Tuesday, June 15, 2010

BMW

BMW, the Bavarian Motor Works company is also the parent company to the MINI and Rolls Royce Motor Cars. They are taunted as being the Ultimate Driving Machine. Their focus was not always on cars but on aircraft engines and later motorcycles. They have faced many challenges and rewards over its 90 plus year history. The company has bought and sold the Rover Group and acquired the exclusive rights to build the MINI.

In my opinion BMW is most well known for its cars and the luxury they provide to their consumers. As a teenager I would see other people driving a BMW and knew instantly that I wanted one and I did and have not looked back since. It offers the smoothest and tightest ride of any car I have ever owned. The reputation that they portray is one that they deliver.

BMW not only lures you in with their reputation and overall look, but with their branding technique of free maintenance for 6 years. To me that is the selling point of the car also you must keep in mind repairs to this vehicle can be expensive. On the flip side, once the 6 years is over that is usually when the repairs begin and costs come rolling in. So where this is a great selling point it is also a downfall due to the costs related to repairs.

They have taken measures to reduce the pollution from the vehicles while also making them more fuel efficient. However, they have faced criticism regarding using hydrogen fuel in their vehicles, which critics claim produce more pollution.

Although BMW is a great car and luxury in and of itself the price tag that accompanies it is also its downfall. But not only are their cars at the higher price end so are their motorcycles and bicycles. At every turn and no matter the brand an expensive price tag that comes with this car. Consumers like me, continue to flock to the showroom floor entranced by the sleek design, speed and ease of drive.

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Dawn: A Brand We Can Trust

People from all walks of life search for a dishwashing liquid that provides the necessary ingredients to remove stains, dissolve grease and clean dishes, all at a reasonable price. You have probably heard of many of them before Palmolive, Amway Dish Drop, and Sunlight with Natural Lemon. These top performers sell similar items but have yet to come close to Dawn. Dawn provides an experience to mothers and their families like no other. When you use a Dawn product it leaves the dishes clean and also leaves your hands moisturized. Invented in 1973 by Procter & Gamble (P&G) they provide products and services to consumers in over 80 countries worldwide.

Over my 20 plus years of washing dishes I have shopped and looked for a dishwashing liquid that has what it takes to clean dishes. One that works without having to change the water in the sink after I have washed the non-greasy dishes first. Sure other dishwashing liquids are capable of doing the same but over two decades of dishwashing with this brand has shown proven results. I currently wash my dishes with Dawn and often use the product for other reasons when needed. While traveling all across the world for business and pleasure I can recall vividly people using the Dawn dishwashing liquid for washing cars, making bubbles in the tub, mopping the kitchen floor, playing in the yard, washing dishes and most importantly cleaning up oil spills. This product offers more for the environment and common person than what we all expected.

Dawn has a vast array of products to meet your family or business needs. Dawn has for over 30 years donated their product money in an effort to clean wildlife affected by oil spills. This year Dawn has started a new program called Saving Wildlife; when you purchase a bottle of Dawn and activate your donation online, one dollar will be donated towards the International Bird Rescue Research Center and the Marine Mammal Center.

When asking others about Dawn or Dawn products, I have received an overwhelming response to Dawn’s satisfaction. The P&C product is a profound example of what a dishwashing liquid should do. Dawn is rated number two in top dishwashing liquids tested. Given Dawn’s history and brand name there are few surprises why this product is rated number two. They market themselves as a reputable and environmentally friendly company.

My experiences with the Dawn brand have always been positive, I willl continue to utilize the brand for as long as they continue to make a reputable product and help with the environment when man drops the ball. Their reputation has earned my continued support!

Thursday, June 10, 2010

The World's Foremost Outfitter

Sportsmen from all backgrounds search far and wide for a store that will provide what they need while also offering competitive prices. You have probably heard of many of them before, Sportsmen Warehouse, Academy or Bass Pro Shop. These stores usually sell similar items but the selection is not as vast or varied. Cabela’s provides an experience to sportsmen and their families and a selection of products that far outweights its competitors. When you go to Cabela’s to search and shop for items of interest or look at the wildlife mounts you receive an experience unlike any other sportsmen's shop. To think that a powerhouse such as Cabela's started in the kitchen of Dick Cabela and his wife, Mary. The company did not start up quickly, but they stuck to it and after several trials they were named Company of the Year in Sporting Classic's magazine prestigious Awards of Excellence.

During my initial shopping trips as an amateur hunter I shopped at the typical stores and became flustered with the lack of variety in the stores. Sure I was able to find the basics that were an addition to my hunting collection, but many vital items were missing. While traveling to San Antonio for a business trip I happened upon Cabela's and found my home away from home. This store offered me everything I was looking for and much more.

Cabela's lures you in like a child in candy store for the first time and overwhelms you at the same time. My first thought was where do I begin in this store. Before I knew it I was in the store for 2 hours and wanted to buy everything in Cabela’s. Not only do they offer an expansive selection in the store but they produce more than 100 specialty catalogs each year. There is also an informative website and the opportunity to earn points through the Cabela's Club.

Not only does Cabela's offer an exciting shopping trip it also offers educational seminars for adults and children. They also offer access to a Cabela's Visa card which has incentives for their cardholders. These cards are connected to the World's Foremost Bank, which was chartered by Cabela's in 2001. They also were reported to have one of the most memorable debuts on Wall Start when the store's stock went up 40% in the opening minutes.

When visiting the store in Buda, I notice that people come from all over the Austin and surrounding area to shop at this store. The store is a profound example of what an impressive sportsmen store should look like. Cabela's catalog even ranks 5th behind JCPenney and Sears. Given their history and name there is no surprise that Cabela's is the foremost leader in outdoor gear and products. They market themselves as a reputable and down to earth company.

