></p>
<h3 data-path-to-node="4" class=""></h3></div>
    
        <p><a href="https://www.peoplelovingnashville.com/">Learn More About PLN</a></p>
    
</div>
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Plus, the newly minted Muskie Brothers embark on an epic retrieval of the \"Muskie lure\".</p>","margin_bottom":"default","margin_top":"default","text_style":"lead"}}]},{"type":"column","props":{"image_position":"center-center","position_sticky_breakpoint":"m","vertical_align":"middle","width_medium":"1-2"},"children":[{"type":"video","props":{"margin_bottom":"default","margin_top":"default","video":"https://youtu.be/M_jHiMceyFI","video_controls":true,"video_loading":"","video_width":1200}}]}]},{"type":"row","props":{"layout":"1-2,1-2"},"children":[{"type":"column","props":{"image_position":"center-center","position_sticky_breakpoint":"m","style":"card-secondary","vertical_align":"middle","width_medium":"1-2"},"children":[{"type":"headline","props":{"content":"<span>The Pike Men</span>","image_align":"left","image_margin":"xsmall","title_element":"h2"}},{"type":"text","props":{"column_breakpoint":"m","content":"<p><span>Austin is back and Day 5 begins with bang as he and Jason pull Pike into the boat. The guys explore more parts of Little Vermilion Lake they've not yet been. </span></p>","margin_bottom":"default","margin_top":"default","text_style":"lead"}}]},{"type":"column","props":{"image_position":"center-center","position_sticky_breakpoint":"m","vertical_align":"middle","width_medium":"1-2"},"children":[{"type":"video","props":{"margin_bottom":"default","margin_top":"default","video":"https://youtu.be/06ZGPd8NsHE","video_controls":true,"video_loading":"","video_width":1200}}]}]},{"type":"row","props":{"layout":"1-2,1-2"},"children":[{"type":"column","props":{"image_position":"center-center","position_sticky_breakpoint":"m","style":"card-secondary","vertical_align":"middle","width_medium":"1-2"},"children":[{"type":"headline","props":{"content":"<span>3 Pike in a Trenchcoat</span>","image_align":"left","image_margin":"xsmall","title_element":"h2"}},{"type":"text","props":{"column_breakpoint":"m","content":"<p><span>Austin and Jason stumble upon a nest of northern pike to close out our final day together. Plus, what Jason thought was a bunch of Pike follows was actually a single Muskie toying with him. </span></p>","margin_bottom":"default","margin_top":"default","text_style":"lead"}}]},{"type":"column","props":{"image_position":"center-center","position_sticky_breakpoint":"m","vertical_align":"middle","width_medium":"1-2"},"children":[{"type":"video","props":{"margin_bottom":"default","margin_top":"default","video":"https://youtu.be/blTe2dhqoO0","video_controls":true,"video_loading":"","video_width":1200}}]}]}]},{"type":"section","props":{"image_position":"center-center","style":"default","title_breakpoint":"xl","title_position":"top-left","title_rotation":"left","vertical_align":"","width":"default"},"children":[{"type":"row","children":[{"type":"column","props":{"image_position":"center-center","position_sticky_breakpoint":"m"},"children":[{"type":"grid","props":{"animation":"none","content_column_breakpoint":"m","filter_align":"left","filter_all":true,"filter_grid_breakpoint":"m","filter_grid_width":"auto","filter_position":"top","filter_style":"tab","grid_column_gap":"small","grid_default":"1","grid_medium":"3","grid_row_gap":"small","image_align":"top","image_expand":false,"image_grid_breakpoint":"m","image_grid_width":"1-2","image_height":950,"image_svg_color":"emphasis","image_width":1200,"item_animation":true,"lightbox_bg_close":true,"link_style":"default","link_target":true,"link_text":"Read more","margin_bottom":"remove","margin_top":"remove","meta_align":"below-title","meta_element":"div","meta_style":"text-meta","panel_image_no_padding":true,"panel_link":true,"panel_padding":"large","panel_style":"card-default","parallax_breakpoint":"m","parallax_easing":"0.5","parallax_end":"100vh + 50%","parallax_y":"10vh,0","show_content":true,"show_hover_image":true,"show_hover_video":true,"show_image":true,"show_link":true,"show_meta":true,"show_title":true,"show_video":true,"text_align":"center","title_align":"top","title_element":"h3","title_grid_breakpoint":"m","title_grid_width":"1-2","title_hover_style":"reset"},"children":[{"type":"grid_item","props":{"content":"<p>Explore the rods, reels, lures &amp; gear used in this epic fishing adventure.</p>","image":"images/2026/07/Screenshot 2026-08-02 202432.png","link":"https://amzn.to/3RGmBpl","link_text":"Explore","title":"Jason's Canadian Fishing Gear & Lures"}},{"type":"grid_item","props":{"content":"<p>Explore more fishing episodes at Lake Lanier in Georgia on the Cast &amp; Shoot show!</p>","image":"images/2026/07/cast-shoot.jpg","link":"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFbX5MEk1BbpDqOjuhtu_neKjARxyYPKs","link_text":"Watch Show","title":"Cast & Shoot"}},{"type":"grid_item","props":{"content":"<p>Plan your own Canadian wilderness fishing adventure on Little Lake Vermilion.</p>","image":"images/2026/07/2-1.jpg","image_alt":"fireside lodge","link":"https://www.firesidelodge.com/","link_text":"Learn More","title":"Explore Fireside Lodge"}}]}]}],"props":{"margin_bottom":"default","margin_top":"default"}}],"name":"Feature Grid"},{"name":"Speakers","type":"section","props":{"animation_delay":"200","header_transparent":true,"header_transparent_text_color":"dark","image_effect":"parallax","image_loading":true,"image_parallax_bgy":"0,500","image_parallax_breakpoint":"m","image_parallax_easing":"1","image_position":"top-left","image_size":"contain","media_visibility":"m","style":"default","title_breakpoint":"xl","title_position":"top-left","title_rotation":"left","vertical_align":"","width":"default"},"children":[{"type":"row","props":{"margin_bottom":"xlarge","margin_top":"xlarge"},"children":[{"type":"column","props":{"image_position":"center-center","position_sticky_breakpoint":"m","width_medium":"1-1"},"children":[{"type":"headline","props":{"content":"Meet The Guys","image_align":"left","image_margin":"xsmall","title_element":"h1","title_style":"heading-small"}},{"type":"divider","props":{"divider_element":"hr","divider_style":"small"}},{"type":"text","props":{"column_breakpoint":"m","content":"<p>Just 4 normal guys (except that fly fisherman) going on an adventure up north to catch some fish while capturing memories that will last a lifetime.</p>","margin_bottom":"medium","margin_top":"medium","maxwidth":"xlarge","text_style":"lead"}}]}]},{"type":"row","props":{"alignment":"left","width":"small"},"children":[{"type":"column","props":{"image_position":"center-center","position_sticky_breakpoint":"m"},"children":[{"type":"panel","props":{"block_align":"center","content":"<p data-path-to-node=\"1\">A fifth-generation entrepreneur, author (<i data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"75\">Path of the Freelancer</i>), and storyteller, Jason is the creative force behind <i data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"152\">Cast &amp; Shoot</i>. Bringing a strategic narrative vision to the expedition, Jason blends his background in digital media and storytelling to document the raw human dynamics, family legacy, and creative grind of the 14-part series.</p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"6\"></h3>\n<ul class=\"uk-subnav uk-subnav-divider uk-margin-medium-top\"></ul>","content_column_breakpoint":"m","id":"speakers-emily-jeffreys","image":"images/2026/07/7_08_53_42_11.jpg","image_align":"left","image_expand":true,"image_grid_breakpoint":"s","image_grid_column_gap":"collapse","image_grid_row_gap":"collapse","image_grid_width":"1-2","image_height":"679","image_loading":true,"image_svg_color":"emphasis","image_width":"609","link_style":"default","link_text":"Read more","margin_bottom":"default","margin_top":"default","meta":"Filmmaker, Author, & Muskie Brother","meta_align":"below-title","meta_element":"div","meta_margin":"small","meta_style":"text-meta","panel_image_no_padding":true,"panel_padding":"large","panel_style":"card-default","title":"Jason Scott Montoya","title_align":"top","title_element":"h2","title_grid_breakpoint":"m","title_grid_width":"1-2","title_hover_style":"reset","title_style":"h1"}}]}]},{"type":"row","props":{"alignment":"left","width":"small"},"children":[{"type":"column","props":{"image_position":"center-center","position_sticky_breakpoint":"m"},"children":[{"type":"panel","props":{"content":"<p data-path-to-node=\"2\">The visionary who initiated the entire Canadian journey, Steve represents the patriarch of the Montoya family. Returning to his roots driving a small aluminum boat—Steve proved to be the undisputed <em>Smallmouth King</em> of the trip, landing more smallmouth bass than anyone on the crew (and quite possibly everyone else combined). Bringing decades of life experience, nostalgia, and steady wisdom to the bush, he serves as the driving force and heart behind this multi-generational expedition.