Unbelievably, it was two years ago today we reported on our first lead. We had been doing it for 6 months before hand but that was just fooling around and we did it for free.
But on May 10, 2011, we got serious and started a real company.
Essentially, after winning dozens of new accounts representing hundreds of millions in billings over the [...]
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2,089 Leads Later, The Ratti Report Turns 2
Unbelievably, it was two years ago today we reported on our first lead. We had been doing it for 6 months before hand but that was just fooling around and we did it for free.
But on May 10, 2011, we got serious and started a real company.
Essentially, after winning dozens of new accounts representing hundreds of millions in billings over the [...]
Get The Ratti Report Free
We’ve been asked one too many times about this so we had to act.
Starting May 2nd, the New Business Bureau is offering our first “Get The Ratti Report Free” referral program.
For every one year subscription you refer us to, we’ll give you 3 months access to The Ratti Report for free.
Now you may ask: why would I ever s [...]
10 Daily Practices to Winning New Business in Any Market
Every marketing firm wants the same thing: More new business coming in than old business going out. So long ago I decided to identify what worked and didn’t work at ever agency I came into contact with. Then I tested these ideas, programs and philosophies while directing new business at shops all over Manhattan.
Now after years of succe [...]
Proof The Ratti Report Works: #1
Steve’s breakdown: A few days ago I was asked “how often are Ratti Report account review predictions right on target?” The truth is, all the time but we never prove it to anybody. That ends today with our first “Proof it Works” report.
Back in November we told our members how Service King wanted to be #1 but they [...]
Why 90 day old leads?
Wondering why our articles seem so old? It’s because we keep the past 90 days of news (AKA fresh new business leads) reserved for our members.
The reason we do make older news available to non-members is to let folks sample our work. It’s that simple.
For more information about our publication & membership, go to: Our sole pur [...]
5 o’clock Friday’s Ad Land: Pitching Big or Small
Alright! It’s 5 o’clock on Friday and that means it’s time for our weekly installment of AdLand by cartoonist and CCO of Third Street, David T. Jones.
This cartoon reminds me of a story from the early days of one of my ex-employers, M&C Saatchi.
They were pitching British Airways and needed to look a bit bigger. Here’s the story to [...]
FDA approves new breast cancer drug
Steve’s breakdown: The word has to get out regarding this new drug that delivers more medicine with fewer side effects. This drug, Kadcyla, is marketed by Genentech, a member of the Roche Group.
SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO, CA: A first-of-a-kind breast cancer medication that targets tumor cells while sparing healthy ones has been approved by th [...]
Land of opportunity: Toy Fair 2013
Steve’s breakdown: Having worked the floor of Toy Fair many times I can tell you the new business opportunities are in the trends not the brands. For example, as plush and tech keeps getting paired up in more and more toys, look for more experiential play stores to pop up.
Here’s the Toy Fair rundown from Robin Raskin 0f Living in [...]
Regal premieres new brand: Hollywood Theaters
Steve’s breakdown: Regal operates 3 cinema brands including Regal Cinemas, United Artists Theatres and Edwards Theatres. Hollywood Theaters would be the forth and should be getting a new marketing push.
KNOXVILLE, TN: Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), a leading motion picture exhibitor owning and operating the largest theatre circu [...]
Ladies night on Malibu Island
Steve’s breakdown: They say the brand is being supported by digital and social media marketing, and retail and on-trade activities but we suspect, to make this a truly successful launch, they will have to do consumer advertising
NEW YORK:, NY: Pernod Ricard USA has introduced a new low-calorie spiced rum version of Malibu brand – [...]
Grey Poupon’s “Pardon Me” fail on the Oscars
Steve’s breakdown: Kraft is throwing the Hail Mary on this one and it’s going to be a $1.7 million fail. I know Crispin Porter did the spot that will air one time on the Oscars but, sorry folks, this is not how you sell product and CP&B knows it.
So get ready to catch Sara Braun of Kraft with a saving strategy as she falls.
N [...]
CVS relaunches Gold Emblem brand
Steve’s breakdown: If they are going to spend all this effort to relaunch this brand, you’d think they’d put at least a few bucks of marketing behinds these 250 products – No?
WOONSOCKET, RI: CVS/pharmacy is making some changes to its Gold Emblem food product line, including enhanced ingredients and new flavors, the re [...]
