Remote Work (Summer Edition): Proven Tips to Stay Productive from Green Apple Strategy

The past few years have seen a dramatic shift in how we work. Remote work has become increasingly common across industries, and for good reason. It offers flexibility, freedom, and the potential for a better work-life balance. This flexibility is a game-changer, especially during the summer months when schedules shift and wanderlust sets in. Kids are out of school, vacations are calling, and the sunshine beckons us outdoors. However, increased travel and flexibility don’t have to cause a decrease in productivity.

Think about it: working remotely allows you to explore new places, gather fresh content inspiration, and prioritize your well-being by taking breaks that prevent burnout. Those are all factors that can lead to a more productive you!

The question, however, is how to maintain that productivity while basking in the summer sun (metaphorically or literally). At Green Apple Strategy, a full-service marketing agency based in Nashville, we’ve embraced remote work for years. Our team is a hybrid bunch, with members working from home offices and coffee shops across the globe. Through these experiences, we’ve gleaned valuable insights on maximizing remote work productivity during the sunny season.

Summer Hacks for Peak Remote Work Productivity

In this article, we’ll share some of the best practices we’ve learned to stay productive during the summer months. Hopefully, our tips will help you make the most of your remote working schedule. 

Embrace the Opportunity to Get Outside 

One of the unanimous favorites from our Green Apple team is to get outside. Remote work grants you the privilege of experiencing the energizing benefits of nature while still crushing your to-do list.  Imagine crafting a killer social media strategy while listening to the gentle lapping of waves on a beach vacation. You may find inspiration for your marketing while working from a local park or outdoor cafe. Take advantage of the beautiful summer weather and create a work environment that invigorates you.

Plan Your Week for Peak Performance

A little planning goes a long way when it comes to maximizing remote work productivity. Knowing your meeting schedule in advance allows you to plan your location for the week. Let’s say you have a Zoom call scheduled early on Tuesday. Perhaps you want to work from a co-working space on Monday, a coffee shop on Wednesday, and then head to a local park for some focused work on Thursday. Planning empowers you to take advantage of remote work’s flexibility and create a workweek that fuels your productivity.

Take the Opportunity to Rest and Relax

Remote work can be a double-edged sword. While it offers incredible flexibility, it can also blur the lines between work and personal life. Remember, numerous studies show that employees who take vacations are actually more productive upon their return. So, don’t be afraid to unplug and recharge. Go for a hike, have a picnic in the park, or simply relax with a good book. Embrace the summer leisure and return to your work feeling refreshed and ready to tackle any challenge.

Communicate Your Plan and Availability

Collaboration is vital in any creative environment, especially when your team is geographically dispersed. Summer vacations can throw a wrench into communication routines, so being proactive is essential. Let your team know your availability well in advance. Utilize project management tools to keep everyone on the same page, and don’t hesitate to schedule quick check-in calls to maintain momentum on projects.

Don’t Underestimate the Power of Human Connection

While remote work offers many benefits, it can also lead to feelings of isolation. Remember, camaraderie is an important part of the work experience. As you create your schedule, consider planning a co-working day with a colleague once a week. This is a great way to break up the routine, brainstorm ideas, and enjoy each other’s company.  

Fun fact: during the summer months, the Green Apple team makes a conscious effort to schedule more team outings and social events. These experiences build a stronger work culture and encourage each team member to feel supported and contribute their best work.

Don’t Just Work: Thrive.

Remote work offers a fantastic opportunity to embrace a flexible and fulfilling work style. Here at Green Apple Strategy, we’re grateful for the chance to work this way, and we’re passionate about helping others maximize their remote work experience.

Want to learn more about our culture and what makes Green Apple Strategy a great place to work? We invite you to learn more about our approach to marketing and what it’s like to work at Green Apple.