</p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"4\"></h3>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"6\"></h3>\n<ul class=\"uk-subnav uk-subnav-divider uk-margin-medium-top\"></ul>","content_column_breakpoint":"m","id":"speakers-steven-lee","image":"images/2026/07/dad.jpg","image_align":"left","image_expand":true,"image_grid_breakpoint":"s","image_grid_column_gap":"collapse","image_grid_row_gap":"collapse","image_grid_width":"1-2","image_height":"679","image_svg_color":"emphasis","image_vertical_align":false,"image_width":"609","link_style":"default","link_text":"Read more","margin_bottom":"default","margin_top":"default","meta":"Retired Entrepreneur, Expedition Catalyst & Smallmouth King","meta_align":"below-title","meta_element":"div","meta_margin":"small","meta_style":"text-meta","panel_image_no_padding":true,"panel_padding":"large","panel_style":"card-default","title":"Steve Montoya","title_align":"top","title_element":"h2","title_grid_breakpoint":"m","title_grid_width":"1-2","title_hover_style":"reset","title_style":"h1"}}]}]},{"type":"row","props":{"alignment":"left","width":"small"},"children":[{"type":"column","props":{"image_position":"center-center","position_sticky_breakpoint":"m"},"children":[{"type":"panel","props":{"content":"<div _ngcontent-ng-c4126289547=\"\" class=\"container\"><message-content _ngcontent-ng-c4126289547=\"\" _nghost-ng-c2068471080=\"\" id=\"message-content-id-r_19ceedb49cd49129\" class=\"ng-star-inserted\">\n<div _ngcontent-ng-c2068471080=\"\" inline-copy-host=\"\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel enable-luminous-fast-follows enable-updated-hr-color md-content tutor-markdown-rendering\" id=\"model-response-message-contentr_19ceedb49cd49129\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"off\" dir=\"ltr\">\n<p data-path-to-node=\"10\">An internationally acclaimed destination wedding and editorial photographer based in Nashville, Tennessee, Austin stepped into this expedition, serving as the crew's ultimate engine of morale. Bringing an infectious energy, spontaneous dancing, deep personality, and heart to the group, Austin’s warmth and humor provided the essential levity and joy needed during long, physically demanding stretches in the Canadian bush. </p>\n</div>\n</message-content></div>\n<ul class=\"uk-subnav uk-subnav-divider uk-margin-medium-top\"></ul>","content_column_breakpoint":"m","id":"speakers-alison-fisher","image":"images/2026/07/4_00_42_12_18.jpg","image_align":"left","image_alt":"austin edward Gros","image_expand":true,"image_grid_breakpoint":"s","image_grid_column_gap":"collapse","image_grid_row_gap":"collapse","image_grid_width":"1-2","image_height":"679","image_svg_color":"emphasis","image_width":"609","link":"https://austinedward.com/","link_style":"default","link_text":"Connect With Austin","margin_bottom":"default","margin_top":"default","meta":"World-Renowned Photographer, Morale Engine, & Muskie Brother","meta_align":"below-title","meta_element":"div","meta_margin":"small","meta_style":"text-meta","panel_image_no_padding":true,"panel_padding":"large","panel_style":"card-default","title":"Austin Gros","title_align":"top","title_element":"h2","title_grid_breakpoint":"m","title_grid_width":"1-2","title_hover_style":"reset","title_style":"h1"}}]}]},{"type":"row","props":{"alignment":"left","width":"small"},"children":[{"type":"column","props":{"image_position":"center-center","position_sticky_breakpoint":"m"},"children":[{"type":"panel","props":{"content":"<p data-path-to-node=\"13\">A former music tour and production manager turned humanitarian, Ryan is the founder of <i data-path-to-node=\"13\" data-index-in-node=\"87\">People Loving Nashville</i> and <i data-path-to-node=\"13\" data-index-in-node=\"115\">Paradeisos Coffee Company</i>. Having spent over 15 years leading relief and restoration efforts for Nashville's unhoused community, Ryan brings relational depth, quick humor, and an instinctual edge to the crew. As the group’s designated fly fisherman and \"forward-facing human sonar,\" Ryan spent the trip reading the wind, weather, and currents to crack the lake's code and consistently put the guys on top of the fish.</p>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"14\"></p>\n<h3 data-path-to-node=\"4\" class=\"\"></h3>","content_column_breakpoint":"m","id":"speakers-johnathan-rogers","image":"images/2026/07/7_08_49_01_18.jpg","image_align":"left","image_expand":true,"image_grid_breakpoint":"s","image_grid_column_gap":"collapse","image_grid_row_gap":"collapse","image_grid_width":"1-2","image_height":"679","image_svg_color":"emphasis","image_width":"609","link":"https://www.peoplelovingnashville.com/","link_style":"default","link_text":"Learn More About PLN","margin_bottom":"default","margin_top":"default","meta":"Community Leader & Founder of People Loving Nashville","meta_align":"below-title","meta_element":"div","meta_margin":"small","meta_style":"text-meta","panel_image_no_padding":true,"panel_padding":"large","panel_style":"card-default","title":"Ryan Lampa","title_align":"top","title_element":"h2","title_grid_breakpoint":"m","title_grid_width":"1-2","title_hover_style":"reset","title_style":"h1"}}]}]}]}],"version":"5.0.39"} -->]]></description>
			<author>jason@jasonscottmontoya.com (Jason Montoya)</author>
			<category>My Projects</category>
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>To CATCH STRIPERS Use a LADDER??? Catch &amp; Shoot #7</title>
			<link>https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/my-story/993-catch-stripers-ladder</link>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/my-story/993-catch-stripers-ladder</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/07/snapshot_9.jpg" alt="fishing pole, lake lanier" width="1200" height="675" loading="lazy"></p><p><span>In this episode of Cast of Shoot, my brother-in-law and his sons join us as we try to catch our first fish at Lake Lanier. This episode is filled with his tips and a crazy fly-fishing idea. </span></p>

<ul>
<li><span>Explore <a href="https://amzn.to/3RNqdWE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">my list of <strong>fishing gear and lures</strong> for Lake Lanier here.</a></span><span></span></li>
<li><span>Explore <a href="https://amzn.to/4w3x8ZD" target="_blank" rel="noopener">my list of <strong>camera gear and accessories</strong> for making fishing videos here.</a></span></li>
</ul>
<h2>Cast &amp; Shoot YouTube Series</h2>
<p>This is a series I'm producing for YouTube, where I'm tracking my journey towards an upcoming Canadian fishing trip. The series dives into my fishing history, preparing to fish for Muskie and Pike in Canada, mastering shore fishing on Lake Lanier, and learning to make great fishing videos for YouTube. <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/tags/cast-shoot" rel="noopener">Click here to view all episodes of Cast &amp; Shoot.</a></p>]]></description>
			<author>jason@jasonscottmontoya.com (Jason Montoya)</author>
			<category>My Life</category>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:00:04 -0400</pubDate>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>What to Expect on Your Therapy Dog Visit // Juniper &amp; Jones #26</title>
			<link>https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/inspiration/juniper-jones/992-therapy-dog-visit-expectations</link>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/inspiration/juniper-jones/992-therapy-dog-visit-expectations</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/07/snapshot_3.jpg" alt="cait with juniper" width="1200" height="675" loading="lazy"></p><p><span>In this episode of Juniper &amp; Jones, Cait shares what students can expect when she comes to visit their school with her red golden retriever therapy dog, Juniper. Plus, an extended look at Juniper's grooming process. </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2B5m2tVnHFprJjm7akexFg?sub_confirmation=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to subscribe to my YouTube channel.</a></span></li>
</ul>

