We see the ads. Hear the slogans. Scroll past the campaigns. But what actually sticks, and what makes us cringe? We asked local business leaders and community voices to weigh in — because the best marketing ideas don’t always come from a whiteboard; they come from people living it.
Jaymie MacLeod
Klingman’s Furniture
Q: What’s one piece of marketing you’ve seen recently that made you stop scrolling?
A: I think it was for a razor — a “forever razor.” It made me stop because you could tell the way they were talking about it, the creator made it to last. They weren’t just in it for repeat profits. That really struck me. I thought, “Wow, there are still businesses out there that genuinely want to help people, not just make products that break so you come back for more.”
Adam Suiter
517 Visuals
Q: What’s the first ad you remember seeing as a kid, and does it still live rent-free in your brain?
A: Wendy’s had that “Where’s the beef?” ad. It stuck with me because it wasn’t overtly putting others down, but it was about showing quality. I still think about that today — giving people something with substance. That campaign really nailed it.
Nick Haddad
Talking Dog Film
Q: What makes a business brand feel authentic?
A: To me, authenticity is when a business leader — or someone high up — can truly connect with their audience. That storytelling, that bridge they create with people. If a product or service feels disconnected from the people it’s meant to serve, that’s where they lose me.
You know what’s interesting? I just drove past one — Granger Waste Management. It may sound odd, but they do such a great job for an industry often associated with trash and grime. They communicate that they care about what matters to you. They really go above and beyond, and it shows.
Austin Pabian
Clark Construction
Q: What brand do you trust the most, and what do you think they’re doing right?
A: It’s tough to say because, in the end, money is always a factor. But if I had to pick one — Arizona Iced Tea. They’ve kept prices consistent for decades and focused on increasing efficiency instead of raising costs. They’ve maintained product quality, taken care of employees and grown their customer base.
Vinay Bhumireddy
Cognitive Craft Hub
Q: What’s the first ad you remember seeing as a kid, and does it still resonate with you?
A: Coca-Cola ads in India. They were fun and entertaining — that’s what made them stand out. Sometimes, fun ads attract people simply because they’re enjoyable to watch.
Charlotte Rupper
Klingman’s Furniture
Q: What makes a business brand feel authentic?
A: Being friendly and open. I like to provide a concierge service — more like a tour guide in the showroom — and just show people possibilities instead of being pushy. It’s a more personal approach.