Webroot locks down new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: Now that Facebook, Apple and the US government are getting hacked with more vitums on the way, Internet security is a surging category wave you should ride.
And as you can see, we were on this story last month when we reported “Webroot looks to secure a new marketing chief”
BROOMFIELD, CO: Webroot, a leade [...]
Global Media Review takes flight at British Airways
Steve’s breakdown: Some of the biggest players are in on this one but there’s still time to get in there because briefs have not been issued.
LONDON, UK: British Airways is reviewing its global media planning and buying account, currently held by ZenithOptimedia.
It is understood that BA is holding chemistry meetings with agencie [...]
Prediction: BioLite will be the next big thing
Steve’s breakdown: If I had a boatload of cash, I’d give it to these guys. Maybe you can help out with marketing to help save the world and make some serious coin!
BROOKLYN, NY: Former design engineer Jonathan Cedar thinks he’s figured out a market-based solution to address health and energy needs in developing countries.
[...]
Post Office to launch apparel line
Steve’s breakdown: A campaign starting with “Neither Rain, Nor Snow, Nor Sleet, Nor Gloom of Night” seems like a great start to an apparel line.
No word on the ad agency handling the launch in 2014.
WASHINGTON, DC: Move over Northface, The U.S. Postal Service is dropping Saturday mail delivery and picking up a new line of cl [...]
Cape Air takes off with new CEO
Steve’s breakdown: On March 18th, Cape Air will have the only female airline president in North America. We suspect she’ll be making her mark on this airline right out of the gate.
HYANNIS, MA: Cape Air‘s Board of Directors announced the appointment of Linda Markham as President and Chief Administrative Officer (CEO) effective on [...]
Who’s handling Post Sesame Street cereals?
Steve’s breakdown: Post has O&M as a roster agency but no one is taking responsibility for the Post Sesame Street cereals. Is it worth a call? It’s at least looking into . . .
PARSIPPANY, NJ: For years, toddlers have started their mornings watching Elmo and Cookie Monster on “Sesame Street.” Now they can also enjoy [...]
New CMO & CIO at Philadelphia Insurance Companies
Steve’s breakdown: Between the CMO promotion and the new CIO, we believe PIC is going to be moving on digital communications plans.
BALA CYNWYD, PA: Philadelphia Insurance Companies announced the promotion of Brian O’Reilly from senior vice president of marketing to executive vice president and chief marketing officer. He succeeds Rober [...]
Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy prescribes new marketing head
Steve’s breakdown: This is a different kind of pharmacy that is more about care than retail. They have locations in Flint and Grand Rapids, MI; Chicago, IL; Ft. Lauderdale, FL; and Ontario, Canada.
FLINT, MI: Diplomat Specialty Pharmacy has hired a former information technology executive as its director of marketing.
The company announc [...]
Sky Bet goes all in on advertising review
https://vimeo.com/49609060
Steve’s breakdown:”Agencies are vying to gain a place on the BSkyB roster after Sky Bet, its gambling division, put its advertising account up for pitch.”
ISLEWORTH, UK: Sky Bet: has worked with WCRS, which created the ‘excitement of uncertainty’ TV spot
The company has approached both roster an [...]
Whirlpool signs Safeway CMO to board
Steve’s breakdown: We don’t usually report on Board member news but this time is different. Safeway’s CMO is now on the Whirlpool board of directors.
Will this trigger a marketing review? Well, there has to be some reason why she got the job.
BENTON HARBOR, MI: Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE:WHR) announced today the appointment [...]
National Electrical Manufacturers Association PR in review
Steve’s breakdown: There’s only a couple of days left to show interest so get on that. The RFP is due March 7th.
Chuck Konigsberg, VP for strategy and policy, is point of contact: chuck.konigsberg@nema.org
ARLINGTON, VA: The Virginia-based trade group for electrical equipment manufacturers is on the hunt for a PR firm to develop a [...]
Staples looks to consolidate account: RFP Issued
Steve’s breakdown: We suspect the Office Depot/Max merger is going to throw a wrench into the works but make sure your agency creds are over at SRI anyway. They are handling the pitch.
FRAMINGHAM, MA: Staples has circulated a request for proposals in an effort to consolidate all of the company’s communications efforts, sources sai [...]
