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.
[...]
Posts in category Industry: Home
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.
[...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
CLR gets All Kinds of Dirty with video assignment
Steve’s breakdown: The surprising task of this project is “Contemporize the CLR marketing message with an engaging concept.” That sounds like the whole enchilada to us so go for it. The manufacturer is Jelmar.
The deadline is March 18, 2013 and you can get the brief by clicking here.
SKOKIE, IL: You may be familiar with CLR [...]
$400 million LG media review
Steve’s breakdown: Massive media accounts are in review all over the place. Which is great for the massive media companies. Which could also be good for you. While they’re wrestling giants, go pick off a not-so-giant.
ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, NJ: Consumer electronics and appliance maker LG is reviewing its media agency partnerships in th [...]
Dell going private = more product launches
Steve’s breakdown: There’s a lot of negative financial talk about Michael Dell’s plan to go private but from a new business opportunity, this is coming up roses. Technology companies have a lot more freedom to develop and launch more products & brands when not answering to shareholders.
ROUND ROCK, TX: The discussion ar [...]
Kmart Creative in Review
Steve’s breakdown: Kmart creative has been all over the place, which is something we look for when predicting account reviews. The featured commercial is from the holidays.
Our last post for Kmart is: Kmart loses marketing chief as DraftFCB ad contract end nears
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL: While 2013 has seen several significant media account [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
Can you help The Container Store tackle smaller markets?
Steve’s breakdown: We love it when companies serve up new business leads every January when speaking about the new year. We’ve told you about a number of them already. The plan at the Container Store is to spread into smaller markets and we all know they will need some help with that on the marketing side.
COPPELL, TX: Now that it [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
Wheel chair companies merge
Steve’s breakdown: We happen to know they will not announce the name of this new merged company for a couple of months. Let that be a hint to get in there and take over the entire account.
HAZELWOOD, MI & RCOKY HILL, CT: ATG Rehab (ATG) and United Seating & Mobility (USM) announced today a merger of equals. The combination bring [...]
Consumer Electronics Pre-Show Report
Steve’s breakdown: The 2012 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) starts tomorrow and there will be lots of new business opportunities to look into. Here’s Consumer’s Reports pre-show take on a few new products & technologies. We’ll have more all week.
CES 2013 video: Hands on with TDK Q35 [...]
Aaron’s sits down with new marketing head
Steve’s breakdown: Aaron’s has more than 2,050 Company-operated and franchised stores in 48 states and Canada and spent $18 million last year. They hired a new ad shop in 2012 but look at this creative. YIKES.
ATLANTA, GA: Aaron’s, Inc. (NYSE: AAN), a lease-to-own retailer specializing in the sales and lease ownership of re [...]
2013 Predictions from the Financial Sector
Steve’s breakdown: You know we make account review predictions here all the time. It’s a skill I’ve had to perfect out of shear survival as a new business professional.
But we’re not the only one’s with a crystal ball. CNBC made a few 2013 predictions of their own and we’d like to share them with you along [...]
Gun stocks are down: PR will be needed
Steve’s breakdown: Say what you want about gun control but the market has already spoken. Gun stocks are down and if new laws go through, they will go down furthur. We suspect these companies are going to have to do some damage control and will need representation.
SPRINGFIELD, MA & SOUTHPORT, CT: Markets are surging right now with [...]
SolarCity’s IPO raises cash for advertising
Steve’s breakdown: A successful IPO is alway good news for the market but what about marketing. Well, for a company like SolarCity who allows customers to lease solar panels by paying a monthly fee, advertising will most definitely get a piece of that IPO money. Right now, they use a in-house shop.
SAN MATEO, CA: Shares of SolarCity Co [...]
Style Spa creative review
Steve’s breakdown: If you saw the budget and was wondering, Rs 8-10 crore is about $1.4 to $1.8 million
CHENNAI, India: Furniture retailer Style Spa (formerly Gautier India) is scouting for a creative agency. The process, that began a few days ago, is currently underway in Chennai.
Industry sources have confirmed the news.
Earlier, the [...]
Search review at Wickes home-improvement
Steve’s breakdown: Wickes, the home-improvement retailer, is reviewing its search account, currently held by Greenlight. The review is underway so don’t hesitate.
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, UK: Those challenging for the business are thought to include OMD and iProspect, whose sister Aegis agency Carat picked up the Wickes media planning a [...]
Farrow & Ball’s UK & US media review
Steve’s breakdown: “Farrow & Ball, the UK-based upmarket paint manufacturer, is reviewing its £2m international media planning and buying account.”
