the mash

Taking the lead in your category involves more than just creating a superior product. It also requires becoming your customer’s go-to authority on the subject, with content, tools or support that show you’re as invested in their project as they are. Learn how we helped MoistureShield composite decking build an outdoor planning resource that does more than deliver a simple sales pitch, earning customer trust and reinforcing their reputation.

Summer doesn’t just signal vacation season—it also means more remote work in more places. That “free” connection you’re latching on to during your work at coffee shops, hotels and more could be doing more with your data than you bargained for and can pose a major threat to your whole organization. Our IT expert Matt Wittman weighs in on why a VPN should be one of the main tools in your remote work arsenal.

Work From Home has become almost commonplace, but what happens when you set up your laptop from much further away than the kitchen table? Airbnb’s recent “work from anywhere” announcement reflects a trend toward embracing more varied and distant remote work locations. To pull it off, you'll need more than strong Wi-Fi—you’ll have to think differently (and proactively) about how fully remote workers participate in a hybrid workplace. Our resident digital nomad shares her strategies.

True innovation isn’t just about being new or different. Anyone can develop and introduce a new product. The bigger challenge is, is it relevant enough that someone will actually buy it? Discover Interrupt founder Bill Rossiter's definition of innovation and read his argument for why companies that aim to outperform the competition must dig deeper.

Your product has incredible features. But how will people feel because they chose it? We’re talking about the power of emotional versus rational appeals with our executive creative director and brand strategist, Anita Holman, who explains why stirring an emotional connection with your brand is a must-do if you want to stand out.

What does it mean to “think big” in today’s environment of delayed product availability and labor shortages? We found out firsthand at the International Builders Show and the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show. Get the key insights for the building materials industry from our long walks along the exhibitor aisles.

Is technology changing to meet consumers’ evolving needs or are consumers changing as a result of what technology enables? Like the chicken and the egg, it really doesn’t matter which came first. Consumer expectations and technology will keep changing, and if your brand is too chicken to keep up, you may be left with egg on your face (pun intended). Read on to learn why sharpening your digital CX is essential to your business survival.

Your office space could become someone’s home; states like Arizona will experiment with modifying the weather; and the pandemic will continue its’ disruption. These are just some of the ideas and events that lie ahead according to our Director of Strategic Insights Sandy Embrescia-Hridel's 2022 predictions. Read ahead for the 10 trends he believes will impact the building materials industry in the coming months.

The job interview process, like every process where we present ourselves for selection, is vulnerable. And like any environment where we play the role of hopeful candidate—romance, for example, or academics—hearing “no” hurts. How employers deliver that no makes all the difference.

After decades of focusing on new and better products, today’s businesses face a new competitive frontier—shifting from a focus on product innovation to being truly innovative in their approach to finding, hiring and retaining talent. To understand what lies ahead, it’s worth taking a quick look back at the evolution of innovation.

In the wake of a pandemic that transformed our business interactions nearly overnight, many are asking, “What is the future of work?” From changing dress codes to reconfigured office spaces, companies and employees alike are trying to understand which aspects of the pandemic-driven changes will stick, and how to move forward.

You’re proud of your product—and your customer reviews prove you’re right. How do you leverage those positive experiences into organic social media influence for your brand? We asked senior copywriter Ernest Turner to share how he and the rest of our SPAX team turned a community of customers into a small but mighty army of social media micro-influencers. (To see a full visual breakdown of the campaign, view our case study.)

Building materials brands need to pay attention to the unique needs and problems of millennial homeowners. It’s a key factor to understanding your target audience, or the end-enjoyer. Yes, Millennials are turning 40 and they own homes. Take a note from two brand new homeowners on the Interrupt team—Aly and Ernest. From power tools to apps, get two insights from people living the dream right now.

Personal mantras are typically words or phrases with a positive intent behind them with the goal of giving yourself some motivation or encouragement. In recent years, practicing a positive mindset has become a part of the self-care routines of millions and there’s a reason why. According to a study, researchers found that when participants read positive statements out loud, they experienced a boost in mood. Keep reading and learn how to give it a try.

2020 felt a little bit like the plot of Groundhog’s Day – from dealing with the pandemic to being at home more often, it’s taken a toll on all of us. Here at Interrupt, we believe that if you stay true to your core values and create experiences that keep your customers coming back to you time and time again, the upcoming months should be smooth sailing. Read on to hear from our team about what they might’ve done differently last year if they had the knowledge and insights they do now.