<h2>Video Production Software &amp; Equipment Links</h2>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://riverside.fm/?utm_campaign=campaign_2&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_source=rewardful&amp;via=jason-montoya" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Riverside Video Editing Platform</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/3Rtdx3m" target="_blank" rel="noopener"></a><a href="https://amzn.to/47YuUS8" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DJI Mini Mic Set</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/40qg1EH" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DJI Osmo Mobile SE, 3-Axis Phone Gimbal</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/4rv3zP9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">DJI Action Cam 5</a></li>
</ul>
<hr>
<h2><span>About Juniper &amp; Jones</span></h2>
<p><span>My wife and I have embarked on an incredible journey to ignite a love for reading and bring comfort to our community's children. <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFbX5MEk1BbofNvNU0VR4fSiS_qIZ9Jxa&amp;si=Dd8-mj5EHVumhd9g" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I'm documenting the entire journey in a video web series for YouTube!</a></span></p>]]></description>
			<author>jason@jasonscottmontoya.com (Jason Montoya)</author>
			<category>Juniper &amp; Jones</category>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:00:03 -0400</pubDate>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Vahdam: This Is The Tea I've Been Seeking</title>
			<link>https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/my-story/991-vahdam-breakfast-tea</link>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/my-story/991-vahdam-breakfast-tea</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/07/snapshot_18.jpg" alt="vahdam black tea" width="1200" height="675" loading="lazy"></p><p><span>In this first episode of Tea With Me, I explore a variety of teas until I find one I can love. </span></p>
<p><span>And, I found it. </span><span>Vahdam</span><span> is now a favorite English Breakfast Tea. </span></p>
<p><span>I also talk about my now-favorite spoon (Thanks Jessica Lalley). </span></p>

<h2><span>Explore Products</span></h2>
<p><span>Amazon affiliate links.</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/4vSbetB" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>Vahdam Tea</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/4mQKllH" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>Brodies Famous Edinburgh Tea</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/4mTla1N" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>Tiesta Black Tea Sampler</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/4eaqtI0" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>Mevlana - Pure Ceylon Loose Leaf Tea</span></a></li>
</ul>
<h2><span>Tea With Me</span></h2>
<p><span>I love tea! In this YouTube series, I try out and share tea. You can check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFbX5MEk1BbqADA1ygjEJBP94FQmmSsvt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all episodes related to tea on my YouTube channel here.</a></span></p>]]></description>
			<author>jason@jasonscottmontoya.com (Jason Montoya)</author>
			<category>My Life</category>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:00:02 -0400</pubDate>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Trying La Victoria Fiery Jalapeno Sauce // Some Like it Hot</title>
			<link>https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/my-story/990-la-victoria-fiery-jalapeno-sauce</link>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/my-story/990-la-victoria-fiery-jalapeno-sauce</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/07/snapshot_10.jpg" alt="jason montoya looking at la victoria salsa brave" width="1200" height="675" loading="lazy"></p><p><span>In this first episode of Some Like it Hot, I make nachos and make my favorite snack with La Victoria</span><span>'s new Fiery Jalapeno hot sauce, providing a review along th</span><span>e way.  </span></p>

<h2><span>Explore Products</span></h2>
<p><span>Amazon affiliate links.</span></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/42slnQ2" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>LA VICTORIA Fiery Jalapeño Sauce</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/41Y7b19" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>La Victoria Salsa Brava Hot Sauce, 12 Ounce</span></a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/48o5L3B" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span>Tapatio Hot Sauce</span></a></li>
<li><span><a href="https://amzn.to/41QrNbE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Melinda's Habanero Sauce</a></span></li>
</ul>
<h2><span>Some Like It Hot</span></h2>
<p><span>Some Like It Hot is a series on my YouTube channel where I explore and share spicy things! It's also a play on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Some_Like_It_Hot" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the old movie, Some Like It Hot with Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis.</a> You can check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFbX5MEk1BbrdMziqOf3jYq1ySPRHOk7c" target="_blank" rel="noopener">all episodes related to spicy things on my YouTube channel here.</a></span></p>]]></description>
			<author>jason@jasonscottmontoya.com (Jason Montoya)</author>
			<category>My Life</category>
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Aug 2026 07:00:01 -0400</pubDate>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>How ONE Phone Call From JAIL Saved Weston Brann's Life</title>
			<link>https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/inspiration/people/988-weston-brann</link>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/inspiration/people/988-weston-brann</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/07/maxresdefault.jpg" alt="jason and weston" width="1280" height="720" loading="lazy"></p><p data-path-to-node="2"></p>
<p class="markdown markdown-main-panel enable-luminous-fast-follows enable-updated-hr-color md-content tutor-markdown-rendering" id="model-response-message-contentr_8cf0d504e45e41f0" aria-busy="false" aria-live="polite" dir="ltr">Most people think that if they just make better choices, their life will get better.</p>
<p class="markdown markdown-main-panel enable-luminous-fast-follows enable-updated-hr-color md-content tutor-markdown-rendering" aria-busy="false" aria-live="polite" dir="ltr">They focus on fixing their behavior. But what happens when you hit rock bottom? What happens when your identity gets stripped away and you are left wondering, <i data-path-to-node="2" data-index-in-node="159">"Who am I, and why am I here?"</i></p>

<p data-path-to-node="4">Weston spent years wearing a mask. He thought he was just the "party guy" until he flipped his dad's truck on the interstate and ended up locked in a jail cell. It took hearing the raw exhaustion and heartbreak in his mom's voice over a phone call to realize something:</p>
<p data-path-to-node="4"><b data-path-to-node="5" data-index-in-node="0">He did not just need to fix my behavior. He needed to become something entirely different.</b><strong></strong></p>
<h2 data-path-to-node="5">Are You Living Under This Massive Lie?</h2>
<p>In this discussion, Weston flips the script on how real change happens and busts the biggest myths about personal growth and purpose.</p>
<ul>
<li data-path-to-node="10,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">The Identity Trap:</b> Why the world is dead wrong when it says, <i data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="61">"You are what you do."</i> Learn why behavior never determines identity—and why identity <i data-path-to-node="10,0,0" data-index-in-node="146">always</i> drives behavior.</li>
<li data-path-to-node="10,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">The Danger of Comfort:</b> Why our modern obsession with pursuing comfort at all costs is creating a generation crippled by anxiety, panic, and a lack of purpose.</li>
<li data-path-to-node="10,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="10,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">The Mud Burrito Moment:</b> How losing a tarp in a monsoon storm and sleeping in the mud proved that hardship is the only path to building real hope and confidence.</li>
</ul>