WIMBOURNE MINSTER, UK: The review will include the UK, Western Europe and the US. There was no incumbent as the company previously handled its media planning and buying in-ho [...]
Harman turns up CMO search
Steve’s breakdown: There a lot of great brands at Harman and I know many agencies put these guys on their “hit list.” So here’s your chance to get in on the ground floor of this account.
Here’s the CMO job description:
STAMFORD, CT: HARMAN is the parent company behind an array of legendary brands that includes H [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: So here are the accounts won one year ago this week. The chart shows the client, [...]
Where is the CMO in Newell Rubbermaid’s Re-org?
Steve’s breakdown: This whole re-org sounds a bit too confusing; especially for anyone working with Rubbermaid. Our take is there are going to be more changes in the marketing department and that could include the ad agencies.
SANDY SPRINGS, GA: Last week, as Newell Rubbermaid President and CEO Michael Polk was announcing his company [...]
Prediction: Saving face at Sony will mean ad account shake up
Steve’s breakdown: The new Sony CEO has got to save face – fast. He’s thinking about all kinds of crazy things to turn the tide. Well, at least people are humored to have heard these crazy things.
Anyway, if you are anywhere near these folks or one their many categories, it’s time to put your research team on the case. [...]
Bed Bath & Beyond shopping for CMO
Steve’s breakdown: We love it when big accounts need new CMOs. This time it’s Bed & Bath & Beyond. They are looking for a new CMO that can “maintain ownership of the company’s media and industry relations, advertising, interactive programs, and communications, as well as market and consumer research. Adv [...]
Tempur-Pedic buying Sealy: Is an ad review next?
Steve’s breakdown: Finally, a lead coming out of my alma mater’s home town.
Anyway, this is really big news and ya’ll know how much the mattress category spends in advertising. We’re predicting some kind of review early next year.
LEXINGTON, KY: Lexington-based mattress company Tempur-Pedic is buying rival Sealy for a [...]
Teleflora needs a CMO to deliver
Steve’s breakdown: The Super Bowl ad they ran this year with Adriana Lima might be the reason they are looking for someone new. I’m just sayin’
LOS ANGELES, CA: Teleflora is the world’s leading flower delivery service connecting customers with the nation’s best local florists for more than 75 years. All of Teleflora’s flowe [...]
Jacuzzi flushes out new :30 second video project
Steve’s breakdown: We love PopTent.com. It gives small shops the opportunity to do great work for great brands. Here’s the latest one.
CHINO HILLS, CA: Jacuzzi Brand. There’s only one. Talk about a true slogan. Jacuzzi is a global manufacturer and marketer of hot tubs, spas, and luxury plumbing products—such as whirlpool bathtubs [...]
iRobot Acquires Evolution Robotics
Steve’s breakdown: We’ve got some robot consolidation going on here. And now the new company will be the market leader and we all love representing market leaders!!
BEDFORD, MA: iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT), a leader in delivering robotic technology-based solutions, today announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire [...]
Gibson Guitar seeks new lead marketer
Steve’s breakdown: Not only would this be a sweet job, it might be an even better account once the new CMO is in place.
NASHVILLE, TN: Gibson Guitar Corp, the world’s premier musical instrument manufacturer and the home of such preeminent brands as Gibson, Epiphone, Baldwin and Wurlitzer, is looking for a Chief Marketing Officer with a [...]
WD40 slips into a PR review
Steve’s breakdown: The article says “WD40, the multi-purpose cleaning and lubricant brand, is understood to be inviting a small number of agencies to pitch this week.” If you do decide to contact these folks, I’d have a really good story ready to go.
SAN DIEGO, CA: The brand, which has been with Wolverhampton-based age [...]
Wikoda sheds light on marketing with new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: Letting there be light on the north side of the house just got easier. Their new product, the sunflower, is going global and would be a great way for you to do the same thing.
WEST CONCORD, MA: Since they introduced their first product, the Sunflower Home Heliostat, six months ago, Wikoda has expanded their business [...]
Target target’s digital shops to pitch e-commerce biz
Steve’s breakdown: This is their second account review since we told our readers to keep on eye on these folks. Reason #44 to subscribe to The Ratti Report.
Here’s a key quote from this review’s RFP: “The ideal partner(s) will have demonstrated retail e-commerce experience, designing and enhancing digital platforms fr [...]
