Great Marketing is like Great Coffee with Matthew Fuller

Join us for an inside look at how Mudpenny built a loyal following through intentional storytelling, authentic community connection, and a commitment to creating experiences people genuinely want to be part of. From brand identity and customer experience to company culture and long-term growth, Matthew will share the lessons learned while scaling a people-first business in a competitive market.

Whether you’re a marketer, business owner, entrepreneur, or creative professional, this session will offer practical insight into building a brand people remember.

Key Takeaways

• How storytelling helps build a brand people connect with emotionally
• Ways community involvement can strengthen customer loyalty and organic growth
• Lessons learned from scaling a local business while maintaining authenticity
• The role company culture plays in long-term business sustainability
• How creating meaningful customer experiences drives word-of-mouth marketing

About the Speaker

Matthew Fuller is the founder and owner of Mudpenny, a Grand Rapids specialty coffee and restaurant company built on the belief that business can be both excellent and deeply human. What began in 2012 as a single coffee cart has grown into four full-service café and restaurant locations, along with a specialty coffee roastery.

Mudpenny, inspired by “mud” (coffee slang) and the historic “penny universities” where conversation and ideas flourished, operates under the tagline Honestly Good. The company brings together specialty coffee, locally curated craft beverages, and chef-driven food in spaces designed for gathering and community.

Matthew has led MudPenny from startup hustle to multi-unit scale by focusing on strong internal culture, operational clarity, and long-term sustainability rather than short-term growth. In addition to MudPenny, he owns Graydon’s Crossing, a British-style pub known for its curated craft beverage program and commitment to authentic hospitality.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-fuller-aa85559a/

https://www.mudpenny.com/

Ticket Prices through noon, Tuesday May 20:

• Member - $30
• Future Member- $40
• Prices increase by $5 after 12pm on May 14

*As a member, please use the discounted link found in the members-only email invite, to redeem your registration discount.

Membership Information:

Come join the essential community for marketers. The AMA is home to marketing professionals dedicated to boosting their skills and growing their network. Members get free training every month, exclusive content and connection to a local chapter like ours. And it's all just $169/year. https://ama.org/join

For those who recently joined AMA, email a copy of your confirmation to [email protected] to receive the member promo code for your discounted registration.

REFUND POLICY

• Up to 7 days before the event: Full refund no questions asked
• 7 days or less until the event: no refunds or transferrence (includes getting sick, positive COVID test, poor weather, etc.)
• Death or serious illness (hospitalization, etc.): full refund with no advanced notice

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

L. William Seidman Center, 50 Front Avenue Southwest, Grand Rapids, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

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