Office Depot merger with Office Max = opportunity
Steve’s breakdown: Clearly, this is a big deal but it goes beyond Office Depot and Max. How about marketing reactions from:
Staples, Inc. - Ikon Office Solutions, Inc. - United Stationers Inc.
Vistaprint USA, Inc. - FedEx Office - Red Thread - Best Buy Co., Inc.
And to a lesser extent:
RadioShack Corporation – The Target Corporati [...]
Dugnsam Cement sets ad review in motion
Steve’s breakdown: If this lead was based in Jersey, I’d say Fuhgettaboutit!! But since it’s in Bhutan, I don’t think the mafia is involved.
And as always, we cover all account reviews worldwide when the client speaks English. Our philosophy is in this digital age, no client is out-of-reach if they speak the same langu [...]
Jo-Ann Fabric CMO extends responsibilities
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKuziNbxlwo
Steve’s breakdown: Jo-Ann has over 790 stores in 49 states and don’t currently have a traditional agency working on the brand.
HUDSON, OH: Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, the leading fabric and craft specialty retailer in America, today announced the appointment of Riddianne Kline to SVP [...]
Liberty Bank deposits Covenant Bank
Steve’s breakdown: After growing into markets like Detroit, Kansas City, Mo., Kansas City, Kan, Jackson, Miss. and Houston, Liberty takes on Chicago. Not a huge bank but one that’s growing and is the 3rd largest African-American-owned bank in the country.
NEW ORLEANS, LA: Liberty Bank and Trust Co. of New Orleans has entered the [...]
The new girl in class is Woodbury University’s CMO
Steve’s breakdown: University accounts are bigger than you think so if Woodbury is in your neighborhood, check them out.
BURBANK, CA: Woodbury University today announced the appointment of Shari Bowles Gibbons as chief marketing officer, effective April 1.
Gibbons will lead and advance the branding, marketing, and communication strategy [...]
Trifecta: New Chief Human Resource Officers at MasterCard, KeyCorp & Vocus
Steve’s breakdown: What we’ve got here is 3 recruitment advertising leads. If that’s not your bag, maybe you should check into it. If it is your bag, JACKPOT!
PURCHASE, NY: MasterCard today announced the appointment of Ron Garrow as Chief Human Resources Officer and member of the company’s Executive Committee, effectiv [...]
New lease on life with Corona
Steve’s breakdown: The shake out from the AB InBev and Grupo Modelo merger is happening. The first ad account to drop, Corona. It looks as if Crown Imports could be the big winner so when it happens, be ready to congratulate Bill Hackett.
We suspect there will be a review of just about everything.
CHICAGO, IL: Nearly 30 years after Bil [...]
Brown Forman PSA project
Steve’s breakdown: Love doing good? Well, here’s a chance to do just that and get your foot in the door of Brown-Forman.
The deadline for the proposals is April 2nd, 2013 and the creative brief can be seen at this link.
LOUISVILLE, KY: Don’t be that sports fan, you know, the one who doesn’t have a plan for responsible [...]
503-unit Nashua Street Residences approved
Steve’s breakdown: As far as we can see, there are no marketing materials for this property as of yet.
BOSTON, MA: The Boston Redevelopment Authority board has approved plans for a 503-unit apartment tower by the TD Garden and Tip O’Neill federal building.
AvalonBay Communities’ 38-story Nashua Street Residences project includes a two-s [...]
New CMO takes flight at Wingstop
Steve’s breakdown: Okay, three things:
Troy Aikman is the spokes person
Like with all restaurant accounts, check to see if there’s a location near you. You can’t pitch what you can’t eat.
“The Wing Experts” is the tagline . . . it even hurts to type it
RICHARDSON, TX: Wingstop has appointed Doug Willmart [...]
Trump Plaza folds: New Owner by May
Steve’s breakdown: This is a bargain basement price and we all hope they’ll spend those savings on a new brand launch and advertising.
ATLANTIC CITY, NJ: Trump Plaza, the Boardwalk centerpiece of Donald Trump’s one-time Atlantic City empire, was sold Thursday to a California company for $20 million in the cheapest of a series of b [...]
Want fries with that: Heinz bought
Steve’s breakdown: Like we said about Dell going private, now Heinz won’t have to deal with stockholders and will be free to innovate. New product account launches are possible as well as an entire account review.