Sears to spin off Hometown, Outlet and some hardware stores
Steve’s breakdown: I don’t pretend to know what this means stock-wise but the spin-off is going to need some fresh marketing to make this work.
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL: Shares of Sears Holding Corp. shot up more than 5 percent in early trading on Monday on documents the Hoffman Estates-based retailer filed with the Securities and Exc [...]
Buckhead Atlanta restarts construction: What about marketing?
Steve’s breakdown: The thing about real estate developers is that many of them have projects all over the country. Meaning they are managing many brands at once so if you win one, the next one will be that much easier.
ATLANTA, GA: Developer OliverMcMillan has restarted work on Buckhead Atlanta, the 1.5-million-square-foot mixed-use pro [...]
Commercial Real Estate boom in Texas
Steve’s breakdown: A subscriber mentioned they wanted to see more real estate new business news (AKA leads) so here you go.
Seems things are looking good in Austin, TX. There are several possible leads in this article so read to the bottom if you’re in the market.
AUSTIN, TX: With only the concrete slabs remaining where 30 mobile [...]
Where there’s smoke, there’s a market
Steve’s breakdown: We love good ideas; especially when it saves homes, is top of mind and we’d all love to see it happen. Here’s one that could spark an industry.
WILDFIRE, USA: Retired Loveland Fire Marshal Tim Haag, after seeing homes destroyed by fire, thought many times over his 34-year-career, that there had to be some [...]
Trouble in Paradise? Accounts won one year ago this week
Steve’s breakdown: It’s Wednesday and that means our weekly instalment of Trouble in Paradise where we list the accounts won this week last year. The idea being most agency-client relationships will break within a year if they are meant to break.
EVERYWHERE USA: Accounts won one year ago this week. Source: Access Confidential
Triscuits creat [...]
Creative and media pitch for Homeshop18 initiates
Steve’s breakdown: “The pitch process, which is at a nascent stage, is on in the National Capital Region.”
DELHI, India: HomeShop18, the home shopping channel from the house of Network18, is on the lookout for a creative partner as well a media planning and buying agency.
While the size of the business could not be [...]
Kohl’s to expand Ad Agency roster: In review
Steve’s breakdown: They are looking for a “strategic addition” to their agency roster which we’re betting is about digital but don’t quote us. An RFI is already been sent via Select Resource International so make sure your stuff is over there.
MENOMONEE FALLS, WI: Kohl’s is looking outside its current stab [...]
Yankee Candle lights it up with new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: Look for Yankee to get much more digitally centric with the new guy. I’d even go so far as to say, the digital account might go into review very soon.
SOUTH DEERFIELD, MA: The Yankee Candle Company, Inc., the world’s largest manufacturer of premium scented candles, today announced that Brad Wolansky has j [...]
Global social media review for LG
Steve’s breakdown: Last August we reported LG Electronics and Global Shop Bartle Bogle Hegarty Split, and told our readers the account was going to be split up. And well, here ya go!
SEOUL, Korea: LG Electronics is searching for an agency to handle a social media campaign.
The company has been in direct contact with ad agencies to invit [...]
Reckitt Benckiser global digital in review
Steve’s breakdown: We scooping the entire American press again with this one. The review is being led out of the UK by Hans Helbig, the company’s global head of digital marketing. A US intermediary is also involved.
SLOUGH, UK: Reckitt Benckiser is conducting a review of its global digital advertising business.
The company is looking fo [...]
Blu Homes builds with new VP of Marketing
Steve’s breakdown: The new marketing chief has a lot of tech experience so we suspect that’s where she’ll be refocusing their media buys. And they’ll probably need an agency to help with that.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA and WALTHAM, MA: California and Massachusetts-based green precision homebuilder Blu Homes (www.bluhomes.com) [...]
Sears Holdings shops for media agency
Steve’s breakdown: The review includes Sears & Kmart. BTW, we knew something like this would happen review when we reported New CMO at Sears Holdings: We predict digital account will go into review! last year.
HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL: Sears Holdings is reviewing its media business, Ad Age has learned.
The Ad Age DataCenter places Sears [...]
Illy coffee getting wired up with PR review
Steve’s breakdown: This company is making things complicated for itself which might be why they need a PR firm. On the other hand, they are global and well known so it would be a sweet account. But move fast because they have already started talking with shops.
TRIESTE, Italy: Coffee company Illy is running a PR-agency search in the U. [...]
ADT catches CMO
Steve’s breakdown: Here’s a new CMO at a company that wants to look like it’s out from under its owner, Tyco, that is tasked with putting “some rigor in place around how we’re going-to-market and generating leads to drive new growth.” Now there’s a simple BtoB account to break into. BTW: I use ADT at my hou [...]