Beyond the Books: 4 Insights Learned from My Marketing Internship by Eden Hutchinson

At Green Apple, our top priority has always been hiring good people and fostering their development in a way that helps them grow professionally and personally. Over the past few years, we’ve collaborated with local universities in Nashville to provide marketing internships to aspiring undergraduates. This summer, we were fortunate to welcome Eden Hutchinson to our team. Eden’s unwavering passion for marketing and dedication to our clients make her an invaluable asset. She seizes every chance to acquire new skills and knowledge. In this blog post, we’re handing the keyboard over to Eden, allowing her to share some of the invaluable lessons she’s gathered as a marketing intern at Green Apple.

As a business and marketing double major, I read about countless marketing principles in school. But this internship has taught me even more valuable lessons that can’t be learned from books. Working at Green Apple, I’ve had the chance to discover how marketing is applied in different industries. I also learned how to tailor marketing strategies to each client’s specific needs. But more importantly, I learned the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and real-world experience. These practical skills are essential for marketing success. 

In this blog post, I wanted to highlight the most valuable lessons I learned from my marketing internship. These lessons have helped me go beyond marketing basics and provided a holistic understanding of the field.

 

4 Insights Learned from My Marketing Internship

1. Project management is the cornerstone for marketing success. 

During my internship at Green Apple, my primary focus was collaborating with the Client Relations team, who are responsible for collaborating with clients and executing marketing ideas. I quickly grasped the importance of having a well-structured system to keep track of all the marketing activities and elements for each client. I’ve learned the value of embracing a process-driven approach to marketing and implementing proven project management best practices to work smarter rather than harder. For example, most of the work executed by the Green Apple team happens in Basecamp, a project management tool that enables us to create and execute tasks methodically.  

Over the summer, I honed my ability to break down complex objectives into manageable steps, and I now find myself applying this skill to other areas of my life.

 

2. Team culture makes a tremendous difference in how people show up to work every day. 

As a business undergraduate student, my classes often discuss the significance of company culture. However, I’ve learned that culture is often a concept you must experience firsthand to grasp its importance. After multiple internships, I’ve been immersed in various company cultures, and it’s been fascinating to experience the difference.

At Green Apple, I’ve seen how a positive culture directly impacts productivity. There’s a deliberate focus on fostering a positive and enjoyable company culture. Some of the things that make Green Apple’s culture so great include bi-weekly team meetings where everyone shares a “weekend happy,” and employees are encouraged to travel or take volunteer time off. 

I’ve seen the difference it can make when you work in an environment that is kind and uplifting. I’m more motivated to do well because I’m surrounded by supportive people who want me to succeed.


3. Getting your hands dirty is the best way to learn.

One of the things I’ve loved most about my internship is getting the opportunity to help with numerous projects for the agency and our clients. This has taught me that getting involved in many projects is the best way to grow. By working on various one-off projects, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how the company functions and all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into success. No class can fully prepare you for this, but Green Apple’s culture of encouraging employee success has allowed me to dive into projects I would never have had in another internship. And because my work matters to the company’s growth, I know it’s making a real difference.


4. Don’t ignore the analytics.

One of the most valuable aspects of my internship has been learning about the reporting process. I had no prior experience in this area, but I quickly realized how important analytics are for making informed business decisions.

The idea that analytics can help teams improve their marketing efforts makes sense in theory, but seeing it in practice has really driven home the importance of a data-driven approach. Marketing for any client requires an adaptive mindset, and analytics can help teams make the necessary adjustments to improve their efforts and achieve their long-term goals continually.


Get Your Hands Dirty with the Green Apple Team 

We’re incredibly grateful for the ideas and support Eden has offered during her internship and are excited about the opportunity to keep her on for another semester. If you’re a marketing professional or undergraduate student looking for an internship in the Nashville area, you can learn more about what it’s like to work at Green Apple or reach out to our team to apply.

The Impact of Volunteer Time Off for Your Employees & Company Culture

volunteering at Thistle Farms

At some level, every human wants to make a positive difference in the lives of others. We may want to make an impact while feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day to make it a priority. Volunteer time off (VTO) makes it possible to balance giving back and collecting a paycheck. When coupled with a company’s mission to create a thoughtful work environment, VTO can boost an organization’s reputation and company culture. 

