Gilbert and Sullivan

I can't recall the first time I noticed Mark Brandon in a Hallmark network film, but I know for certain that he was on my radar for quite awhile as over the past couple years, Hallmark has utilized his talents fairly regularly. Recently, a fan suggested that I should interview him, and once he agreed, we scheduled one as soon as possible. It was such a joy chatting with him. (And he was so kind to put up with me rambling on about so much of my life story!) While I had intended to share this…

Unfortunately, some companies have mismanaged their greatest asset—their brands. This is what befell the popular Snapple brand almost as soon as Quaker Oats bought the beverage marketer for $1.7 billion in 1994. Snapple had become a hit through powerful grassroots marketing and distribution through small outlets and convenience stores. Analysts said that because Quaker did not understand the brand’s appeal, it made the mistake of changing the ads and the distribution. Snapple lost so much…