Shoptology, you will be missed. is best understood as a practical AI marketing lesson for marketers who want to use AI with more clarity, speed, and judgment. The useful takeaway is to move beyond tool curiosity and ask how this idea improves research, content, automation, sales, strategy, or customer experience.
For AEO and AIO, this post is strongest when the core lesson is clear at the top and supported by concise questions readers are likely to ask. For help applying this kind of AI work in a real marketing system, see AI Marketing Services or what an AI marketing consultant does.
Today is a bittersweet day as I clean out my desk drawers and say my final goodbyes to this incredible team I have worked alongside. Only a year and a half ago I announced that my family was moving here to work at the startup Mercury 11 with Andy Murray here in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Working at Mercury 11 was a wild ride as we rapidly experimented with business models and digital marketing to launch a number of products and services that ranged from new approaches in education/training to Facebook apps for churches.
Eight months into my time at Mercury 11 our small team (there happened to be 11 of us) was acquired by Shoptology, a shopper marketing agency within a larger marketing group called Project:Worldwide. With Shoptology being brand new itself (it was only 3 months old when we were acquired), we bootstrapped our way into the market and have grown from 15 people to 36 across Dallas, Fayetteville, and New York City.
The best part about working for an marketing agency is the people you get to rub shoulders with and Shoptology is no exception. I’ve never learned so much in one year! Both about shopper marketing strategy as well as technical skills (HTML, CSS, CRM automation, etc).
Even more meaningful is the company culture. While i have posted about the Nerf wars, there are also weekly(ish) games, birthday outings, and holiday parties. They even threw a baby shower for my family. Leaving a team and friends like this behind is what makes this a bitter day.
To the Shoptology team (passed and present),
Thank you! For all of your help, time, gifts, mentorship, training, and fun! It has been a great year and my family and I will forever remember the wonderful season we spent in Arkansas. It was a privilege to work along side you and learn from you.
Friends, you will be missed.
A week from now my family and I will be moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota to work for Bethany Global University as their new Marketing Director. It will mark the beginning of a new season, though a cold season. We look forward to what is in-store for us there.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main lesson from Shoptology, you will be missed.?
The main lesson is that AI marketing works best when marketers connect AI tools to a clear workflow, real audience needs, and human judgment.
How can marketers apply AI marketing?
Marketers can apply AI marketing by choosing one practical use case, documenting the workflow, testing outputs, and improving the process before scaling it.
What should stay human when using AI?
Strategy, customer empathy, brand voice, ethical judgment, final approval, and business accountability should stay human.
How does this connect to AI marketing consulting?
It connects to AI marketing consulting because the value is not just knowing a tool, but turning AI into a useful system for content, research, automation, sales, or strategy.
Where should a business start?
A business should start with one high-friction, repeatable workflow that has clear inputs, outputs, owners, and a way to measure improvement.