PITTSBURGH, PA: H.J. Heinz, the food giant, says it has agreed to be taken private by Berkshire Hathaway and 3G Capita [...]
FilmL.A. casts CMO to promote city as film destination
Steve’s breakdown: This might be a fun account. Maybe I’m wrong but convincing film crews to shoot in LA could be pretty great. Prove me wrong.
LOS ANGELES: Seeking to bolster its marketing efforts, FilmL.A. Inc. has tapped a veteran communications executive and former mayor of Hermosa Beach to the newly created position of execu [...]
Double Lead: Ulta Beauty & Michaels Stores
Steve’s breakdown: So the CEO of Ulta Beauty has left for Michaels and Ulta has an interim CEO. It’s a good day in retail new business.
BOLINGBROOK, IL & IRVING CA: Ulta Beauty announced on Thursday that Chuck Rubin will step down as president, CEO and as a director, effective Feb. 21, 2013, to become CEO at Michaels Stores, a [...]
Hello beautiful: New launches by Ciao Bella
Steve’s breakdown: There are a lot more new products coming on the market than we’ve been reporting. That ends today with this planned launch by Ciao Bella.
So give these folks a call and congratulate them on a launch well done in advance.
FLORHAM PARK, NJ: In a sneak peek of its spring slate, Ciao Bella today announced plans to e [...]
PokerStars deals ad brief
Steve’s breakdown: Last year, PokerStars acquired its rival Full Tilt Poker in a $731 million deal so this account will be significant. Plus they are coming back to America.
The featured video was banned!
DOUGLAS, Isle of Man: PokerStars is talking to UK agencies about an advertising brief to promote the online poker site.
Agency sourc [...]
Make your move when it hits the fan
Steve’s breakdown: When bad but not terrible things happen, new business doors open. Take the Carnival Triumph debacle. The management is questioning the reports from passengers on the boat. Do you think the PR folks told them to do that? Not so much!
Carnival aside, what a great reason to call every cruise/travel company you’ve e [...]
Destination Rewards books CMO
Steve’s breakdown: Here a guy so happy about his new job as CMO, he made a video.
BOCA RATON, FL: Destination Rewards, a leading provider of customer loyalty, incentive and engagement solutions, announced today that Ron Bergamesca has joined the company as Chief Marketing Officer.
Destination Rewards President John Lavin said of Bergam [...]
Calling in a new CMO at Sony Mobile
Steve’s breakdown: Some experts think Sony should be spending $5 billion in advertising. Maybe Jacob Sten will be just the guy to get Sony Mobile marketing up to speed.
ATLANTA, GA: Steve Walker, the guy who is currently in charge of Sony Mobile Communications’s marketing, will resign at the end of next month. This man has been working [...]
Digiplex premieres new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: Digiplex operates 18 cinemas and 178 screens in AZ, CA, CT, NJ, OH and PA. Here’s the new guy’s email: jhalecky@digiplexdest.com
WESTFIELD, NJ: Digital Cinema Destinations Corp. today announced the appointment of John Halecky as Chief Marketing Officer. Halecky will oversee marketing and brand strategy for [...]
JCPenny: A slow motion train wreck
Steve’s breakdown: As soon as 1st quarter numbers come out, this account will be up for grabs unless CEO Ron Johnson figures out we can see him. We can see him in the luxury hotels, we can see him interviewing on CNBC and we can see him living two lives.
PLANO, TX: JCPenney CEO Ron Johnson is mounting a radical overhaul of the flailing [...]
Selling Tide Dry Cleaners
Steve’s breakdown: First we reported on the Mr. Clean Car Wash business back in June of 2011 – now this. In both situations, you wouldn’t send a packaged goods ad agency to market a retail business. And secondly, they need to sell franchises.
The division doing the work is Agile Pursuits.
CINCINNATI, OH: Procter & Gamble [...]
Nutrisystem hires 2nd CMO in 2 years
Steve’s breakdown: A quote from the new CMO “Throughout my career, I’ve been tapped to turn around direct marketing businesses, and I believe that with a renewed focus on the fundamentals, creative development and optimization of sales channels, and implementation of more effective e-commerce strategies, we can return the company [...]
CVS prescribes new Chief Digital Officer
Steve’s breakdown: The new guy is from Staples and reports to the Executive Vice President and Chief Health Care Strategy and Marketing Officer.
