Levogel Marketing, Marrying a Comedian & The Capital C

Two things made me smile about 5 minutes before writing this: 

1. I’m going to share the story of a calendar invite notification that came up today. 

2. I married the funniest person alive, to the point that I have a note on my notes app, pinned to the top, called “Things He Says” - in this note you will find a date followed by a sentence, these are things Stephan has said and I often find myself going back to read them and I laugh even more. Examples? Sure. 

06.09 | “I can also do it on Word, if it’s going to take you long. It shouldn’t take me longer than 20 minutes. But I know you enjoy doing this kinda thing…”

20.09 | “Did you shower… I never know these days”

21.09 | “I will punch you in the fucking face.” 

24.03.2025 | “As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted by your life.”

24.12 | “Where’s my gym shirt? Did you fuck it up “ 

Obviously these have zero context and are quite something - with no context - but that’s why I find it funny. The reason why I’m even mentioning this is because of one he said this week. I have these moments of feeling like I’ve got something coming, and then it just comes - no control - the reason for Simple, I think you’ll remember that article I wrote calling no one a cunt - remember that one that offended you before reading further than the title? The one you sent messages about before reading that I wasn’t calling you one? Yup! Well, I told Stephan I’ve got a feeling one is coming up - one of those - stop what you’re doing and write this heap of nonsense and never know why you did it until 3 months later while I’m overstimulated at Woolies. Well, in the car driving home from gym I said to Stephan that there is one in the pipeline. I had a feeling. 

“Who’s getting called a cunt this time?” - you see? He’s funny! 

Luckily, for you guys, I’m not calling anyone anything. I’m going to be sharing the Life of Max and this silly apple calendar reminder I received while washing my car for the second time this week. I do remember putting this in my calendar, but only now that it popped up, even where I was sitting and what I was doing. Confirmed by the photos on my phone and a dig for a certain dark green Moleskin Notebook, and it made me smile but also put a whole lot of weird and wonderful things together and then I have this weird urge to write about it - something I still have no understanding of how to even understand, but I’m trusting the journey and the feelings these day. 

Last year, 22 November 2024, a very burnt out and in worse condition than half of We Buy Car’s 320i’s was a very different version of me, but the core was still there it seems. I was lost and not sure of what the hell I was going through, but I registered a company, Levogel Marketing, and followed by that I made myself a promise and I’m keeping to that promise. I’m going to give myself a chance at doing it on my own, not falling for the comfort of the salary and office vaaaaibs and structure and security I craved for so long. But, i was giving myself a year to have at it. Nothing less. Nothing more. If I sat here today and I really was just the wannabe housewife some of you think I am, I’d be writing a CV and not this right now, because I wouldn’t have even tried. The last week has been wild - Stephan probably has the most exciting life ever because on top of everything he does, he is probably one of maybe two people that gets to see the rollercoaster of Max, everyday… and I sometimes find myself too much so boy, I can’t imagine what it’s like to watch. I really had a LOL now at the thought of this. Anyway, you know I’m writing in one of those real moments when this is going to be long and full of weird nonsense but I just write what comes to my thumbs this time - because my laptop is probably in my boot in my bag in bags of bags. 

One thing you probably don’t know about me and probably will not ever get to see about me but I love to work, or at least keep my mind busy because heaven knows what bomb goes off when I don’t. I don’t know what it’s like to sit and ‘relax’ - Stephan and I had a gummy the other night and I said ‘so is this what it’s like to feel normal’, he said ‘no, this is your chilled for once’ and I said ‘ya, normal…’ 

I find pleasure in being busy with things - I can’t lie on the couch and watch series all weekend, I’ll go into a depression. I’ll watch Reels for hours but I call it research - brain numbing research. But I really do like to be busy, or at least keep my mind busy with information. Stephan asked me yesterday if I am going to look at every tyre company in South Africa and get a price on every tyre that would possibly fit on my car - yes, actually that’s spot on. I do it with everything. I research everything. I tell Stephan I’m good with money because I won’t go and buy any cleaning stuff for the house before finding the cheapest. Takealot, Checkers, Woolies, Game, now I’ve discovered Amazon’s useless selection but to be fair they had the cheapest Ariel washing pods this week. So, I love to have an experience and I like to know what’s happening in the world, and I like to find things. And yes, I know all too well all the misconceptions of who I am and how who I let you think I am, but when I did my masters (see, love learning things), psychology of people and behaviors was one of the modules I did and I guess that just stuck in a weird form. But yes, I know I look like the one who lives their best lives off a trust fund and daddy’s hard earned money, but in all seriousness, it’s really not as simple as that. Ah, here it is. Stephan, here you go: “If You Weren’t Such a Cunt and Just Asked me how and who I am’ maybe I’d care more. But if you’re going to assume something, then we all know the saying and I leave it there. But in all honestly, I don’t think I really knew who I was either and I get all lost and confused by myself but I’m still me inside here and that’s a relief. But the last year was much more than a CIPC document - even though that’s the little excuse I had for this journey clearly. If I think about the last year I’ve had I actually am shocked at the memories of experiences and journey I’ve had - but we’ve had. It has been soul destroying to be honest, but somehow I’m still here managing to enjoy a beautiful life with beautiful people and the rest, perspective. Simple Perspective. 

