Meet Ryan Repp and Joshua Coburn, two highly innovative and ambitious leaders in their field, the creative minds behind Repputation Marketing, who are making a significant mark on the industry’s landscape.
Blanca Czebouz
Ryan Repp, former VP of Marketing at the legendary Brownells, brings deep expertise and respect for America’s complex firearms culture, which has translated into an impressive roster of acclaimed campaigns –some hailed as “the best the industry has ever seen!”
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Meanwhile, Joshua Coburn is a multifaceted entrepreneur, motivational speaker, author, and co-owner of Dissident Cigars, whose social media marketing prowess has transformed branding in the firearms industry. During his tenure at Brownells, Coburn spearheaded initiatives that positioned the brand at the forefront of organic social media reach within the gun community, establishing it as the industry leader in engagement through strategic, compelling content. Together, Repp and Coburn embody the power of creativity and innovation in marketing, leaving an indelible imprint on the industry.
Ryan Repp and Joshua Coburn aren’t just marketing visionaries –they’re also cigar aficionados. Their shared appreciation for premium cigars reflects a profound understanding of craftsmanship and quality, values they carry into their professional lives. Whether exploring new blends or savoring the rich flavors of their favorite smokes, Ryan and Josh often find inspiration in the rituals of cigar enjoyment, using these moments to unwind, exchange ideas, and connect.
This shared passion has strengthened their camaraderie, allowing creative ideas to flourish in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. As they navigate the complexities of the marketing world, their love for cigars reminds them of the importance of patience, attention to detail, and the art of savoring life’s refined pleasures.
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How did Repputation Marketing come to be?
Josh and I have always taken what I call an “symmetrical” approach to marketing. While there are countless tech tools in this field, we’ve never lost sight of the value of one-on-one human relationships. If you think of business as part art and part science, we thrive on the art side. The science? Well, that doesn’t change –it is what it is. All marketing tools work as they should. But when you combine them with a genuine understanding of people, that’s where the magic happens.
Our mission is to help brands find and retain customers, turning them into passionate brand advocates.
What specific services do you offer?
Our core services include:
– Organic Social Media Management.
– Affiliate Marketing.
– Branding & Design.
– Public Relations.
– Marketing & Business Strategy.
Do you specialize in any particular industry or marketing niche?
We prefer working with brands in the outdoor, hobby, and entertainment industries.
How do you develop a marketing strategy for a new client?
It all starts with proper brand/product positioning. It’s surprising how many big, established brands struggle to clearly and concisely define who they are, what they do, and who they do it for. Everything begins with understanding that.
How do you stay current with marketing trends and technologies
Mainly through industry newsletters, young social media marketing gurus, and trade shows. I make a point to follow very young marketers because –as someone in my mid-40s– I’m aware that a marketer’s death sentence is clinging only to what they already know (or think they know).
How do you build a strong brand presence?
Revisiting the last question: A strong brand presence requires a clear, differentiated brand position. Once that’s established, you can develop strategies to “solidify” what the brand stands for –how it speaks, looks, etc. Beyond branding, products and services must reflect that positioning. A strong brand takes time.
How do you think the craftsmanship and branding of premium cigars reflect effective marketing principles?
The biggest parallel between marketing and cigar-making is time and intentionality. Like cigars, effective marketing requires patience and deliberate steps to build a meaningful brand.
What key lessons have you learned from your experiences in both fields?
Both the cigar and outdoor hobbies industries share a core purpose: enjoying what you love with people who matter to you. They’re built on relationships and tradition. The greatest advantage for us at Repputation Marketing –and for me as co-owner of Dissident Cigars– is that we deeply understand how to build relationships and respect tradition, but we’re unafraid to challenge dogma. Marketing is about standing out and making a positive impact on your consumer base, and often the best way to do that is by pushing tradition (sometimes a little, sometimes a lot, like Dissident does) to reach new audiences innovatively. That’s where the “artistic” or asymmetrical side Ryan mentioned earlier comes in. Staying true to the brand is priority #1; staying true to tradition doesn’t have to be.
