Legends are hard to come by these days, at least legends of this kind. And despite the controversy, Joe Paterno left his mark on countless millions. How will you remember him?  I am just one, but I choose to remember him this way: Read the rest of this entry »

I was watching a “Kardashian Marathon” recently when I saw a commercial for the new Kardashian Kollection for Sears. At first it didn’t quite register, then it did, and the more I thought about it, the Kardashian and Sears brands seemed like the oddest of brand partnerships. When I think of Sears, my mind immediately heads to washers, dryers, socks and underwear—not Kardashian designer wear. I get that the Kardashian’s want to create a line of affordable clothing that can make all of the regular folk Kardashian-esque, but does Kenmore and Kardashian really belong under the same roof? Does one cheapen the other or is this a match made in reality TV and misguided retailer heaven?
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One night after work, I found myself flipping through hundreds of channels on cable when I casually stopped on a re-run of “Undercover Boss.”  It was the Season 2 finale where the president of 1-800-FLOWERS went undercover.  By the end of the show I found myself wiping tears from my face watching all the wonderful things the president learned from his experience, and the amazing things he did for those few employees he had the privilege to work with—even serving as a “mentor” for one of the youngest managers in the company and offering him $25,000 to start his own 1-800-FLOWERS franchise.  After that first episode, I was hooked.  Or, was I? Read the rest of this entry »

What does a rock legend do to become relevant to more people? Release a new album? No, that will hit the hard core fans more than attract new ones. Launch a ten-city tour? No, same problem.  In today’s world, more than anything, you go on American Idol or The Celebrity Apprentice. Read the rest of this entry »

Because this is Tagline’s personal branding issue, this month’s “Brands from the Past” story is, of course, about a person: Luke Perry. You remember, Dylan McKay, the sensitive, dangerous heartthrob on “Beverly Hills 90210.” Those eyes, that voice, he stole every scene, and every girl’s heart on a weekly basis. Perry left the show in its sixth season to take on more dramatic roles. A smart move that likely saved him from the almost inevitable demise of a teen heartthrob brand. Since then, Read the rest of this entry »

Remember PF Flyers?  Patented in 1933, Posture Foundation insole technology set a new standard in sneaker comfort.  In 1937, BF Goodrich produced the first “PF Flyer.”  These shoes changed the way we viewed sneakers for “work, relaxation and play!”  They were icons of the 1950′s.  They spearheaded the athlete/sneaker collaboration model we’re so used to today in 1958 with Boston Celtic’s superstar Bob Cousy.  In the 1960′s, women could buy apparel made to specifically match their PF’s, and it was the standard shoe in the army.  Children of the 60′s might remember the slogan, “PF Flyers help your run faster and jump higher!”  They managed to make every kid want a pair or be deemed a “weirdo.”

The brand lost its way in the 1970′s.  It was purchased by Converse in 1972, but later had to be sold off when the US government filed an antitrust suit claiming that if both companies combined they would have a monopoly for sneakers.  Soon, instead of every kid needing a pair of PF Flyers, they needed a pair of Converse All-Stars.  PF Flyers continued their downward slope until New Balance bought the rights to the brand in 2001 (which had been dormant since 1992) and resurrected it in 2003.  Regardless of their roller coaster ride, movies like “The Sandlot” have given PF Flyers a permanent place in our modern culture.

PF Flyers are well on their way to making a comeback.  They went back to the heart of their company and recently did an Archival Reissue re-launch of the most popular styles from the 50′s and 60′s. You can find PF Flyers anywhere from Zappos to Neiman Marcus. Will PF Flyers ever have the status they did in the 50′s and 60′s? Stay tuned…

Check out vintage PF Flyer commercials!

What is branding? Heart & Mind® Branding.

Randy, Ellen, Kara, Simon.  Every week millions of TV viewers across America welcome them into their homes for the most popular music show on the tube: American Idol.  But is it really a music show, or is a branding show? Think about it.  Marketers and business owners can learn a lot from the music world, a place where great brands crank out products that make a bundle.  If you sing it they will come?  Not really, unless you’re a brand. Read the rest of this entry »