After 23 years of working in a Research Triangle office park, our NC office is taking a BIG leap of faith to move 11.8 miles away to The Glenwood South District in downtown Raleigh. And our goosebumps could not stand any taller. Zigging while they’re zagging. While many companies are shrinking office footprints, we…
Music is a part of the fabric of Brand Fuel. It’s a core reason why Robert Fiveash, my friend of 40 years and business partner of 23, and I remain so connected. Music has inspired us to be more creative, bring people together and unveil some pretty cool events: Giving back to community through the…
Eric Granata, CAS, will join Brand Fuel as Chief Technology Officer to assist with the company’s growth. Eric will be invested in expanding the Brand Fuel’s Online Store Programs, Marketing and Business Development initiatives and Cyber Security enhancement. Eric worked at Robyn Promotions in Oklahoma as The Director of Business Development and Director of eCommerce…
The Fable of The Fifth Hammer & Diversity There is an ancient fable we want to believe. According to the tale, Pythagoras, the Greek philosopher, purportedly discovered the secret of harmony when he came across five blacksmiths hammering in a village. The five hammers were producing a wondrous collective sound. Yet, Pythagoras realized that only…
The Power of Volunteerism In our interview process, we ask a lot of questions intended to get down to the nitty gritty of who someone really is. If you were 80 years old, what would you tell your children? What is something you’ve taught yourself lately? What are things that light you up? We are…
Here are some of the things we learned along Pandemic Way. In business. In family (because nothing is more important). In Music (cause we love music!). In community (we love that too). BUSINESS Necessity is the mother of invention. New business models sprouting up like online tutoring and new job titles like “Virtual Events Manager”…
Have you noticed a new face staring at you, daring your organization to Be Brave on our NEW WEBSITE? She is Jenny Ramone, the younger, tougher sister of punk rock brothers, The Ramones. Well, she’s not really related to the band. She’s a fictitious construct. But Jenny does represent the spirit of The Ramones and…
In our all-company meeting, there was consensus that Brand Fuel is an open, welcoming organization. And that we always try to do the right thing, especially when it is hard. Like most businesses, we can and should do better. We all agreed that we need to create a diversity program to attract top talent, create…
A year or so back, we realized that 8 of the 10 of us in the Virginia office lived in Virginia Beach….but our office was in Norfolk. Imagine the impact on our commutes, our nerves, and the environment if we could take our cars off the road and bank the extra time with family, exercising…
After 2 months, Brand Fuelians started coming back to showrooms and offices, in shifts, with masks and all of the antimicrobial pens and hand sanitizer one can muster. But before this long-awaited reunion, we had one warrior who went in daily, ensuring things ran smoothly. And we can’t stop laughing. This is a brief visual…
Let me start by sharing that I’m new to the Brand Fuel family and to the promotional product industry. Early on, I made a goal to be completely open to ANYTHING that’s thrown my way at my job. Working in an office for the first time in 8 years was a huge change, and now…
1. Successful negotiation is a confidence builder. Hanging back and watching your 14-year-old daughter put on her best “sad, hopeful face” is a real treat. Yard sale negotiations make for strong life and business lessons. 2. You must be willing to walk away. And then walk. Even when the seller taps your business acumen when…