http://www.brandfasttrackers.com/index.php en-us © 2006 Brand Fast-Trackers Want to be a top marketer? Whether you specialize in advertising, media or brand marketing, this podcast will show you how. Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Brand Fast Trackers is a weekly podcast focused on helping you become a top marketer. Whether your specific discipline is advertising, media or brand marketing, the goal is still the same...to build brands and sell more product. Each week we will speak with some of the best in the business working on some of the biggest brands in the world. We will all collectively learn from those who are doing it every day...not those who are talking about it, but those who are doing it. If you are passionate about marketing, are passionate about your career and want to be the very best, we think you will love this podcast. Brand Fast Trackers is a weekly podcast focused on helping you become a top marketer. Whether your specific discipline is advertising, media or brand marketing, the goal is still the same...to build brands and sell more product. Each week we will speak with some of the best in the business working on some of the biggest brands in the world. We will all collectively learn from those who are doing it every day...not those who are talking about it, but those who are doing it. If you are passionate about marketing, are passionate about your career and want to be the very best, we think you will love this podcast. Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections info@brandconnections.com no Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Want to be a top marketer? Whether you specialize in advertising, media or brand marketing, this podcast will show you how. Brand Fast Trackers is a weekly podcast focused on helping you become a top marketer. Whether your specific discipline is advertising, media or brand marketing, the goal is still the same...to build brands and sell more product. Each week we will speak with some of the best in the business working on some of the biggest brands in the world. We will all collectively learn from those who are doing it every day...not those who are talking about it, but those who are doing it. If you are passionate about marketing, are passionate about your career and want to be the very best, we think you will love this podcast. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_issue1_v2.mp3 Mon, 15 Jan 2007 09:00:00 EST 15:55 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections The largest global Consumer Products Industry Deal to Date was the sale of Gillette to Procter and Gamble. The largest global Consumer Products Industry Deal to Date was the sale of Gillette to Procter and Gamble. Peter Klein played a pivotal role in the deal, as well as many others in the consumer products industry. You don't get a chance to be a player in discussions like that unless you are among the best marketers in the U.S. In today's podcast, Peter discusses today's challenges in marketing a brand, characteristics of a high potential candidate, as well as advice for those looking to move ahead or break into the brand marketing, media, and advertising industry. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_peter_klein.mp3 Mon, 29 Jan 2007 09:00:00 EST 45:06 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections As CMO for the largest Food and Beverage Company headquartered in North America, Kraft Foods Inc., Jeri Finard provides key insights in to the consumer packaged goods industry. As CMO for the largest Food and Beverage Company headquartered in North America, Kraft Foods Inc., Jeri Finard provides key insights in to the consumer packaged goods industry. In today's podcast Jeri discusses launching a new brand into the market, integrating the new brand into the current company, as well as the importance of in-store environment. With her vast experience, Jeri provides feedback on the lessons she has learned during her many years at Kraft Foods and advice for those looking to take a similar career path in brand marketing. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_jeri_finard.mp3 Mon, 05 Feb 2007 09:00:00 EST 33:56 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections As a key player in the turnaround of the Campbell Soup Company, Carl Johnson has learned in order to have success in brand marketing you must always keep the consumer in mind. As a key player in the turnaround of the Campbell Soup Company, Carl Johnson has learned in order to have success in brand marketing you must always keep the consumer in mind. Today, Carl discusses the three areas to focus on when marketing a brand as well as the effects of media fragmentation. With his diverse background in working not only with the Campbell Soup Company, but Kraft, ConAgra, Cadbury Schweppes, and others, Carl's advice will prove invaluable. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_carl_johnson.mp3 Mon, 19 Feb 2007 09:00:00 EST 41:03 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections In building the largest non-traditional media agency in the U.S., Connie Garrido advises brands on how to utilize this new, powerful tool. In building the largest non-traditional media agency in the U.S., Connie Garrido advises brands on how to utilize this new, powerful tool. In today's podcast she addresses the challenges brands face with media fragmentation, as well as how to bring a brand to life through engagement. Connie also shares her philosophy of business and the lessons that have stayed with her throughout her years in the media industry. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_connie_garrido.mp3 Mon, 26 Feb 2007 09:00:00 EST 44:13 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections With 32 years of experience in the media business, Jon Mandel recently started on a new career path as CEO of NielsenConnect. With 32 years of experience in the media business, Jon Mandel recently started on a new career path as CEO of NielsenConnect. One of the most influential and well known media buying executives in the industry, Mandel will now be focused on providing measurement tools for today's marketers. In this week's podcast Mandel addresses the challenges marketers face in measuring non-traditional media, and the balance between creative and media services agencies. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_jon_mandel.mp3 Mon, 05 Mar 2007 09:00:00 EST 30:06 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections With 32 years of experience in the media business, Jon Mandel recently started on a new career path as CEO of NielsenConnect. With 32 years of experience in the media business, Jon Mandel recently started on a new career path as CEO of NielsenConnect. One of the most influential and well known media buying executives in the industry, Mandel will now be focused on providing measurement tools for today's marketers. In this week's podcast Mandel addresses the challenges marketers face in measuring non-traditional media, and the balance between creative and media services agencies. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_jon_mandel_part2.mp3 Mon, 19 Mar 2007 09:00:00 EST 43:07 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Safeway, the 2nd largest supermarket chain in North America is one of the first to build a consumer packaged goods company within its company. Safeway, the 2nd largest supermarket chain in North America is one of the first to build a consumer packaged goods company within its company. Senior Vice President of Consumer Brands, James White, views creating Safeway branded products in the same way as he did at Gillette, Nestle Purina Petcare, and Coca-Cola. This podcast provides a rare opportunity to hear from someone on the retail side, discussing the process of building individual brands that compete with icons such as Kraft, Campbell's and Kellogg's. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_james_white.mp3 Mon, 2 Apr 2007 09:00:00 EST 25:56 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Who doesn't love Hershey? Hershey bars, Reese's, Twizzlers, they even own Ice Breakers. Great brands for sure. Who doesn't love Hershey? Hershey bars, Reese's, Twizzlers, they even own Ice Breakers. Great brands for sure. But what is most remarkable is that you can find them almost anywhere. That is the job of the President of Hershey's U.S. Commercial Group, Chris Baldwin. His focus is on reaching the consumer at the point of consumption. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_chris_baldwin.mp3 Mon, 16 Apr 2007 09:00:00 EST 21:45 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Have you heard of Communications Planning? Have you heard of Communications Planning? I have, on more than one occasion, and it made me curious to understand more. Curious to understand how it could impact the $150 Billion dollars that is spent in the US on advertising. Tom Denford is the Director of Communications Planning at JWT, one of the worlds largest advertising agencies. If anybody could explain it to me, it was him...and he did. I think you will enjoy. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_tom_denford_v3.mp3 Mon, 30 Apr 2007 09:00:00 EST 53:36 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections After interviewing 10 of the most influential executives in marketing, advertising and media, we have taken their collective learning and distilled down the 10 characteristics of the overachieving marketing, advertising and media executive. After interviewing 10 of the most influential executives in marketing, advertising and media, we have taken their collective learning and distilled down the 10 characteristics of the overachieving marketing, advertising and media executive. These are characteristics that you can take and role model in your own profession. We hope you enjoy. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_bmartin_top10.mp3 Mon, 14 May 2007 09:00:00 EST 28:26 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Whether it was launching the first ever extreme flavored gum or developing the first international strategy for Coors Light Chris Nemeth is a world class, top of the line marketer. Whether it was launching the first ever extreme flavored gum or developing the first international strategy for Coors Light Chris Nemeth is a world class, top of the line marketer. His most recent challenge, to wake up a 100 year old brand while convincing consumers to change some of their habits. After listening to this podcast, I don't think you would bet against him! If you are looking for a model to follow for what to do when you start on a new brand, I urge you to listen...listen twice. Everything from generating the initial consumer insights, testing those insights, developing a crystal clear objective which manifests into a new positioning...then onto the creative and the placement of that creative in an integrated fashion. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_chris_nemeth.mp3 Mon, 11 Jun 2007 09:00:00 EST 42:24 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections After managing brands like Nivea, Gatorade, Uncle Bens and Softsoap, Steve Wallace, a world class cpg marketer, finds himself faced with a new challenge. After managing brands like Nivea, Gatorade, Uncle Bens and Softsoap, Steve Wallace, a world class cpg marketer, finds himself faced with a new challenge. Take the #1 brand in Canada and launch it into the US. Steve talks about the some of the strategies and tactics Cold FX utilized and breaks down for us what worked and what didn't. Lots of good learning in this episode...enjoy. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_steve_wallace.mp3 Mon, 25 Jun 2007 09:00:00 EST 30:03 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Working at the highest level of marketing for large scale CPG powerhouse companies such as P&G, Coca Cola and Gillette, Joe Scalzo has proven that he is a master of his craft. Working at the highest level of marketing for large scale CPG powerhouse companies such as P&G, Coca Cola and Gillette, Joe Scalzo has proven that he is a master of his craft. But he was looking for a change. Almost two years ago, Joe joined White Wave Foods as its President and CEO...now it's the fastest growing food & beverage company in the country. Much to learn from Joe in this episode about the organic food category and how there is a fundamental shift taking place in the world of marketing. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_joe_scalzo.mp3 Mon, 09 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST 41:30 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections BrandWeek recently named Jay Popli as a Marketer of the Year. BrandWeek recently named Jay Popli as a Marketer of the Year. No small feat when considering that this award is independently decided on by BrandWeek...no nominating yourself for this one. If you are a marketer you have to be curious as to what makes the very best...well...the very best. And Jay is. Spend some time with this podcast, as it is rich with learning and insight. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_jay_popli.mp3 Mon, 23 Jul 2007 09:00:00 EST 35:59 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Jon Achenbaum turns brands into megabrands. He has worked on, and built, some of the largest brands in the US. Jon Achenbaum turns brands into megabrands. He has worked on, and built, some of the largest brands in the US. Many of which have been in the health and beauty segment...brands like Suave. Can the skills he honed on brands such as these, translate to marketing blood glucose monitors? Can we switch from brand to brand and account to account and still achieve at the highest of levels? Jon answers those questions as well as many others in this insightful episode. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_jon_achenbaum.mp3 Mon, 6 Aug 2007 09:00:00 EST 45:07 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Jill Lajdziak began working on Saturn before it was even a brand, today she heads up the team responsible for over $4 billion in sales. Jill Lajdziak began working on Saturn before it was even a brand, today she heads up the team responsible for over $4 billion in sales. Saturn's most recent campaign challenge's Americans to rethink their assumptions. In today's podcast Jill discusses what led Saturn to create this campaign and the challenge of maintaining a brand's values while adapting the strategy to the constantly changing marketplace. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_jill_lajdziak.mp3 Mon, 20 Aug 2007 09:00:00 EST 31:38 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Before joining Wyeth Pharmaceuticals as a Product Director, Julie Holcombe spent 15 years as an advertising executive. Before joining Wyeth Pharmaceuticals as a Product Director, Julie Holcombe spent 15 years as an advertising executive. She then chose to make the jump to the client side and is now running a billion dollar plus business. In today's podcast Julie discusses the transition, and the importance of forming relationships along the way. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_julie_holcombe.mp3 Mon, 3 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST 31:35 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Andy Bubala joined the Sony family in 1995, first working at the worldwide headquarters in Tokya, Japan for many years and then moving to the US HQ. Andy Bubala joined the Sony family in 1995, first working at the worldwide headquarters in Tokya, Japan for many years and then moving to the US HQ. His most recent assignment finds him competing and winning in a number of emerging segments that are capitalizing on a macro trend...we are all paying more attention to the music and sounds we listen to. During this podcast Andy shares several interesting insights that touch on the fundamentals of marketing, new ways to connect with a target group of consumers and the retail experience all while providing insight as to how you take your brand to #1. An outstanding episode...one you will want to listen to twice. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_andy_bubala.mp3 Mon, 17 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST 37:24 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections As the youngest managing director in the history of one of the largest communications planning agencies, it's no wonder Lisa Weinstein was cited on this years 40 under 40 by Ad Age. You'll love this episode...worth listening twice! As the youngest managing director in the history of one of the largest communications planning agencies, it's no wonder Lisa Weinstein was cited on this years 40 under 40 by Ad Age. You'll love this episode...worth listening twice! http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_lisa_weinstein.mp3 Mon, 01 Oct 2007 09:00:00 EST 36:47 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Green Marketing is commanding more and more headlines these days as it seems as though brands, at an ever increasing rate, are trying to capture the attention of the eco-conscious consumer. Green Marketing is commanding more and more headlines these days as it seems as though brands, at an ever increasing rate, are trying to capture the attention of the eco-conscious consumer. Ann Hand, SVP of Global Brand Marketing & Innovation, has been building a brand for the past seven years that has at its very essence a value that says if we take from the environment we must give back. In this episode Ann shares with what she has learned and provides us with guidance on what is and what is not Green Marketing http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_ann_hand.mp3 Mon, 15 Oct 2007 09:00:00 EST 43:52 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Recently nominated as one of Ad Age's 40 under 40 executives, Jeri Yoshizu has taken a unique path when compared to most marketers. Recently nominated as one of Ad Age's 40 under 40 executives, Jeri Yoshizu has taken a unique path when compared to most marketers. This bodes well for her though, as both her role and the brand in which she works on has taken a unique path when compared to most new product launches. Scion is a fascinating case study and Jeri takes us behind the scenes to understand how she utilizes lifestyle marketing and leverages it as a significant driver of the marketing mix. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_jeri_yoshizu.mp3 Mon, 29 Oct 2007 09:00:00 EST 49:52 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections As the Director of Consumer Context Planning, Kendra Hatcher's job is to try and understand how consumers engage with, and consume media. As the Director of Consumer Context Planning, Kendra Hatcher's job is to try and understand how consumers engage with, and consume media. And she does it for the #1 global brand in the US. There is a lot to take away and utilize from this episode. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_kendra_hatcher.mp3 Mon, 12 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST 40:43 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Peter Drucker once said that all business is either marketing or innovation. Peter Drucker once said that all business is either marketing or innovation. And a privately held company that may not be on your radar screen is excelling at both. Rob Swaigen, the director of marketing for Jelly Belly shares with us what he believes defines innovation and how it is actively applied everyday within his organization. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_rob_swaigen.mp3 Mon, 26 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST 29:43 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Recently named the 2007 Media All-Star Rising Star by Mediaweek, Nicole Hayes of Mindshare finds ways for her consumer packaged good clients to be truly innovative in their use of new media. Recently named the 2007 Media All-Star Rising Star by Mediaweek, Nicole Hayes of Mindshare finds ways for her consumer packaged good clients to be truly innovative in their use of new media. In today's podcast she shares her experience in pushing the frontier with these new media platforms in a way that resonate with the consumers, bringing the brand to life and making the connection more meaningful for the consumer. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_nicole_hayes.mp3 Mon, 10 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST 27:49 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections We like to think of ourselves as rational human beings but there is no escaping that the way we think and act is triggered and shaped by our initial emotional response to events, and that includes advertising. We like to think of ourselves as rational human beings but there is no escaping that the way we think and act is triggered and shaped by our initial emotional response to events, and that includes advertising. The Advertised Mind by Erik du Plessis explores the world of advertising, drawing on information about the working of the human brain to suggest why emotion, as measured by ad-liking, is such an important factor in establishing a firm memory of an advertisement and predisposing consumers to buy that brand. During our conversation with Erik we explore these areas and outline the practical applications for marketers. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_erik_du_plessis.mp3 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 09:00:00 EST 55:05 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections One of the most recognized marketers on the planet has a new question he wants his teams to answer. One of the most recognized marketers on the planet has a new question he wants his teams to answer. While answering these questions are important: 1) What is the message? 2) Who is the target? 3) How many of them can I reach...how many times? There is a new one that beggs introspection, analysis and consideration. One that will be the future of marketing. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_bmartin_when.mp3 Mon, 14 Jan 2008 09:00:00 EST 17:28 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Last year, companies invested almost $200 Billion to advertise their products. Last year, companies invested almost $200 Billion to advertise their products. Many of these advertisers turn to one company to create the ad itself and another to recommend where that ad gets placed. This is the role of the media services company. David Verklin is the Chief Executive Officer of Carat North America, the largest independent media services company in North America. During our conversation, David shares insight after insight as to the state of the industry, where it's headed and offers outstanding advice that aspiring marketing, media and advertising executives can use to undoubtedly forward their career. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_david_verklin_v3.mp3 Mon, 04 Feb 2008 09:00:00 EST 40:37 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Originally from Greece, Manos Spanos discusses the path he took through international marketing to his current position as a Product Director at Johnson & Johnson. Originally from Greece, Manos Spanos discusses the path he took through international marketing to his current position as a Product Director at Johnson & Johnson. In this episode Manos touches on the importance of both traditional and non-traditional media outlets, as well as keys to his success which include passion and teamwork. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_manos_spanos.mp3 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST 30:39 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections John Adams has spent over 30 years at The Martin Agency - his entire advertising career - a rarity in the industry. John Adams has spent over 30 years at The Martin Agency - his entire advertising career - a rarity in the industry. Under John's leadership, The Martin Agency became the first advertising agency to be named "Agency of the Year" five times by Adweek magazine, the industry standard. In today's podcast he discusses the growth from a regional shop to one of national prominence, and the path he took along the way. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_john_adams.mp3 Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST 30:41 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections As the CEO of Starcom USA, John Muszynski has helped build a company at the forefront of leveraging media partnerships to strengthen the brands of some of the world's biggest marketers. As the CEO of Starcom USA, John Muszynski has helped build a company at the forefront of leveraging media partnerships to strengthen the brands of some of the world's biggest marketers. Under his watch, Starcom has been named Agency of the Year by Advertising Age (2006) and by Media magazine two consecutive years (2005-06), and consistently receives one of the highest grades in Adweek's annual Report Card ranking. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_john_muszynski.mp3 Mon, 05 May 2008 09:00:00 EST 36:47 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections As the SVP of Marketing for Au Bon Pain, Ed Frechette focuses most of his efforts on word of mouth, product innovation and product experience. As the SVP of Marketing for Au Bon Pain, Ed Frechette focuses most of his efforts on word of mouth, product innovation and product experience. Au Bon Pain has thrived in its category, even while competing against larger players who utilize more traditional outlets. Ed discusses his current role, as well as his experience on the agency side and the years he spent at Dunkin Donuts. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_ed_frechette.mp3 Mon, 19 May 2008 09:00:00 EST 19:00 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections A 15 year veteran of the interactive advertising community, Stuart Bogaty has been instrumental in pushing forward many initiatives in the space. A 15 year veteran of the interactive advertising community, Stuart Bogaty has been instrumental in pushing forward many initiatives in the space. Based on his vast experience he has a powerful vision on the future of communications. In today's podcast, Stuart discusses that vision along with his path through the advertising world and the evolution of interactive media. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_stuart_bogaty.mp3 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:00:00 EST 29:28 marketing,media,advertising Brian Martin, CEO of Brand Connections Out-of-home media has become one of the fastest growing segments of the industry in recent years posting gains of 10%+. Out-of-home media has become one of the fastest growing segments of the industry in recent years posting gains of 10%+. When you compare this to the declines being experienced across traditional mediums, without question, there is change occurring. Right in the middle of and driving that change is Steve Mueller the President of Outdoor Services Incorporated, one of the largest Out-of-Home Media Management & Communications Company in North America. In this episode, Steve shares with us why this change is occurring and his vision for the future of the industry. http://brandfasttrackers.com/podcasts/brand_fast_trackers_steve_mueller.mp3 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 09:00:00 EST 30:15 marketing,media,advertising