Since Green Apple was founded, we’ve placed great emphasis on the importance of community outreach and have offered pro bono services to nonprofits and organizations across Tennessee, including Survivor Fitness and Thistle Farms. Now, every member of the Green Apple team has the opportunity to receive paid time off to volunteer with organizations of their choice. 

How Volunteer Time Off Works

Companies that offer paid time off for volunteering typically give one or two days a year to do so. Hours that can be used for volunteerism are usually separate from PTO for other uses like vacation or sick days. 

Green Apple provides 16 hours a year of volunteer PTO. The system at Green Apple allows us to choose our own activity and submit a request for time off to volunteer on our own. In addition to volunteering on our own at the place of our choosing, we also volunteer as a team several times throughout the year. In 2022, Green Apple began volunteering with Thistle Farms. Since then, we’ve been working to strengthen our relationship and expand our support for the organization. In December 2023, Green Apple CEO Samantha Owens Pyle joined the Thistle Farms board and was appointed as the organization’s first External Affairs Chair in July 2024. In this role, Samantha (joined by several Green Apple team members) has collaborated with Thistle Farms’ Marketing Director and Vice President of External Affairs to develop a comprehensive strategy aimed at achieving record-breaking Q4 results in fundraising, retail sales, and volunteer engagement.

Benefits for All 

Paid time off for volunteering is a win-win-win situation. For starters, a UnitedHealthcare study shows that of the respondents who volunteered in a 12-month period, 93% said they experienced an improved mood, and 79% reported lower stress levels. There is a real link between personal happiness and productivity at work. By encouraging your employees to volunteer, you may boost their mental health, which would benefit the whole company.

volunteering at YUMEast

Studies show that companies with highly engaged employees outperform their competitors by 147% and are 21% more profitable. In a recent blog, we also suggested several other strategies to boost employee engagement and morale. 

Volunteer time off can be a workplace perk that helps your company stand out from the competition. Adding VTO to an existing list of people-supportive perks (such as remote work and flexible schedules) will also have an impact on engaging current and future employees alike. 

Finally, VTO is a great way to build camaraderie among your team members while they give back. Members of the Green Apple team recently participated in YUM!East, an annual fundraising event benefiting Fannie Battle Day Home in Nashville. Our team in Charlotte also volunteered their time for a cause benefiting the Move For Jenn Foundation. 

TN Titans stuff the bus

Acknowledging social responsibility and volunteerism in your marketing is even a powerful way to leverage your company’s community to create deeper, more personal connections with your customers. 

VTO is a growing employee perk that can set your company apart. A strong internal culture not only attracts top talent but also boosts your external brand, making your business a sought-after place to work and partner with. Ready to align your recruitment, engagement, and brand strategies? Green Apple Strategy can help. Contact us today to build a strategic plan for long-term success, and don’t forget to sign up for The Core, our monthly newsletter, for the latest marketing insights and inspiration delivered straight to your inbox!

Kayla Reyes Promoted to Client Relations Specialist

Kayla Reyes

Green Apple Strategy is excited to announce Kayla Reyes’s promotion to Client Relations Specialist. Kayla joined Green Apple as an Assistant Client Relations Specialist in 2021. For the past year and a half, Kayla has leveraged her detail-oriented skill set and relationship-focused approach to lead project management efforts for a number of Green Apple clients. Kayla’s ability to “keep all the plates spinning” by effectively communicating between Green Apple’s team, our Orchard members, and clients has been an invaluable asset for our team. During her time at Green Apple Strategy, Kayla has leaned into every opportunity to grow professionally and learn about the unique characteristics of each industry for the clients she serves.  

To recognize and celebrate Kayla’s hard work and dedication, we wanted to highlight a few specific ways her promotion will empower her to make an even greater impact on our clients.

