We’re looking forward to introducing you to Forrest Moul. Check out our conversation below.
Forrest, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Oh, we’re jumping into the deep-end right off the bat!
The truth is – I’m very proud of the relationships that I’ve built with my clients through the years.
My ability to connect with a client and determine the scope / direction of a project is a huge part of my success.
I feel the brand-equity I’ve earned personally and in business, through my unwavering integrity, has resulted in the trust I receive from clients.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I got my start in advertising agencies in Chicago.
I’ve since found myself working in marketing departments within the restaurant industry, commercial real estate, and my own company (Word & Roger) which has spanned the bulk of my professional career.
Knowing how the big agencies operate, both good and bad, has allowed me to cherry pick what practices I bring to my own company.
It has allowed me to utilize the strengths of large corporations and avoid the negative aspects of creative “factories”.
I can provide high-end, agency quality work without the lengthy meetings, and sky high pricing.
What I’d like the world to know about me—and about Word & Roger—is that our approach to building a brand goes far beyond an in-depth client discovery. We immerse ourselves in our client’s culture, working with the same pride, goals, and integrity they hold themselves to.
Whether you’re a startup building from the ground up or an established business ready for a rebrand, I offer brand systems that are clean, cohesive, and built to grow with your business.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
Though retired, and most likely to be found golfing, volunteering, the pickleball court, bridge club, a local collegiate sporting event – or in one of his IRL (Institute for Learning in Retirement) classes, my father has been my biggest influence in a self-employed world.
He modeled how hard work leads to the freedoms that come with self-employment.
Watching him definitely helped me grasp what being an entrepreneur means.
I also learned, and continue to learn from so many I’ve met along my path – from my professors at Miami University – to internships – to my agency experience – to my mentors – to my current day clients – I’m always learning.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Hi me!
Here are a few things you can trust about yourself…and one piece of advice.
Continue on your path of curiosity. Let it guide you to new experiences, passions, music and people.
Continue to believe that the most loud or verbose voice in the room isn’t an indicator of importance.
Continue your instincts of empathy, as it will lead to more robust and meaningful relationships.
And here’s your dose of unsolicited advice:
If someone is quick to judge / react unkindly – it’s rarely a reflection of yourself.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
My grandfather – Cam Lewis.
It was likely from him that I received my curiosity and the idea that – there’s a solution for everything.
That man tinkered, experimented, and solved more issues than most have encountered.
An inventor, a farmer, a mechanic, and an adored member of his community.
I carry his essence with me as I approach any client or project.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
This is becoming more philosophical than anticipated. I’m game.
I can’t assume to know what others understand deeply.
I can only speak to what I personally deeply understand.
We’re all human.
We’re all navigating our own lives filled with challenges, defeats, successes, suffering, and joy.
We may have different approaches, viewpoints and beliefs – but as humans briefly living on the same planet (at the same century, millennium, and beyond) breathing the same air – we have more in common than not.
If this is understood – I feel that we can carry ourselves with dignity, gratitude and consideration of others.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wordandroger.com/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forrestmoul/
