As I stood with my fellow graduates from the Class of 2009 on our graduation day, I saw two emotions simultaneously from every single one of us: excitement and fear – pure, unmistakable fear.

No one was asking each other what they were doing after this milestone, because no one had any more plans than the person beside them (for the most part).While many chased after any job they could find, I followed the road less traveled with an internship at Fitting Group. And I haven’t looked back from the world of Brand Spanking since.

I knew that a few days a week interning in an industry I love was way more beneficial to me than a job that I hated. But as I spent more quality time with Brandee and the crew, I learned that Brand Spanking doesn’t end after companies or big-time consultants “get it” – branding is important for EVERYONE, especially new grads. (more…)

All eyes will be on Pittsburgh the week of the G-20 Summit in September, and local government officials, community leaders and the media are talking about what an opportunity this is to elevate the perception of Pittsburgh to something more than a dirty old steel town. Pittsburgh is not the market leader when we think of US cities. It’s definitely not the biggest. It’s not top-of-mind. And it certainly has never been thought of as the most prestigious. These characteristics make Pittsburgh a Challenger Brand city, and they’re why we must break the rules to take our rightful place in the market — as the most innovative and marketable city in the US. (Dream Big! Brand Spanking® Cardinal Rule #4*). (more…)