Offering Strategic Direction and Leading Collaboration 

In her new role as Client Relations Specialist, Kayla will focus on providing leadership and strategic direction for the clients she serves. This shift will allow her to leverage her natural abilities to focus on the end goal and identify areas of improvement to accelerate marketing efforts. She will work closely with Sam Pyle, Olivia Cooper, and others on the Green Apple team to help develop marketing strategies and manage individual projects outside of our client’s ongoing scope of work. 

“I am excited about the opportunity to work with clients on ‘bigger picture’ ideas,” Kayla shared. “I love collaborating with our team to care for our clients and support their marketing needs.”  


Balancing “Day-to-Day” Marketing and the Bigger Picture

In her previous role as an Assistant Client Relations Specialist, Kayla has seen (and managed) all of the steps that make an effective marketing strategy come to life. From brainstorming ideas to analyzing results, Kayla knows what it takes to execute a successful campaign. Her experience will be an invaluable asset for our team as we develop strategies and ideas based on a client’s specific goals and budget. 

“Learning the daily aspect of marketing management has helped me recognize all the little steps that go into helping our clients achieve their goals,” Kayla said. “I’m grateful for the ability to use that knowledge to help our clients make more informed decisions about their marketing campaigns.” 

“It’s been such a joy to watch Kayla grow since joining the Green Apple team, and I’m excited for that to continue in her new role,” said Samantha Pyle, Owner and Chief Strategist of Green Apple Strategy. “Her dedication to creating exceptional results, along with her infectious positive energy, is so valuable for our clients and our team.”

Meet the Team: Lindsay Lanahan

Lindsay lanahan

Lindsay Lanahan is an empathetic, intuitive, and creative problem solver with a heart for helping others. Combining these natural strengths with her diverse experience working in the financial, entertainment, and nonprofit industries makes her an ideal Client Relations Specialist for Green Apple Strategy. In her role, Lindsay helps execute effective marketing initiatives for clients across various industries. She strategically and consistently helps our clients meet their marketing goals.

“I love learning about the psychology of marketing and the user experience,” explains Lindsay. “I also love the process of identifying a problem or opportunity, creating an approach, implementing it, analyzing what worked and what didn’t, and adjusting. It’s exciting, and I love that we’re able to adapt to find a solution that truly makes a difference!”

An Enneagram 4 who grew up in the Midwest, Lindsay has expressed her creative, empathetic, hardworking, and diligent spirit throughout her career. After graduating from college, she spent two years working in development for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in Nashville. From there, she went on to work at Creative Artists Agency, managing tour logistics and finances for world-renowned pop and country music artists. She later combined her nonprofit experience and love of the arts to serve as the Development Manager for OZ Arts, a non-profit contemporary arts center. 

After learning about Green Apple from a friend, Lindsay knew it would be the perfect opportunity to serve clients in a way that aligns with her natural skill set.

“I was immediately drawn to Green Apple when I recognized how they took the time to understand each employee and client—whether it was through diving into the Enneagram or taking the Culture Index Survey to learn about each person’s natural behaviors. When I met Sam and the rest of the team during the interview process, I knew I was in the right place.”

Personally, Lindsay loves spending time with family and exploring Nashville with her husband Patrick and her son Keane. On any given weekend, they can be found enjoying one of their favorite restaurants, seeing movies at the Belcourt, or taking a day trip to attend a music festival. Lindsay’s bright and adventurous spirit resonates with everyone who knows her.

Having Trouble Hiring? Here’s How to Market to New Employees

This must be the place in neon lights

Hiring employees is more challenging than ever – especially in competitive markets and industries. In fact,  90% of employers say it’s hard to find skilled candidates — and 76% of recruiters say it’s the biggest challenge they face (Source). Businesses are starting to realize that the way you market to potential employees is just as important as how you market to customers. 

At Green Apple, we’ve helped companies in all kinds of industries tackle their hiring challenges. We’ve used our marketing expertise to create recruitment strategies that bring in top talent while staying true to each company’s culture and values. Here are a few best practices we’ve seen work to help businesses stand out in a tough hiring market.

