Inspiration – Page 21 – universal positive

A new direction…

April 2, 2024January 20, 2009 by Roger Darnell

On this day, Tuesday, January 20, 2009, people around the world are tuned to the scene in Washington, D.C. where in just a few hours, Barack Obama will take the oath of office and become the 44th President of the United States of America. He is bringing a large measure of hope with him to … Read moreA new direction…

“Daddy” King at the 1977 Presidential Inauguration

April 2, 2024January 19, 2009 by Roger Darnell

Rev Martin Luther King, Sr. "Daddy King" – Washington, DC,originally uploaded by Michael6076. During this inspirational 2009 inaugural celebration, I am very mindful of the road that has brought us to the present. Today, Jan. 19, is the day when we honor Martin Luther King, Jr., for all he did for America, and for all … Read more“Daddy” King at the 1977 Presidential Inauguration

The American dream….

April 2, 2024November 4, 2008 by Roger Darnell

In so many ways, today is just like every other day. Some people who have set out to achieve something will be successful, while others may be disappointed in their quests. Depending upon fate, we can probably expect those in either of those groups to find, soon enough, that their journeys continue… that another day will come when they’ll have another chance at victory. At the same time, there’s a good reason why, in 2008, so many people are still familiar with a phrase written more than 2,000 years ago by the Roman poet known as Horace: carpe diem… seize the day.

Words from the wise: Quick chats with leading brand designers

June 4, 2025March 20, 2008 by Roger Darnell

Next month, the Corporate Design Foundation will convene its 3rd Annual @Issue Business & Design Conference in New York. Offering attendees a full day’s worth of opportunities to hear from the CEOs of Herman Miller and other prominent companies on how design has positively impacted their bottom lines, the event will also host talks with the companies’ creative and design directors. For more insights

Three steps to business planning success…

June 6, 2025March 12, 2008 by Roger Darnell

Many of us dream of hatching our own business schemes, driven by our desires to solve problems in new or improved ways, or maybe just to offer something we feel we can sell for a profit… and to do so in our own ways. Personally, I have had active roles in scores of start-up dialogues over the years, each entrenched within its own unique setting. Something I have learned is that business planning is always difficult — and also, while business planning advice is easy to come by, in my humble opinion, it’s not all good. So today, I am sharing some of the best, most actionable information I’ve come across recently, to help would-be entrepreneurs cut to the chase and give themselves the greatest chance of making their entrepreneurial dreams come true.

Ready to rumble…

April 1, 2024September 19, 2006 by Roger Darnell

BusinessWeek’s Aug. 2006 issue features some great advice and ideas on the subject of winning. The introduction is written by Joe Torre, who as the Manager of the New York Yankees, has led his club to the Major League Basebell playoffs for ten consecutive years. Personally, my first memories of Joe go back to when he was a player for the St. Louis Cardinals, the team I grew up following. My father was formerly an airplane pilot and the manager of a private, St. Louis-based charter service, and according to his own report, back in 1969 or so, he had tossed Mr. Torre out of his office for littering it with his cigar ashes. By virtue of this tale, which may very well be a tall one,

Everybody’s talking ATTIK…

April 1, 2024June 30, 2006 by Roger Darnell

They had hidden cameras, water and Mars bars. It was inspiring, scary, enlightening and stupid (at times). See how it turned out.

Marketing Case Study: “The Blair Witch Project”

April 1, 2024June 12, 2006 by Roger Darnell

By Roger Darnell

..Challenge.. From all reports, the feature film (and marketing) phenomenon that is known as “The Blair Witch Project” began with a group of dedicated, talented and resourceful filmmakers who were intent on using every asset at their disposal to make a successful film under their banner of Haxan Films.

Case Study: Tool of North America

April 1, 2024May 31, 2006 by Roger Darnell

Last updated in 2006: Elite U.S. Commercial Production Company Elevates Position, Delivers Award-Winning Work for Top U.S. Agencies

“Strategic Two-Year Public Relations Campaign Designed and Executed by The Darnell Works Agency Helped Tool Maximize and Expand Its Success”
See also: TOOL MEDIA COVERAGE

Since 1995, Santa Monica-based Tool of North America has established itself among the leading U.S. commercial production companies, representing top commercial directors including Erich Joiner, Tom Routson, Oscar-winning cinematographer Bob Richardson and several other creative all stars. During the time the DWA campaign was in effect (April 2004 through May 2006), Tool also operated satellite company Paranoid Projects: Tool, which provided U.S. representation for directors Poiraud and Francois Vogel.

Executive Summary
Among many high-profile accomplishments during DWA’s two-year tenure as the PR agency of record for Tool of North America and Paranoid Projects (2004-2006), Francois Vogel’s HP “Picture Book” campaign was named Adweek’s Campaign of the Year for 2004… and also landed him in Creativity Magazine’s feature that year on the world’s hottest emerging directors. The public and media relations campaign diligently promoted commercial projects of the highest order, from top agencies, major brands, and Tool’s all-star roster of directors.