Kevin Planovsky career in digital strategy and hospitality was not built overnight. After more than a decade running his own boutique agency in Atlanta, he joined Croud, a global, tech-enabled marketing agency, to help lead U.S. growth. For Kevin, the draw was more than scale. It was the chance to merge strategy, technology, and storytelling for brands that want to connect with guests in meaningful ways.
Croud operates on a unique model powered by a worldwide network of vetted experts, giving Kevin’s team the ability to scale up for enterprise clients or stay lean for targeted projects. That flexibility is especially valuable in multi-location restaurant and retail, where speed and precision matter. From helping legacy barbecue brands modernize their digital presence to creating campaigns for national F&B groups, Kevin’s focus is on delivering measurable growth while keeping brand identity intact.
What People Really Want
“We’re not here to just sell,” Kevin says. “No one goes on social media hoping to see an ad. They want to be educated, entertained, and inspired. That is where the opportunity is, in telling the right story, in the right place, at the right time.”
In Kevin’s world, hospitality does not stop at the front door. It extends to every guest interaction, whether it happens at a table, in a drive-thru lane, or on a mobile app. His approach starts with first-party customer data and works outward, diagnosing opportunities, simplifying the noise, and building strategies that turn digital touchpoints into lasting relationships.
That philosophy aligns with the entrepreneurial ventures he supports outside of Croud, like Relish, a platform connecting restaurants with local creators for authentic influencer marketing. Kevin is not just an investor.
Helping Others
He is a coach, helping founders like Relish CEO Michael Diego navigate the challenges of growth while staying true to their vision.
Technology is the backbone of Kevin’s process, but people are the heartbeat. His own work-life priorities are shaped by balancing a growing business with being a present father to four daughters.
That focus on clarity, knowing what matters most and shutting out distractions, shows up in how he leads teams, manages partnerships, and builds campaigns.
Next Steps With AI
With AI capabilities rapidly advancing, Kevin sees a future where agencies like Croud can do even more with less, freeing up resources to focus on creativity, personalization, and strategy.
No matter how the tools evolve, the mission stays the same: deliver results and keep the human connection at the center.
“It is all about the experience,” he says. “If you can make someone feel seen, heard, and valued, whether they are in your store or scrolling on their phone, that is hospitality. And that is how you win.”
Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | More