<p data-path-to-node="13">What if the very challenges you are running away from are the exact tools designed to build your character? Are you making the fatal mistake of chasing convenience over true growth? Watch the full interview right now to get the complete truth on finding your identity and stepping into your purpose.</p>
<p data-path-to-node="9"><a href="https://youtu.be/skYzHxiqnc4" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here</a> to watch the full <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/inspiration/people">inspirational people interview</a> on <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/podcast">the Share Life podcast.</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p data-path-to-node="9"><b data-path-to-node="17,0" data-index-in-node="0">P.S.</b> If you are sitting at the bottom looking up today, feel lost, or feel like you are just grinding away playing video games, know this: your past choices do not define you. Your rock bottom might just be the exact starting point for your real story.</p>
</blockquote>
<hr>
<ul>
<li><strong>Watch: </strong><a href="https://youtu.be/skYzHxiqnc4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to watch this discussion on YouTube directly,</a> or click play on the embedded video below to begin streaming the interview. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2B5m2tVnHFprJjm7akexFg?sub_confirmation=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to subscribe to my YouTube channel.</a></li>
<li><strong>Listen:</strong> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/2U9Cx2yeARLnXtPA4UJ8g0?si=Eb1mg7kKTICgj9-qwwUTmg" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to listen on Spotify directly</a>, or click play below to immediately begin streaming. You can also find this discussion on <a href="https://pca.st/48txs49x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pocket Casts</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/share-life-stories-systems-to-live-better-work-smarter/id1436651349" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">iTunes</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4VQZ36R4eGt6ajp0Y2JYGD" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>, and wherever you listen to podcasts under the name Share Life: Systems and Stories to Live Better &amp; Work Smarter or Jason Scott Montoya.</li>
</ul>
<p><iframe width="100%" height="152" style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/2U9Cx2yeARLnXtPA4UJ8g0?utm_source=generator" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></p>
<p><em>Thank you, Jessica Lalley, from <a href="https://www.voicestoconnect.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voices to Connect,</a> for introducing me to Weston.</em></p>
<h2>Connect With Weston Brann</h2>
<ul>
<li>Connect with Weston |  <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/weston-brann-7611873a9/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LinkedIn</a></li>
<li>Explore Narrow Gate Foundation | <a href="https://narrowgate.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Website</a> - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/narrowgatefoundation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube</a> - <a href="http://www.facebook.com/narrowgatefoundation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/narrowgatelodge/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>FAQ</h2>
<p>{field 14}</p>
<h2>Podcast Episode Transcript</h2>
<p>{field 12}</p>]]></description>
			<author>jason@jasonscottmontoya.com (Jason Montoya)</author>
			<category>Inspirational People</category>
			<pubDate>Sat, 01 Aug 2026 07:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>The Digital Blackout: Why Nothing Is Worse Than Something</title>
			<link>https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/marketing/987-website-down-reputation-blackout</link>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/marketing/987-website-down-reputation-blackout</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/05/dmytro-vynohradov-3jRutuLtBtM-unsplash.jpg" alt="blackout" width="1400" height="981" loading="lazy"></p><p draggable="false" data-pm-slice="0 0 []" data-en-clipboard="true">If your website is down right now you’re creating a <b>Reputational Blackout</b>. And in 2026, that’s not a neutral move. It’s a loud one.</p>
<p draggable="false">When we don't offer clarity, people have a tendency to fill the unknown with their own answers. Simply put, if you leave the question unanswered, it can <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/personal/development/38-the-worm-story">fill with worms.</a></p>
<h3 nodeid="6eee8cab-3aa0-4a1f-8f7e-3459500aeba4" draggable="false">When Down Becomes a Business Decision</h3>
<p draggable="false">I've recently had conversations with a company whose website was shut down. This wasn't a new company but one that's decades old. They were concerned <a href="https://brainleaf.com/blog/marketing/marketing-reflection-reflecting/">a site that didn't accurately reflect</a> them was worse than nothing at all.</p>
<p draggable="false">If you've been around that long and your site is gone, <strong>my first thought is that you went out of business.</strong> If that is not true, it's now become one of those worms, giving me an answer that is now <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/marketing/872-brand-building-reputation">harming your business reputation</a>.</p>
<p draggable="false">Perhaps there's a reason to shut down your website or migrate to a new one. I've had Legacy leaders tell me a version of this, sometimes sounding like:</p>
<ul>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">“Our site is outdated.”</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">“It doesn’t reflect who we are today.”</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">“We’re rebranding.”</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">“We’re embarrassed by it.”</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p draggable="false">So they do what feels responsible: they pull the plug.</p>
<p draggable="false">Other times, their site can get hacked. It goes dark.</p>
<p draggable="false">Whether it's by choice or by someone else's choice, shutting down your website is a risky action to take.</p>
<p draggable="false">No website. No trace. No awkward relic.</p>
<p draggable="false"><a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/personal/development/38-the-worm-story">Remember the worms?</a> Without communication (no website) that may be what they're collecting.</p>
<ul>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">“Are these people still in business?”</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">“Are they stable?”</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">“If they can’t manage a website, can they manage my project?”</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p draggable="false">That’s the harsh truth: <b>invisibility doesn’t preserve reputation—it erodes it.</b></p>
<p draggable="false">And a website that's not ideal, well at least it's something.</p>
<h2 nodeid="ffb6c805-0ae0-43b8-b45d-27a6be6d1555" draggable="false"><span>The Pivot: The Old Way of Thinking Is Failing Analog Titans</span></h2>
<div draggable="false">Analog Titans (companies that have been around for decades or centuries) built their companies on three things:</div>
<ol>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>Reputation</b> (earned over decades)</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>Relationships</b> (networks that actually work)</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>Reliability</b> (do what you say, ship what you promise)</div>
</li>
</ol>
<p draggable="false">That playbook still matters.</p>
<p draggable="false">But it's not automatically perpetuated into the future. Actions today can reinforce that trust or tear it down. A company like Wells Fargo has been around forever, but in the last few decades, my experience of that bank is poor. I'll steer away from that unless it's a last resort. My experience with Chase bank has been the opposite (I love Chase!).</p>
<p draggable="false">How a company built its success foundation carries them forward. With marketing projecting that foundation, it plays a pivotal role and your website is part of that recipe.</p>
<p draggable="false">But here’s what changed: <b>your buyer’s first handshake is no longer a handshake.</b> It’s a search.</p>
<p draggable="false">Even in industries where deals are still done through reps, distributors, and phone calls, the sequence is now predictable:</p>
