Beyond the Brand with Morgan Hurley: What Makes Memorable Marketing?

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What happens when an award-winning mixologist discovers that the secret ingredient to winning competitions isn’t just in the drink—it’s in the story? Morgan Hurley, former Marketing and Beverage Director for MEX 1 Coastal Cantina and founder of Swell Marketing & Consulting, joins us to share how his journey through Charleston’s vibrant hospitality scene led him to launch his own marketing consultancy after 13 years of building one of the city’s most distinctive restaurant brands.

Growing up in the hospitality industry with a father who founded the iconic Jack's Cosmic Dogs, Morgan developed an intuitive understanding of what makes customers tick. His philosophy—that stories sell—emerged from his days competing in mixology competitions where he realized a great drink wasn't enough without a compelling narrative behind it. This revelation became the foundation for marketing strategies that consistently pushed boundaries, from bringing 50,000 pounds of snow to Charleston beaches for an annual snowboard competition to serving cocktails in branded coconuts that had festival-goers (including Al Roker) clamoring for photo opportunities.

Morgan shares invaluable insights about navigating today's attention-based economy, where traditional polished marketing often falls flat compared to authentic, entertaining content. His perspective on balancing quality (like MEX1's commitment to 100% blue agave tequila despite higher costs) with memorable customer experiences offers lessons for businesses across industries. As he transitions to Swell Marketing Consulting, Morgan aims to bring his generalist expertise—covering everything from social media and local media outreach to operational efficiencies—to help businesses develop cohesive marketing strategies with measurable results.

Whether you're running a restaurant,

MPCC Business and Community Expo 9/18/25

Please join us for our 15th annual Mount Pleasant Chamber of Commerce Business and Community Expo, driven by Crews Subaru at the Omar Shrine Convention Center. 

New this year--a job fair, our Building Business Podcast will be live onsite, and more.

Don't miss out on the Super Bowl of Networking @ Omar Shrine 11:00 am - 5:00

Support the show

Presenting Sponsor: Charleston Media Solutions

Title Sponsor: Charleston American Marketing Association

Cohosts: Stephanie Barrow, Mike Compton,

Produced and edited: RMBO Advertising

Photographer | Co-host: Kelli Morse

Art Director: Taylor Ion

CAMA President: Margaret Stypa
Score by: The Strawberry Entrée; Jerry Feels Good, CURRYSAUCE, DBLCRWN, DJ DollaMenu
Studio Engineer: Brian Cleary and Mathew Chase

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