Standing on stage at DigiMarCon Las Vegas 2025 next to Jack Wendt was a surreal moment for me. We weren’t there as marketers pitching another strategy, we were there as students, teachers, and builders, sharing what we’ve learned about helping real people grow their authority online.
While with Dennis Yu, I’ve seen firsthand how much power there is in documenting what you already do, connecting with people through content, and using AI as a partner instead of a replacement. What Jack and I talked about at DigiMarCon was really the story of that, how we’ve taken these lessons and started teaching them to young adults through High Rise Influence and High Rise Academy.
Earlier this year, Jack and I also spoke together at DigiMarCon Minneapolis, where we covered similar topics, but since then we’ve co-taught multiple webinars and coaching sessions for High Rise Influence, so by the time Vegas came around, we felt much more polished and in sync on stage.
What We Shared
Jack and I walked the audience through how we’ve been helping students learn to build digital authority for local businesses — often their parents’ or mentors’ companies. We talked about the importance of mapping what you stand for, finding the connections in your life that shape your story, and turning those moments into content that builds trust.
For me, it’s always been about bridging that gap between potential and proof. I want young adults to realize that they don’t need to wait for permission or a fancy title to start building something meaningful. Everything we teach — from recording a conversation to creating a personal brand website — is about helping people take ownership of their story.
A Moment That Stood Out
One of my favorite moments from the talk was when we pulled up live examples of people’s Knowledge Graph scores. You could see the lightbulb go off in the room — people realizing that Google actually measures their credibility through the consistency of their work and reputation.
That’s what we’re all chasing in one way or another: trust. Whether it’s online, in business, or in life, trust is earned through time, consistency, and results.
What This Meant to Me
Speaking at DigiMarCon was a milestone. Less than a year ago, I was the one learning these systems for the first time. Now I’m teaching them with a friend and co-founder, showing others how to apply what changed my life.
I’ve always believed in learning by doing, and doing by teaching. That’s what High Rise Influence and High Rise Academy are all about — giving young people the tools and confidence to build authority, create content, and deliver real results for local business owners.
Final Thoughts
The biggest thing I took away from DigiMarCon is that authority isn’t about titles, it’s about proof. You earn it by showing up, sharing what you know, and helping others succeed along the way.
That’s what Jack and I have been building through High Rise Influence, and it’s what I plan to keep doing — helping the next generation of creators, entrepreneurs, and local leaders turn what they already know into something that matters.
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