$1.5 billion Macy’s media account up for grabs
Steve’s breakdown: A) We saw this coming in February when we reported Macy’s makes some moves at the top of Marketing. 2) Joanne Davis Consulting is supporting the review so make sure your credentials are over there. 3) Then make the call to get in the pitch.
CINCINNATI, OH: Macy’s, which spends nearly $1.5 billion on U.S. advert [...]
Best Buy Update III: Founder is Out!
Steve’s breakdown: The count down to the Best Buy agency review has officially started. Do the research and be ready to pounce once the dust settles.
RICHFIELD, MN: Best Buy Co. Inc. founder Richard Schulze said on Thursday that he is immediately resigning from his role of chairman and as a director board as he explores all options for [...]
Account review prediciton: Select Confort tossing-and-a-turning
Steve’s breakdown: I’m very confused by this news and all the additional changes at the company that are listed at the end of this article. As you probably saw on May 24th, we reported Maker of Sleep Number beds sets alarm for Media Review and now this. Makes me thing there are more reviews to come!
MINNEAPOLIS, MI: Michael Bill [...]
Maker of Sleep Number beds sets alarm for Media Review
Steve’s breakdown:According to this article, the company will continue to bulk up on national advertising through TV and other traditional media, direct marketing and increasingly, e-commerce and could reach $120 million in spending this year.
MINNEAPOLIS, MI: Select Comfort Corp., marketer of Sleep Number brand mattresses and related [...]
Yankee introduces Man Cave Candles: But are they really marketed right?
Steve’s breakdown: Gag-gift alert! Yankee Candle, the industry leader, has done it again. This time with man scents. Is this a lead? Judging by how they are marketing it, it should be so give them a call.
SOUTH DEERFIELD, MA: Yankee Candle Chief Executive Officer Harlan Kent is battling for men’s equality in the candle industry. Afte [...]
Home emergency services, AA, puts $11 million ad account in review
McCann London was responsible for the AA’s most recent campaigns, including those that feature John Cleese and promote the brand’s home emergency services.
The “faulty shower” spot, which sees Cleese reprise an incredulous Basil Fawlty character when confronted with a leak in the ceiling, broke in October 2010. It was supported b [...]
Sun Products take a shine to new EVP of National Brands
Steve’s breakdown: There are some giant brands here to research. I’d look into Wisk particularly.
WILTON, CT: The Sun Products Corporation announced today that Ed Vlacich has joined the Company as Executive Vice President, National Brands. Mr. Vlacich will be responsible for building the Company’s branded business through ef [...]
ADT wants to Secure a New Ad Agency
Steve’s breakdown: ADT Security Services is talking to agencies about its $3 million advertising account and it’s just in the nick of time. You’ll know what I mean when you see their ad.
SUNBURY-ON-THAMES UK: The UK’s biggest security company has most recently worked with Abbott Mead Vickers BBDO, which was appointed to the [...]
LEAD? Starbucks to Launch Single Serving Coffee Machines
Steve’s breakdown: This news is just minutes old and it has the industry in a buzz. It’s not yet known which ad agency will be handling the launch but if you want the business, make the call.
SEATTLE, WA: Starbucks Corp. says it will soon sell a single-cup coffee machine for people to brew lattes and other coffee drinks at home.
[...]
New CEO takes root at GreenGro Technologies
Steve’s breakdown: Going from a CEO who is a financial to a CEO who is a marketing guy = new business opportunity for consumer and trade advertising.
WESTMINSTER, CA: Greengro Technologies Inc. (PINKSHEETS: GRNH) has engaged business entreprenuer Don Smith as Chairman and CEO to lead the company’s aggressive growth plan. Smith wil [...]
Canvas4Life pictures bigger growth with new CMO
Steve’s breakdown: Take the new marketing team headed up by this new CMO, add a new production facility and it all equals a big marketing push. You might as well be the agency doing the work.
PINE BROOK, NJ: Canvas4Life is the global leader in personalized canvas printing. The company recently announced that they have hired Cheryl A. St [...]
Landscaper Trade Group Seeks PR Firm to spread the word
Steve’s breakdown: The thing about this organization is they want a little bit of everything and what they really need is a plan. Figure that out and you will win the business. View the RFP here and is due the 18th of this month.
HERNDON, VA: The Virginia-based trade group for lawn care and landscaping companies and professionals is on [...]