<ol>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">Someone hears your name.</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">They Google you.</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">They judge your competence before anyone returns the call.</div>
</li>
</ol>
<p draggable="false">So when your site is down, you don’t just lose clicks.</p>
<p draggable="false">You lose <b>confidence</b>. You lose trust.</p>
<p draggable="false">If it's a one off short experience for them, they'll probably forget it. Longer than that, and it's probably gonna be a problem.</p>
<p draggable="false">Confidence is the currency that makes customer relationships possible.</p>
<h2 nodeid="53fa20ee-0258-404f-9242-587d79e0792a" draggable="false"><span>The Challenger Moment: A Website Is Just a Brochure Is a Comfort Lie</span></h2>
<p draggable="false">Let’s challenge a cozy misconception.</p>
<p draggable="false">A website is not a brochure.</p>
<p draggable="false">A brochure is something you hand to someone after they already trust you.</p>
<p draggable="false"><strong>Your website is what a skeptical engineer, contractor, or purchasing manager uses to decide whether you’re worth trusting in the first place.</strong></p>
<p draggable="false">It’s also what your internal team uses to stop answering the same questions 47 times a week.</p>
<p draggable="false">And if you’re trying to reposition the business—especially after a rough digital past—then <b>nothing is the worst possible message</b>.</p>
<p draggable="false">Because nothing doesn’t say we’re improving.</p>
<p draggable="false"><strong>Nothing” says we’re missing.</strong></p>
<p draggable="false">When you want a business to be there for you (Hey Jake), not being there, online, is a signal that you may not be there when they need it.</p>
<h2 nodeid="1d3b9f03-6cba-418a-a89f-43c1b800f192" draggable="false"><span>Down Isn’t Safer—It’s a Slow Leak</span></h2>
<blockquote draggable="false">
<div draggable="false"><b>“You’d rather have nothing than something… but that means you’re actively losing search territory and market share every hour you’re invisible.”</b></div>
</blockquote>
<p draggable="false">That’s the Reputational Blackout in one sentence.</p>
<p draggable="false">Even if your business runs through relationships and reps, <b>search is still territory</b>.</p>
<p draggable="false">When you abandon it:</p>
<ul>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">competitors take your place</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">your old pages de-index</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">your authority decays</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">your we’ve been here 36 years credibility becomes harder to prove</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p draggable="false">And when you finally relaunch, you’re not returning to the same spot on the map.</p>
<p draggable="false">You’re trying to claw your way back, just to get back to where you were before things ended.</p>
<h2 nodeid="bdcbcc49-4913-4afc-9f91-c7e3f5522ee4" draggable="false"><span>The Framework That Changes the Game: Search, Showroom, Wizard</span></h2>
<p draggable="false">Here’s the part most teams miss: a database website isn’t one thing. Connecting people with information is more than that. When you say you want an information hub—spec sheets, product data, compliance documents—you’re really talking about <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/systems/986-search-showroom-wizard"><b>how people get to the information</b>. There are three paths:</a></p>
<ul>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>Search</b>: I know what I need. Let me find it fast.</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>Showroom</b>: I don’t know exactly what I need. Help me explore options.</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>Wizard</b>: I’m lost. Ask me a few questions and guide me to the right answer.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p draggable="false">Analog Titans often overbuild the database and underbuild the pathways.</p>
<p draggable="false">If you have the entirety of the information they need but they don't actually access it, how useful is it?</p>
<p draggable="false">The pathways are the whole point—especially when your users range from state inspectors to homeowners.</p>
<h2 nodeid="e85a6fb5-664c-4f58-a3cd-6664da380cd3" draggable="false"><span>The Takeaway: Don’t Pull the Plug—Start the Stabilization Phase</span></h2>
<p draggable="false">If you’re rebranding, rebuilding, or modernizing, here’s the move I recommend instead of shutting down your website (and why most companies will live with a old or outdated website over none at all):</p>
<h3 nodeid="b13bc274-8888-42a0-9aad-dcd91385143f" draggable="false">Start the <b>Stabilization Phase</b> (before the full rebuild)</h3>
<p draggable="false">The goal is simple: <b>stay visible while you improve</b>.</p>
<p draggable="false">That can look like:</p>
<ul>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">a clean one-page site with your updated logo, contact info, and credibility markers</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">a message that still answers basic questions and directs them to a follow up pathway.</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">a phased rollout where you publish sections as they’re ready</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;h4&quot;:16,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">priority recovery of high-value pages (the ones people actually search for)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p draggable="false">You don’t need perfection to stay online. You need continuity. Because in your market, the scariest signal isn’t they’re old. It’s they’re gone.</p>
<p draggable="false">When I'm building a new website for clients, I'll often recommend we build it live. Create a section or page; and then make it live. The entirety of the website doesn't have to be done for prospects and customers to get value out of it and for you to grow your business while it's being constructed.</p>
<h3 iscollapsed="false" nodeid="2037564a-4a3a-49cf-9737-b74b03ebccfd" draggable="false">If you’re an Analog Titan facing a rebuild</h3>
<p draggable="false">If your team is debating whether to take the site down, ask one question:</p>
<p draggable="false"><b>What is it costing us to be invisible—per hour?</b></p>
<p draggable="false">If you don’t know the answer, that’s your first project.</p>
<p draggable="false">Then stabilize.</p>
<p draggable="false">Then modernize.</p>
<p draggable="false">And when you do launch the new thing, you won’t be starting from a reputational hole you dug yourself.</p>
<p draggable="false">And if you need someone to help with any three of these steps, <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/contact">let's talk.</a></p>]]></description>
			<author>jason@jasonscottmontoya.com (Jason Montoya)</author>
			<category>Marketing</category>
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Jun 2026 07:54:38 -0400</pubDate>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>The Search, The Showroom, &amp; The Wizard</title>
			<link>https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/systems/986-search-showroom-wizard</link>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/systems/986-search-showroom-wizard</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/05/artem-maltsev-3n7DdlkMfEg-unsplash.jpg" alt="wizard alchemy" width="1400" height="935" loading="lazy"></p><p draggable="false" data-pm-slice="0 0 []" data-en-clipboard="true">When a company tells me they need an informational website, I ask a different question:</p>
<ul>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>How do your users actually discover what they need?</b></div>
</li>
</ul>
<p draggable="false">There are only three core modes by which a site connects data to its users.</p>
<p draggable="false">When entrepreneurs look around, they hear that they need a website. But often they get fixated on the website as the destination and forget that it's actually a vehicle to get their business somewhere.</p>

<p draggable="false">Imagine buying a Ferrari and just hanging out in it while it's parked in your garage, never driving it to your destination. This is how business leaders can think about their website.</p>