The Secret Sauce to Attracting Top Talent

1. Make Your Company “the Unicorn”: Highlight What Sets Your Workplace Apart

It’s no secret that every company believes they’re a great place to work. But what truly sets your business apart? What makes you different from other companies fishing in the same talent pool? You can’t hire “unicorn-level” employee if they’re not inspired to submit their application first. Identifying and communicating your differentiators effectively can be the key to standing out.

Client Example: One of our long-time partners, Maxwell Roofing, needed to elevate their employee recruitment efforts to support their growth. In 2024, we helped them create a dedicated video that highlights their company culture, values, and what makes the company unique. We also developed marketing assets for career fairs and interview processes. These tools made their recruitment strategy more engaging and memorable, helping them connect with high-quality candidates.

2. Let Your Team Do the Talking

Let’s face it: every company’s website claims it’s a “great place to work.” But candidates often look for proof beyond the polished language. Allowing your employees to share their experiences and perspectives can add authenticity and credibility to your recruitment efforts.

Client Example: When we partnered with First Acceptance Insurance Company, we helped them launch the “FAICForward” initiative. This program celebrated employees who exemplify the company’s values, fostering a strong sense of recognition and engagement. Beyond strengthening their internal culture, this initiative became a powerful recruitment tool. By amplifying employees’ voices, they showcased an authentic culture that resonated with job seekers looking for a supportive and values-driven workplace.

3. Fishing for Talent? Build a Pond

Sometimes, waiting for the right candidates to come to you isn’t enough. Especially in industries like construction, where competition for skilled workers is fierce, creating your own opportunities to attract top talent can make all the difference.

Client Example: We partnered with Charter Construction, a leading commercial concrete contractor in Nashville, to revamp their internship program. By developing a more robust and engaging program, they not only attracted top talent from college career fairs but also integrated interns into their company more effectively. This proactive approach helped them stand out as a company invested in developing the next generation of construction professionals.

Recruitment Success Starts with Good Marketing

Hiring exceptional employees is no small feat, but approaching recruitment like a marketing campaign can yield great results. By focusing on your differentiators, leveraging employee stories, and building intentional pipelines, you can attract the talent your business needs to thrive.

At Green Apple, we’ve seen firsthand how marketing strategies can intersect with HR to create meaningful recruitment campaigns. If you’re struggling to find or attract the right employees, we’re here to help.

Learn more about our strategic planning services for employee recruitment and engagement, or contact our team to schedule a discovery call. 

Meet the Team: Katie Shayotovich

Katie Jackson

Katie is a Hendersonville, Tennessee, native with a passion for social media and email marketing who loves to keep up with the latest trends, discovering ways that she can help our clients take advantage of emerging marketing opportunities. With a diverse background in social media and PR, Katie is well-versed in what it takes to improve a company’s brand awareness—and we’re elated to have her talent on our team. 

As Green Apple’s Digital Marketing Specialist, Katie will focus on social media marketing for all of our clients. “I’m really excited to work on social media. It’s something I’m extremely passionate about, and I love keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of what social media can bring to marketing to help grow businesses,” Katie says. 

Katie is a graduate of the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, where she first began school as a pre-dental major. After changing her major her sophomore year, Katie became a public relations major in the College of Communications. She also got her Master’s in Sports Management while working in recruiting in the Tennessee Football front office. Additionally, she assisted the Director of Recruiting and Football Relations and the coaching staff with recruiting events and strategy. From there, Katie’s love for social media grew while she was involved in All Campus Events at Tennessee, where she led the social media efforts and helped recruit for different events around campus.

She explored that love through several marketing internships during her undergraduate career, including interning with Volunteer Traditions, Tennessee Athletic Marketing Department, Zander Insurance, Haslam College of Business, Allegiant Athletic Agency, Nashville Sounds, and Eli Lilly and Company. 

