Turning that frustrating 'stuck' feeling into growth

As the founder and CEO of Samba Rock, I've had a front-row seat to both the incredible successes and disheartening failures of international brands venturing into the US. We've partnered with remarkable companies like The Nature Conservancy, AB-Inbev (Guaraná Antarctica), Conchita Foods, and Bauducco Foods, helping them achieve remarkable growth and recognition within the US market.

My own journey spans continents and decades, shaping a unique understanding of global brand acceleration. From my early days in integrated advertising in Brazil to managing creative teams at top agencies in the UK and the US, I've honed a deep understanding of what makes brands resonate across cultures.

I used to think the biggest challenge for brands was breaking into the US market. Years of working with international companies taught me the hard truths about cultural barriers, complex distribution networks, and the sheer firepower needed to compete with established American giants.

Then, something unexpected happened. US-based brands started coming to Samba Rock. Not startups seeking a foothold, but established businesses struggling to break free from a frustrating plateau. Revenue was decent, maybe even comfortable, but that spark – that thrilling upward trajectory – had fizzled out.

At first, I was baffled. These weren't brands on the brink of failure. They had existing customer bases, brand recognition, and none of the challenges faced by companies coming in from abroad. Digging deeper, I realized the very things that fueled their initial success had turned into growth anchors.

Old marketing playbooks were collecting dust. Innovation had stalled. Assumptions about their audience were baked in, unexamined. This was the American Dream gone stale.

The A.M.P. methodology was born out of this revelation. It's a wake-up call, a diagnostic tool, and an action plan specifically designed to reignite growth for US brands. We've honed it working with companies both large and small, proving that even in a saturated market, hidden potential lies waiting to be discovered.

This isn't a book about feel-good theories. It's about rolling up your sleeves, taking an honest look at your business, and making the changes – sometimes small, sometimes radical – that lead to big results. If you're tired of settling for "good enough" and ready to reclaim your growth mojo, this book is your roadmap.

Let's shake things up, shall we?

This is the preface of my first book, A.M.P. – Amplify your Growth and Re-Energize your Business, out now on Amazon. If you relate to this matter or know someone who does, get your copy now at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYXMTF6Z .

I have just changed the identity of this newsletter. From now on, I will be using this space to share tips, stories, learnings, insights, and everything to help companies like yours to succeed in this extremely competitive market.

And if you are really into this topic and want to discuss these insights with other business owners who face the same issues and are walking the same path, join our A.M.P. Business Growth Community on LinkedIn.

About the author

Valter Klug is the founder and CEO of Samba Rock, an awarded marketing and innovation agency specializing in brand acceleration within the US market. With over 25 years of experience across three continents, a recent graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, and a recognized thought leader in global brand acceleration, he has a proven track record of guiding brands of all sizes toward breakthrough growth and category dominance. A sought-after speaker, Forbes Business Council Member, and 2-time Cannes Lion Winner, his insights into consumer behavior, innovation, and strategic growth have helped countless brands unlock new levels of success.