<p draggable="false">A website is a vehicle to get your prospect or customer to a desired outcome. And there are <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/marketing/175-content-marketing-delivery">three ways this happens: search, browsing, and with guidance.</a></p>
<h3 nodeid="b51849c2-5c5e-4f81-bc1b-b0cf97f15ea5" draggable="false">Type 1) <b>Search</b>: <i>“I know what I want.”</i></h3>
<p draggable="false">This is the engineer with a part number. The contractor who already knows the spec. The rep who’s trying to answer a client question on a job site.</p>
<p draggable="false">They don’t want marketing.</p>
<p draggable="false">They want speed. Your site allows them to quickly get to where they know they want to go (or at least is should).</p>
<p draggable="false">Make it fast and easy.</p>
<p draggable="false">Make it direct.</p>
<p draggable="false"><b>When constructing your search, consider the following requirements:</b></p>
<ul>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">strong internal search (with filters that actually match how people think),</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">clean product (or service) pages with the right files and specs,</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">predictable structure (so pages don’t feel like a scavenger hunt).</div>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 iscollapsed="false" nodeid="76ab1587-66e3-4c56-92dc-483df886ea83" draggable="false">Type 2) <b>Showroom</b>: <i>“I want to explore.”</i></h3>
<p draggable="false">This is the buyer who knows the category, not the exact model. Think bookstore, not filing cabinet.</p>
<p draggable="false">They want to explore and browse, to look around and kick the tires.</p>
<p draggable="false">I've been tracking my journey for an upcoming fishing trip to Canada. I need a lot of stuff. Categorically, I've got some ideas of some of what I need, but I've need a space to see my options and explore them further.</p>
<p draggable="false">If you're a moviegoer, you want to watch something, but you don't know what you want to watch. You need experience to see and explore your options.</p>
<p draggable="false"><b>When building a showroom experience, you'll want to include the following elements:</b></p>
<ul>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">category pathways that make sense to outsiders,</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">comparison views,</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">related products and common applications that guide exploration,</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">visual cues that don’t insult the user’s intelligence.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<h3 nodeid="c47f6309-31f2-4cb8-9c8f-bd9055a06766" draggable="false">Type 3) <b>Wizard</b>: <i>“I need a guide.”</i></h3>
<p draggable="false">This is the person who doesn’t even know what to ask. They need help, but they don't even know why or where to start.</p>
<p draggable="false">Homeowners. New contractors. People crossing over from a different system. Procurement folks who don’t speak technical fluently. This is where consultative design (and AI) starts to matter.</p>
<p draggable="false"><a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/business/team/972-designers-seth-godin-process" rev="en_rl_none" draggable="false">They need someone to hold their hand and find what they're looking for, even when they don't know what it is.</a></p>
<p draggable="false">For most of my fishing experiences in the past, it was plug and play. We hire a guide, and they provide everything we need and curate the experience. This upcoming trip to Canada is a do-it-yourself experience. We bring our own fishing gear, and they simply provide a boat and point us in the right direction. Unfortunately, I don't know what I'm doing, so I need a guide. I need to know what to bring and what will work best. With the help of Gemini (AI) and various YouTubers, I was able to be guided towards what I needed.</p>
<p draggable="false"><b>If you're building a wizard experience, here are some elements required:</b></p>
<ul>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">guided flows (“Answer 3 questions and we’ll point you to the right system”),</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">interactive selectors,</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">decision trees that match real-world use cases,</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">a pathway that reduces uncertainty, not adds to it.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p draggable="false">With <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/personal/productivity/945-maximize-productivity-generative-ai-tasks">generative AI</a> (large language models), this can simply be an interactive chat experience. If you want to supercharge it, you contextualize, drive, and optimize this wizard experience.</p>
<h2 iscollapsed="false" nodeid="82bbf5cc-979f-40de-9550-47902a4a53f4" draggable="false">Why This Framework Matters for Analog Titans</h2>
<p draggable="false">Legacy companies (Analog Titans), in technical, longstanding industries, usually have a mixed audience:</p>
<ul>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">the good old boy pro who wants it simple,</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">the regulator who wants documentation,</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">the engineer who wants precision,</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">the new buyer who wants to understand <i>what this even is.</i></div>
</li>
</ul>
<p draggable="false">Here’s the mistake: you pick one experience and force everyone into it.</p>
<p draggable="false">That’s how you end up with a technically accurate site… and practically useless.</p>
<p draggable="false">The <b>Search / Showroom / Wizard</b> architecture gives you a way to serve all three groups without turning the site into chaos.</p>
<p draggable="false">And it does something else that matters just as much:</p>
<ul>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>It signals competence.</b></div>
</li>
</ul>
<p draggable="false">Not with flashy motion graphics.</p>
<p draggable="false">With clarity.</p>
<p draggable="false">It's wild how many of the analog titans that have had massive success and been around for so long seem to be operating their website and marketing with a mindset and system that is decades old (or longer). Moving them into the modern era is possible, but it often requires a mental shift more than simply a technological one.</p>
<h2 nodeid="bbd6c994-29d5-4f77-8fae-47cc52c529b5" draggable="false">Become the Architect of Discovery</h2>
<p draggable="false">If you’re leading a legacy company, your website shouldn’t be a vanity project. It should be an operational asset. It should know who the audience is and what value it needs to provide to them.</p>
<p draggable="false">Your website becomes a <b>Product Knowledge Machine</b> that:</p>
<ul>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">reduces friction for buyers,</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">reduces manual support load for your team,</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">protects (and rebuilds) reputation,</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">positions you as modern without pretending you’re a Silicon Valley startup.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p draggable="false">If you’re rebuilding your site, don’t start with <em>“What pages do we need?”</em></p>
<p draggable="false">Start with:</p>
<ul>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>Who is trying to find what?</b></div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>Are they searching, exploring, or lost?</b></div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>What architecture helps them win quickly?</b></div>
</li>
</ul>
<p draggable="false">Because a database is only as good as the navigation. And in your market, <b>discovery is reputation</b>.</p>
<h3 nodeid="af70c133-3ebb-4a46-8188-387515cc0734" draggable="false">If you want a practical next step</h3>
<p draggable="false">Take your top 25 most requested items (spec sheets, install docs, product categories, compliance info) and ask:</p>
