If you founded a company, would you want to star in the commercials? I think that’s an interesting question and I don’t think I would. But, some company founders are and have been in their company’s commercials. Let’s take a look.
George Zimmer: Men’s Warehouse
You may best know him from the saying “You’re going to like the way you look, I guarantee it.”
Richard Branson: Virgin Group
He hasn’t been in a lot but he has. Whenever he wants to take me to space, I’m down.
James Dyson: Dyson
He’s been in a few commercials but not as many as his prototypes for creating the Dyson style vacuum. In a sense, he is a great example of never giving up on what you believe.
Jim Koch: Boston Beer Company
You’ll best know him as the guy from the Samuel Adams commercials. How are they still considered a microbrewer?
Charles Schwab: Charles Schwab
Although he goes by Chuck, he has been in a couple commercials for the company he founded. Also, they have some really cool animated commercials.
Dave Thomas: Wendy’s
Really don’t need to say much about this. Good ol’ Dave Thomas. Unfortunately, when his daughter took over the commercial duties they weren’t as successful. Also, why doesn’t today’s Wendy’s girl eat her food? She never takes a bite.
Orville Redenbacher: Orville Redenbacher
Is Redenbacher the best popcorn? I like it. He popped in his commercials but when he passed away, the CGI Redenbacher fizzled.
John Schnatter: Papa John’s
Talk about a downfall. He was in quite a few commercials and saw him with Peyton Manning in Papa John’s commercials. So, in a way he has scored a touchdown by being a recognizable founder due to the commercials and other commentary he said.
I would like to share these for further reading:
From the NY Times: When a Founder is the Face of a Brand
The NY Times is a nice read about the impact of a founder being the face of the brand.
From Forbes Should CEOs be in TV Ads?
The Forbes article goes a little further about this topic. The author is Peter Daboll, CEO of Ace Metrix, the company that did a study. Overall, if CEOs are in a commercial, they perform better than commercials that don’t have the CEO. Read more to learn more.
