Exploring Life & Business with Callie Hanson of AdHound Media

Today we’d like to introduce you to Callie Hanson

Hi Callie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always had a love for creativity, but I also had a weird obsession with numbers. Fun fact – there was a time in college when I actually thought I wanted to get my doctorate and become a college math professor. But as it turns out, spending my days buried in equations wasn’t exactly lighting my creative spark. I wanted something that blended both analytics and imagination.

One day, I came across a job posting for a marketing internship at my local mall, and the job description felt like it was written for me. It mentioned reviewing digital campaign analytics while also coming up with creative ideas for the stores, and I thought, “This is it! This is what I was meant to do!” Looking back, I was probably a little naive – okay, a lot naive – but that moment set me on the right path.

Fast forward to my last couple years of college, and I landed an internship at a full-service marketing agency. I started in outside sales and ended up staying with them for over four years. Eventually, I had that classic lightbulb moment and thought, “Wait a second – I can do this on my own.” So, in true impulsive fashion, I filed my LLC on a random Tuesday and just went for it. No grand plan, no big announcement – just me and my determination (and a few too many cups of coffee!) and I haven’t looked back since.

Of course, I couldn’t have done it alone. My fiancé, Jesse, is an absolute genius when it comes to business operations. While I focus on the client relations, creative, and strategic side, he handles all the behind-the-scenes essentials – legal, accounting, HR… basically all the “not-so-fun” parts that keep things running smoothly. I always say I wouldn’t be where I am today without him handling the stuff no one sees.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Is entrepreneurship ever a smooth road? If it is, I must have taken a wrong turn somewhere. Honestly, this journey has been more of a rollercoaster—except there’s no seatbelt, and you’re also the one building the tracks as you go.

The biggest obstacle is the mental game. This stuff is not for the weak. There’s no boss breathing down your neck, no checklist telling you what to do next. Every day, you wake up and just have to figure it out. And if you don’t? Well… enjoy ramen noodles for dinner. (Kidding… kind of.)

Another challenge has been the infamous entrepreneur “lonelies.” Starting out, I felt very alone, convinced no one else my age was doing what I was doing – or worse, that no one would take me seriously. But in 2024, I made it a priority to put myself out there and build connections, and I’ve met some incredible like-minded people who get it. It turns out, I wasn’t as alone as I thought. I just needed to find my people.

Now, I actually take pride in being a young business owner. Instead of seeing my age as a disadvantage, I’ve realized it’s one of my biggest strengths. Marketing trends change constantly, and being young means I’m naturally in tune with the shifts happening in digital advertising.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
At AdHound Media, we are a powerhouse for all advertising solutions. Whether it’s crafting data-driven digital marketing campaigns-like Google Ads, SEO, social media advertising, Streaming TV (Hulu, Peacock, RokuTV), and Streaming Audio (SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Podcasts)-or handling traditional media buying for radio and billboards, we truly do it all. Our comprehensive approach ensures that every aspect of your brand’s presence is strategically planned and expertly executed.

What truly sets us apart is our team of dedicated specialists. Each member is an expert in their respective field, focusing solely on their area of expertise. Our Google Ads strategist lives and breathes PPC (Pay-Per-Click), our video producers are masters of storytelling through film and editing, and our creative team thrives on bringing brands to life visually. This specialized approach allows us to deliver top-tier quality and results across all platforms.

We pride ourselves on crafting tailored solutions that align with your business goals. From concept to execution, we work closely with our clients to develop customized strategies that drive measurable success. We don’t just set and forget—our team continuously monitors campaign performance, providing in-depth analytics and regular check-ins to ensure we’re meeting and exceeding expectations.

We’re more than just an agency! We’re a committed partner in your brand’s growth, bringing together creativity, strategy, and data to deliver impactful results.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What do I like best about our city?
I live about 30 miles south of downtown Nashville, and I always say we get the best of both worlds – peaceful country living with the city just a short drive away. I’m not exactly a city girl; I love wide-open spaces and the quiet (probably my North Dakota roots showing), but I also have a serious love for shopping, and Nashville has just about every store I could ever want. I love coming into Nashville for the day. Beyond that, the city is full of amazing locally owned businesses, and it’s exciting to see new ones popping up all the time!

What do I like least about our city?
The traffic-without a doubt. Coming from North Dakota, where you can get across town in about 10 minutes, sitting in standstill traffic during rush hour was a big adjustment. I’ve learned to roll with it, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss the ease of driving back home. That said, it’s a small trade-off for everything else Nashville has to offer.

Pricing:

• We create custom budgets for every client. There’s no one-size fits all!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.adhoundmedia.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhoundmedia/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/adhoundmedia
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/callie-hanson2020/