<ul>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">Can someone find this in <b>two clicks</b>?</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">Can they find it with a <b>search</b>, even if they misspell it?</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">If they don’t know what it’s called, do you offer a <b>showroom</b> path or a <b>wizard</b> path?</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p draggable="false">That one exercise will tell you whether your next website is a facelift… or a real upgrade.</p>
<p draggable="false">And if you need either, <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/contact" rev="en_rl_none" draggable="false">send me a message.</a></p>]]></description>
			<author>jason@jasonscottmontoya.com (Jason Montoya)</author>
			<category>Organizing Systems</category>
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Jun 2026 07:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>STOP AI SCAMS With One Simple Tactic — With Dale Cardwell (Trust Dale)</title>
			<link>https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/inspiration/people/984-trust-dale</link>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/inspiration/people/984-trust-dale</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/05/snapshot_13-dale-cardwell.jpg" alt="dale cardwell, share life podcast" width="1200" height="675" loading="lazy"></p><p data-path-to-node="1">Ever feel like the world is just waiting to burn you?</p>
<p data-path-to-node="2">We’ve all been there. You hire a contractor, they tell you a story that sounds just a little too good to be true, and before you know it—<b data-path-to-node="2" data-index-in-node="137">poof</b>. Your money is gone, their phone is disconnected, and the website you trusted was just an AI-generated spoof.</p>

<p data-path-to-node="3">It’s the <b data-path-to-node="3" data-index-in-node="21">silent bullet theory.</b> In combat, if you get killed by a silent bullet, you never saw it or heard it coming. Today’s scammers are the same way. They rely on your shame, your greed, or your need for speed to pin you down and take what’s yours.</p>
<p data-path-to-node="4">Dale Cardwell spent over 30 years analyzing exactly how people get burned. As a six-time Emmy award-winning consumer investigator, he has seen the same seven mistakes repeated over and over.</p>
<p data-path-to-node="5">In my latest Share Life podcast interview, I’m pulling back the curtain on how to identify the<em> good guys</em> and stop being the underdog.</p>
<p data-path-to-node="6"><b data-path-to-node="6" data-index-in-node="0">Inside this conversation, we’re diving into:</b></p>
<ul>
<li data-path-to-node="7,0,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,0,0" data-index-in-node="0">The Safe Word Strategy:</b> A simple, 5-second trick to stop AI voice-cloning scammers in their tracks (before they trick you into wiring thousands).</li>
<li data-path-to-node="7,1,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,1,0" data-index-in-node="0">The 20-Reference Rule:</b> Why the standard 3 references are a total myth and how to actually vet a company so you don't end up with a disaster.</li>
<li data-path-to-node="7,2,0"><b data-path-to-node="7,2,0" data-index-in-node="0">The Georgia Untouchables:</b> The dirty secret about why the justice system won't put non-violent scammers in prison—and what you must do to protect yourself instead.</li>
</ul>
<p data-path-to-node="8">Dale even shares the embarrassing story of how he <b data-path-to-node="8" data-index-in-node="43">got scammed</b> out of $40,000. If it can happen to a professional investigator, it can happen to you.</p>
<p data-path-to-node="9">Stop playing defense with a shotgun at the front door while the robber is climbing through the back window. Don't let them catch you off guard.</p>
<p data-path-to-node="9"><a href="https://youtu.be/IudHu6UpQTo?si=GagRGuwJabZJ7g2G" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click here</a> to watch the full <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/inspiration/people">inspirational people interview</a> on <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/podcast">the Share Life podcast.</a></p>
<p data-path-to-node="9"><em>P.S. If you're currently struggling with a business dispute that feels like a total scam, remember: good people expect goodness from others. Don't let a bad experience turn you cynical—just turn you into a person who <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/personal/development/885-glass-box-principle">trusts, but verifies.</a></em></p>
<hr>
<ul>
<li><strong>Watch: </strong><a href="https://youtu.be/IudHu6UpQTo?si=GagRGuwJabZJ7g2G" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to watch this discussion on YouTube directly,</a> or click play on the embedded video below to begin streaming the interview. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2B5m2tVnHFprJjm7akexFg?sub_confirmation=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to subscribe to my YouTube channel.</a></li>
<li><strong>Listen:</strong> <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/0M4qnRBudiiqJ5Ouby3oPP?si=MT6StK5vRZakykZ9BE4QjA" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Click here to listen on Spotify directly</a>, or click play below to immediately begin streaming. You can also find this discussion on <a href="https://pca.st/48txs49x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pocket Casts</a>, <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/share-life-stories-systems-to-live-better-work-smarter/id1436651349" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">iTunes</a>, <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/4VQZ36R4eGt6ajp0Y2JYGD" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Spotify</a>, and wherever you listen to podcasts under the name Share Life: Systems and Stories to Live Better &amp; Work Smarter or Jason Scott Montoya.</li>
</ul>
<p><iframe width="100%" height="152" style="border-radius: 12px;" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/0M4qnRBudiiqJ5Ouby3oPP?utm_source=generator" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe></p>
<p><em>Thank you, Jessica Lalley, from <a href="https://www.voicestoconnect.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Voices to Connect,</a> for introducing me to Dale.</em></p>
<h2>Connect With Dale Cardwell</h2>
<ul>
<li>Connect with Dale |  <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-cardwell/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">LinkedIn</a></li>
<li>Follow TrustDALE | <a href="https://trustdale.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Website</a> - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/TrustDaleTV" target="_blank" rel="noopener">YouTube</a> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TrustDALE/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Facebook</a> - <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@trustdale_" target="_blank" rel="noopener">TikTok</a> - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/trust_dale" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a> - <a href="https://x.com/trustdale" target="_blank" rel="noopener">X</a></li>
<li><a href="https://amzn.to/43ldeNM" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Buy Dale's Book (Amazon affiliate link) Don't Get Scammed, Get Smart!: Seven Steps to Outsmart Today's Most Dangerous Post-COVID Scams</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>FAQ</h2>
<p>{field 14}</p>
<h2>Podcast Episode Transcript</h2>
<p>{field 12}</p>]]></description>
			<author>jason@jasonscottmontoya.com (Jason Montoya)</author>
			<category>Inspirational People</category>
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 May 2026 07:00:00 -0400</pubDate>
		</item>
		<item>
			<title>Three Expert Marketing Strategies: What's Your Next Move?</title>
			<link>https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/marketing/983-expert-marketing-strategies</link>
			<guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/marketing/983-expert-marketing-strategies</guid>
			<description><![CDATA[<p><img src="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/images/2026/05/rita-morais-fJLyQ81u80Y-unsplash.jpg" alt="from the real experts" width="1200" height="800" loading="lazy"></p><p draggable="false" data-pm-slice="0 0 []" data-en-clipboard="true">In a world of <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/marketing/939-singular-problem-repeat">ever-expanding noise,</a> the most dangerous thing an expert can do is try to do it ALL (or to do the opposite, NOTHING). If you’ve spent 20 years building your expertise in your field, you shouldn't have to spend 20 hours a week pretending to be a <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/inspiration/jason/projects/741-2025-content-creation-vision-goals">content creator.</a> And if you've got that much wisdom to share, you don't want to keep it locked up in your mind so no one knows about it.</p>