Katie found her new role after meeting Owner and Chief Marketing Strategist Samantha Pyle and inquiring about social media freelance opportunities. From there, she became part of our Orchard team and completely fell into step with the rest of the core team members. She says, “I was drawn to Green Apple because of how genuine, kind, and talented the employees are! I felt like I fit in seamlessly, and I loved working on a smaller team in a boutique agency setting. I look up to Sam a lot. We have similar personalities—being that we are both Enneagram 3s and Aries.”

When she’s not working on our clients’ social media, Katie is exploring one of her many hobbies. She enjoys watching sports, especially the Vols and Preds. She’s a huge Harry Potter fan and loves rereading the books and watching the movies. She is also passionate about her Peloton, saying, “I could talk about the cycling classes for hours.” She loves to draw on her iPad and has an Instagram dedicated to her digital art (@somethingnoteworthy).

Katie and her husband, Drew, live in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they love attending Charlotte Hornets games, as well as exploring the local brewery scene. She says she misses Martin’s BBQ in Nashville and frequently visits home to eat Martin’s wings with her dad before Nashville Predators games.

Meet Our Orchard Members: Meghan Clark

Meghan Clark
The Orchard at Green Apple is full of talented professionals who are passionate about what they do and excited to share that passion with our clients. Meghan Clark is no exception. We truly value Meghan’s contribution to our team and are excited to share a bit of her story with you.

Meghan’s Role as an Orchard Member

As a content specialist, Meghan supports our core content marketing team to create blog articles for a variety of industries and subjects. Her workday typically includes researching new topics, drafting content, and editing before her writing makes its way to the client. She is extremely focused on quality content and SEO keyword research while always keeping our clients’ unique voices and tones in mind. 

Meghan’s Background and How She Came to Green Apple

Meghan began her career as an educator at an independent day school and spent much of her time with creative, brilliant 13-year-olds. After seven amazing years, she took a leap of faith and joined a small startup marketing company. The company ultimately went under, and she decided to use that opportunity to establish herself as a freelancer. A friend told her that Green Apple was looking for writers in 2019, and she’s worked with us ever since! “I grew up as the daughter of a successful entrepreneur, and I saw much of the same spirit, drive, and vision in Samantha Pyle. As a contractor, I appreciated the way she streamlined project management and billing. Even though I wasn’t part of the in-office team, I felt my work was valued,” Meghan says.  She loves working with Green Apple and had such great things to say about our team. “My editor, Content Marketing Director Adam York, is truly one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. He pairs clear expectations with solid support, and he’s always available to answer my questions,” she added. 

What Meghan Loves About Her Craft—In Her Own Words

“When I initially started blogging, I was skeptical about its efficacy, but I can’t argue with the numbers. According to McKinsey, blogs sent out as email newsletters are 40 times more likely to land you a customer than social media posts. Other data shows click-through rates for email at 50 to 100 times higher than social media. People still read. Words are still powerful. As a writer, that’s heartening to me. On a copywriter’s website or resume, you’ll usually find a cheeky list of topics they’ve gotten to write about. I’m no exception to this rule. I’ve written about plastic surgery, customer service, cheeseburgers, boating, Swiss watches, pre-K education, banking, commercial kitchens, large-scale signage, cryptocurrency, and electron microscopy. Every article I write expands my knowledge base, and I love collecting arcane bits of knowledge. My work as a writer has given me the capacity to talk to almost anyone I meet about something that interests them. This is with the exception of theoretical physicists, who frankly aren’t that great at dinner conversation anyway.”

Meghan’s Personal Life

Like many paid writers, Meghan is also a creative writer. She writes creative nonfiction essays and draws her inspiration from writers like E.B. White, Leslie Jamison, Karl Ove Knausgaard, and Anthony Bourdain. She says that she spends entirely too much time reading, trying to identify birds on trees, and thinking about, preparing, or eating food. We are incredibly lucky to have Meghan as a member of our Orchard team and are thrilled that she chooses to share her talents with us. Thank you for your contribution to our clients, Meghan. We appreciate you!  Could your brand benefit from quality content services? Contact Green Apple Strategy to schedule a consultation.