WOONSOCKET, RI: CVS Caremark announced today the appointment of Brian Tilzer to the position of Senior Vice President, Chief Digital Officer. Tilzer will develop and lead teams driving CVS Care [...]
Jersey Artisan scores distillery license
Steve’s breakdown: How much of a big deal this is can not be judged by history. But we believe they will be making their own history so this is a fun lead at the very least.
Brands include Busted Barrel Rum, Whiskey & Bourbon and Jersey Artisan Gin & Vodka
FAIRFIELD , NJ: The New Jersey Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control (AB [...]
Selling consumer intelligence wins new business
Steve’s breakdown: As the new biz director at M&C Saatchi, I’d offer up our consumer intelligence about how Americans felt about British products and services. I couldn’t set-up presentations fast enough to match the demand. And did we win anything? Bentley Rolls Royce, Royal Bank of Scotland and Financial Times!
Below i [...]
Global ultrasound CMO needed at GE Healthcare
Steve’s breakdown: GE Healthcare is huge and getting your foot in the door would be a great growth strategy.
WAUWATOSA, WI: Here’s the job description:
Job Number
1689629
Business
GE Healthcare
Business Segment
Healthcare Systems
Posted Position Title
Chief Marketing Officer, Global Ultrasound
Career Level
Experienced
[...]
UPDATE: Equinox still seeks CMO
Steve’s breakdown: We reported back in December that Equinox was looking for a CMO. Well, it seems they still are and if you can help with that, you’ll be first in line for the assignment.
Equinox has historically been a slippery account but a new CMO could fix the situation. Plus it’s a great brand so get in there and see [...]
Nationwide search for Brand USA CMO
Steve’s breakdown: They have been taking their time at Brand USA. In September we reported “Brand USA gets a new CEO” and now this. Their past campaign is a few years old so they are due. Check out Discover America for more videos.
WASHINGTON, DC: Chief Marketing Officer at Brand USA, Job Description
Perform functions to d [...]
$6 million in PR on the loose in South Africa
Steve’s breakdown: This review is split between domestic and international communications. They have big goals so we suspect they will be bringing in agencies with big ideas.
JOHANNESBURG, South Africa: South Africa has commenced a multimillion dollar search to find PR firms that can help elevate its global reputation.
Brand South Afric [...]
Volvo weighing a digital review
Steve’s breakdown: LBi won the account, then said they merged with GM agency Digitas, now what? Sometimes people are the dumbest animals . . .
ROCKLEIGH, NJ: You’ve spent months carefully vetting agencies to ensure you choose a partner with no client conflicts. After a lengthy process, one shop rises above the rest. You’ve [...]
Luxco account review prediction pushes us to launch: Bizometer™
Steve’s breakdown: After years of predicting account reviews, we’ve come up with a visual to help communicate our predicted probability of an account review.
The Bizometer (Bi-zom-e-ter)
The vertical black line shows the level of the new business opportunity.
We’ve got Luxco clearly In-The-Red today because:
1) On January 2 [...]
5 o’clock Friday’s Ad Land: Manage the managers
Hooray! It’s 5 o’clock on Friday and that means it’s time for our weekly installment of AdLand by cartoonist and CCO of Third Street, David T. Jones.
As the head of new business, one must be able to get the team to be its very best because it’s not enough to do a good job. You must come in first.
This goes way beyond [...]
After 2 years with AOL, About.Me is independent
Steve’s breakdown: Earlier this week, I got the letter posted below from About.me. Two years ago they were bought by AOL and now they’ve independent once again. It sounds like they have backers, cash and a renewed life. Sounds like a good time for an ad campaign.
The feature screenshot is from my About.me page. You should get one. [...]
Claire’s Stores slips on new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: “Claire’s Stores, Inc. is one of the world’s leading specialty retailers of fashionable accessories and jewelry at affordable prices for young women, teens, tweens and girls ages 3 to 27. The company operates Claire’s Globally and Icing in North America which represents 3,071 stores in North Am [...]
Gov. Christie green lights Online Gambling
Steve’s breakdown: After months of discussion, debates and vetos, New Jersey will be legalizing online gambling within the state. Every casino in town is going to get in on this but we’re not sure of the wisdom of just using the AOR of the brick and mortar casinos. In other words, we think there’s opportunity washing up at t [...]