<p draggable="false" data-pm-slice="0 0 []" data-en-clipboard="true"><strong>Marketing for experts</strong> isn't about being loud or silent—it’s about choosing a <b>Posture (disposition)</b> that matches your business goals. It's about doing the activities that will drive the outcomes you want for your business.</p>
<p draggable="false" data-pm-slice="0 0 []" data-en-clipboard="true">Clarity on your business context and goals will inform your posture.</p>
<h2 nodeid="abd9ccc9-91b0-4762-be7c-046da05dc97e" draggable="false"><b>The Three Postures of the Modern Expert</b></h2>
<p draggable="false">As you think about sharing and communicating your expertise, you must decide which of these three goals you are actually aiming for right now. Understand them and choose the one that best fits. And realize, you'll likely start at the first stage, and want to move into the final of the three stages.</p>
<h3 nodeid="065252d0-0b4e-4a61-9d86-ba2ab1084298" draggable="false"><b>Posture 1: Presence (The Defensive Moat)</b></h3>
<p draggable="false"><b>The Goal:</b> <i>Verify my reputation.</i></p>
<p draggable="false">If you already get 90% of your business from referrals, you don't need a funnel. You need a <b>Moat.</b></p>
<p draggable="false">In 2026, when a prospect hears your name, they will do two things: Google you and ask an AI (like Claude or <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/business/freelancing/857-agi-google-gemini-coding">Gemini</a>) about you. If your digital house is empty, you are creating friction in a deal you’ve already earned.</p>
<ul>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>The Strategy:</b> Passive verification.</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>The Check:</b> If someone looks you up, do they see a current, credible expert, or a ghost town from 2019?</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>The Value:</b> Presence is <b>Generative Engine Insurance.</b> It ensures you pass the Google Test without forcing you to become a full-time influencer.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p draggable="false">In my early years of freelancing, this presence approach with something that worked really well for me. I was more active, regularly, when I first started, but as I got more clients, I throttled back that activity because I had less time to create and publish that content.</p>
<p draggable="false">Eventually, over the years, I shifted into the pipeline mode of content creation and promotion, publishing while having many other things going on in my business and on the side. Building financial margin in <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/consulting-marketing">my freelancing work</a> was one way I made room for doing more creation work steadily.</p>
<h3 nodeid="28376160-fb4a-4acc-845e-ae24d418c446" draggable="false"><b>Posture 2: Pipeline (The Active Acquisition)</b></h3>
<p draggable="false"><b>The Goal:</b> <i>Control lead flow.</i></p>
<p draggable="false">At some point, relying purely on referrals becomes a risk. You start to experience t<a href="https://www.pathofthefreelancer.com/achievements/unaffected-roller-coaster" target="_blank" rel="noopener">he Roller Coaster Effect I talk about in Path of the Freelancer.</a> If you want to move from a defensive crouch to an active hunt, you need a <b>Pipeline.</b></p>
<ul>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>The Strategy:</b> Active capture.</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>The Shift:</b> You stop asking people to read your thoughts and start asking them to <b>join your room.</b></div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>The Value:</b> This is about <b>Control.</b> By moving rented attention (LinkedIn/Facebook) into an owned asset (Email), you kill the referral reliance and start winning predictably.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p draggable="false">With so many articles on my website, I've created a content pipeline engine for lead generation. Regularly, I'm getting people contacting me about working together. Sometimes it's based on a technical expertise like <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/systems/863-joomla-wordpress">Joomla</a>, while other times it's <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/business-development/433-sabbath-year-business">my worldview and philosophy.</a> My <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/marketing/600-digital-content-library-strategy">library of content</a> acts as a salesperson telling the world <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/about">about me.</a> Those people migrate to my email list and, over time, become clients. Many have received those emails for years, before finally biting the bullet and working with me.</p>
<h3 nodeid="fafe8d9b-bbc7-4ecf-ba90-e06f1cd37eb3" draggable="false"><b>Posture 3: <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/marketing/747-content-domination-deep-knowledge-competition">Dominance (The Market Gravity)</a></b></h3>
<p draggable="false"><b>The Goal:</b> <i>Become the category default.</i></p>
<p draggable="false">This is for the expert who is no longer just looking for the next client, but for <b>Legacy.</b> You want your frameworks to be the standard. You want your brand to have so much mass that the market is pulled toward you.</p>
<ul>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>The Strategy:</b> Algorithmic omnipresence.</div>
</li>
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<div draggable="false"><b>The Shift:</b> You use your entire Legacy Vault—past books, talks, and webinars—to saturate the market across text, audio, and video.</div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" firstlettermarks="[{&quot;type&quot;:&quot;bold&quot;}]" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false"><b>The Value:</b> This is about <b>Monopoly.</b> When you reach Dominance, you stop competing on price because there is no one else in your category.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<p draggable="false">This is <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/marketing/930-monetized-facebook">the big shift I made from 2023 to 2025,</a> as my content creation and publishing reached their highest level. This involved creating content here, <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/podcast">podcasting,</a> <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/business/youtube">YouTubing</a>, and posting consistently on social media. I've spent time regularly showing up across domains that matter. Having a vast library makes this stage of saturation much more realistic to accomplish and stems from my mission to create so much foundational content that I'd have depth to draw on for decades.</p>
<h3 nodeid="fd663d02-0e65-4657-8453-0451d4508024" draggable="false"><b>The Self-Diagnostic: Where are you standing?</b></h3>
<div draggable="false">To find your next move, ask yourself this one question:</div>
<blockquote draggable="false">
<div draggable="false"><b>Do I want the market to verify my reputation, control my lead flow, or monopolize my industry (or topic of focus)?</b></div>
</blockquote>
<ul>
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<div draggable="false">If you’re losing deals you should have won, it's time to <b>Fix your Presence.</b></div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">If you’re tired of the referral roller coaster, it's time to <b>Build your Pipeline.</b></div>
</li>
<li draggable="false" listnestinglevel="1" firstlettertextkind="p" dfsfontsizes="{&quot;h1&quot;:25,&quot;h2&quot;:20,&quot;h3&quot;:18,&quot;p&quot;:15}">
<div draggable="false">If you want to define how the next 10 years of your industry look, <b>Aim for Dominance.</b></div>
</li>
</ul>
<p>When you're ready to act on this, <a href="https://www.jasonscottmontoya.com/consulting-marketing">contact me and let's talk about working together.</a></p>]]></description>
			<author>jason@jasonscottmontoya.com (Jason Montoya)</author>
			<category>Marketing</category>
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 May 2026 06:17:45 -0400</pubDate>
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