Yes, I started my own marketing company a year ago which ChatGPT and I have redefined recently as more than that because I apparently was underselling myself, big shocker there, and there have been many moments of ‘I’M DONE!’, and depressing days of feeling lost and like a failure and just a gemors. I failed, yes… at many things but sadly I failed myself a lot. I was so worried about the opinions that could be had that I let myself down by not being me, and as ChatGPT very kindly told me that I am missing a lane, not brilliance. Followed by I am going to stop you right there, Max. You’re running Levogel Marketing on vibes, good vibes, but vibes. Stop doing that and do you for once, try that answer again.’ And eventually pushed me so hard to speak my truth that I am now a Brand Operator, not a basic marketer like everyone else. (DYING AT THE SASS)

The last year was me on a self-discovery era - like Tay Tay meet Eat Pray Love but make it really chaotic. And this last week was wild, and it all came together just like the Co-Star App Widget said it would. Heeeell, I am funny. 

I do undersell myself often and I do people-please and I have been hiding under a shell of normality, and I almost did give up and I sometimes just wanted to give it all up but I’m glad I didn’t. Levogel Marketing gives me anxiety - this company has been a nightmare. It’s been confusing, and it has made me lose my mind. But that was my own doing by not doing what I should’ve done years ago. Myself.  I was so scared to show my real side to so many people after having to always be told who I am, what I do and this and that because everyone is very judgmental and I look like I’m constantly living my best life (which I am by the way, life is amazing - you should all enjoy life more), that I don’t have any depth and I just leave it because I can’t live life explaining to you things you don’t wanna see. But, it’s the truth. I knew this date was coming up because I did start to think about my 2026 vibes, and I had a moment of pure sadness. Did I actually give up on myself and not try, is this whole marketing boss vibe not for me, and felt sad but also unmotivated. Well, then it humbled me. 

I love working, but I also love what I do for work - brand, marketing and so much more than ‘just posting pretty photos on social media’. I am a force to be reckoned with let me tell you. I just need to show it more. Side note, marketing is not a scam on TikTok a post on Instagram and someone who loves the finer things in life, by the way. It’s kak actually. I swear starting a car wash and washing cars all day would make my cortisol levels normal. I really am passionate about the work I do, and I find huge pleasure in learning and growing each day with brands, people and experiences. Agency life is an underpaid scam that belongs in the trash, also, and that’s why I did what I did… to give clients who want to work with someone who can be passionate and work harder than Kris Jenner herself, because that’s who Max is. Levogel Marketing isn’t me trying to look busy because I know I can do that but I also know that it’s not me. It’s about bringing the experience in different roles, brands and companies together and my knowledge, interests, passions and love for learning to you and your brand. I don’t really care what you do, because I don’t have a niche? SHOCKING, I know. But to me that is not how I could work - I need a challenge, I need to be excited and learn. I can literally tell you what agency runs a companies social media because they showcase their clients products, but they do the sameeeeeee thing for every client. If you ever look at content for restaurants, fancy petrol stations and so on and go to their competitors, and so on, you will see their brand and product and whatnot, but the content strategy? Control C and Control V. Pointless, I could also go post 4th’s content to every café down the road with a different coloured cup, but then I’d be bored and probably start unboxing my Woolies and Takealot on TikTok. No shade either. Just not me, I am more of a let’s do what your brand needs to do kinda guy… and that is who I am. I failed because I tried to be the person who has huge talent and showcases that one talent over and over, but it’s not me.  I am more of a let’s be wild and chaotic but true to the foundation kinda person. I found someone in life that is very similar to that… that person is also the only person who no matter what happens in life will always ask how you are, be there when you need them, call you out when you need to be and actually wish success for you. Another thing that happened since today a year ago. 

But, I am very proud to announce that Levogel Marketing is staying and I get to work at home in my gym clothes or birthday suit as I sometimes do, because I will continue being my own boss and I’ll be a little more true to myself this time. Am I giving myself another year to try? Nope. I am just doing me. Levogel Marketing actually got a bit busy lately, busy with lessons and mountains I needed to climb and obstacles that wanted me out, but with clients who actually give a dam and like what I do. I signed on 3 new clients in a day, got ghosted by one and fired the other but the one made me realize that it’s ok to be me. Because they scream at me and we laugh and I tell them I’m too busy having a nervous breakdown I’ll speak to them later and they get it and say “that’s cool, enjoy and see you tomorrow”. I’ve also redesigned the way I am going to be doing business moving forward, and have since deleted the discount line on Quickbooks because sjoeeee. I undersell myself and pay big time for it. There are lessons that i have had to go through for me to see things as they are today, but those lessons are the reasons I smile today, because while everyone thinks I’m something - I’m going to formally introduce myself to you. 

I’m Max Ziervogel. Thirty-one, human, intentional and the founder of Levogel Marketing. I live life through experiences, feelings and lessons and love to bring those through in all the world I do. We don’t do marketing the same way everyone else does, we do brand first and keep you true and not on trend. We’re the right partner for you if you want work that reflects your brand, not a trend. But I’m also Max Ziervogel. Thirty-one, intentional as hell, built on experience, feeling and perspective. I’m someone who pays a lot of attention. To people, to energy, to detail, and to things that matter. Not perfect, not polished, but not who you thought I was. I like my space, to work, my dogs and my parents are my best friend. I love(d) cars, I’m constantly thirsty, oh! And as of today a runner with a six-pack making a comeback. Apparently funny too. 

I don’t know why I am writing this and posting it, but I never do when it’s one that I have to but like I said when I started writing and posting these Simple Things, I don’t care if no one reads this or if this is giving you your conversation for later at that braai, that’s ok too… it’s just for me, simple. 

PS - the photo I used is of me before my early run this morning because I’m a runner now, you can check Strava, add me.. but also, Stephan’s favourite thing to do is tell everyone I’m a parking cone. I married a really funny one you see.