My experiences have always been positive and Cabela's will continue to have my loyalty as long as I consider myself an outdoorsmen. Their reputation has earned at least that much.

Sunday, June 6, 2010

KB24

When you think of professional basketball (NBA) a few names come to mind. Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Majic Johnson and Jerry West to name a few. Over the past few years, however, many young players have commanded attention. These include Dewayne Wade, Lebron James and none other than the infamous Kobe Bryant aka "The Black Mamba". Whether you like him or not there is one thing no one can deny; he is the most talented basketball player.

The name Kobe Bryant in and of itself is a brand. When you think of him you think talent, drive and persistence just to name a few. But some others come to mind such as intelligent, well-spoken and multi-lingual. He has been the face of numerous companies including Adidas, Coca-Cola, McDonald's and Nike. Many of the Nike commericals showcasing Kobe Bryant and Lebron James as puppets, in my opnion, was a smart marketing tactic. These commericals appealed to children as well as adults by using some adult humor at times. Although Lebron's likeness was portrayed in these commericals it was Kobe Bryant's shoes that were being promoted. Many of these commericals have inspired me to go to Finish Line or Foot Locker to buy a pair of his shoes.

Not only his shoes, but Lakers jerseys, basketballs and wearing his number 24 on my basketball jerseys. I am a huge basketball fan and not only do I watch the game intensely but I play in several basketball leagues during the year. During the basketball season I watch Kobe Bryant's moves, his footwork, passing skills as well as offensive and defensive skills. His skillful moves and game winning shots have shaped me to be the type of player that I am today. I try to emulate his basketball skills both on and off the court.

Kobe Bryant's influential name and character have inspired charities in his name such as the Kobe Bryant China Fund a partner with the Soong Ching Ling Foundation, a charity backed by the Chinese government. He is also the official ambassador for After-School All-Stars (ASAS), an American non-profit organization that provides comprehensive after-school programs to children in 13 US cities. His charity work and that of other players convinced me to volunteer with working with children and donating money to benefit children's organizations.

It is not only Kobe Bryant, but the National Basketball Association, that has helped me to become the person I am today. As a teenager I did not make the best of choices which caused me many problems in school. However, the NBA inspired me to pick up a basketball and use that as an outlet for the high energy that I had. Over the years, this group of players and association has kept me out of trouble and to always push myself to be a better person.

Oftentimes, NBA players are misunderstood because society thinks that they make large sums of money; and for what a game of basketball. But what is often forgotten is the community service and charity they are required to participate in during the season. The NBA demonstrates that they can be an authentic brand through making these services known through commericals documenting their work with children at school, on and off the court and in the community. They definitely portray their trademark and motto, "Where amazing happens", at least to me and my basketball friends.

Friday, June 4, 2010

HOYT: Leaders in Innovative Archery...Yay or Nay

In 1942, Earl Hoyt, Jr. created the Hoyt Archery Co. Within a short time; Hoyt Archery had made a name for itself by creating 'pistol grips' for archery bows in 1956. A short time later, in 1961, they introduced 'torque stabilizers’.

Hoyt Archery Co. is considered to be among the most innovative archery designers and manufacturers in the world. They have many 'firsts' to their credit. Hoyt Archery Co. produced the first modern overdraw, the first deflex-reflex recurve design for bows, and the first bow equipped with a stabilizer mount. Hoyt was also among the very first companies to use composites in their bows.

Hoyt archery equipment is the first choice of many archery professionals. In fact, since archery became an official Olympic sport again in 1972, more Gold medalists have used Hoyt bows than all other brands of archery bows combined. Hoyt bows have also earned the distinction of winning more FITA and NAA medals than any other bow manufacturer.

Early Hoyt, Jr. and his father began advertising their hand-made bows in 1931; Hoyt Archery Co. released collectors' items, like their gold-plated Trykon XL. Other Hoyt accessories and bows include their many compound bows, traditional bows, and competition bows such as the Helix, Matrix, and Eclipse.

Is HOYT the leader in innovative archery design and manufacturing?

Carbon Matrix Bow Specs:
318 (I.P.O) FPS
35” Axle-to-Axle
40-80 (lbs.) Draw Weight Ranges
71/4” Brace Height
3.8 (lbs.) Mass Weight
27-31” (1/2” increments) Draw Lengths

For several years there are compelling disagreements which manufacturer designs and engineers the best bows, Mathews, Bowtech or Hoyt. After several months of research Hoyt has caught my attention. I have several friends that have purchased Hoyt products and stand by their lifetime guarantee. When you see a Hoyt bow you think reliable, durable and powerful. Hoyt has produced bows or bow products for over 79 years in comparison to Mathews or Bowtech. Even if you do not own a Hoyt bow you understand the impact it has had in several Olympics games.

I have spent several hours in archery ranges trying to locate a bow the fits my freakish 31” draw length. After several months of research I found a few bows that could perform at the level I need and fix my natural draw length. The Carbon Matrix allows me to draw with the same comfort without losing accuracy and speed. The only side effect to the Hoyt Carbon Matrix is the retail price of $1590.00; this is hardly a drop in the bucket but well worth it in my opinion.

Numerous sites, articles and research indicate that the new Carbon Matrix is ground-breaking and much more than an epic advancement. There are videos and articles showing trucks running over the Carbon Matrix and then engineers picking up the bows and dry firing the bows with no problems. Hoyt bows are said to be dry fired over 1500 time before they are release to the market. Hoyt’s latest strategy involved hunting videos, with confirmed kills of dear or archery competition were Hoyt owners are the clear winner. The commercials and articles include real people who have used Hoyt products and are diehard owners. Hoyt continues to use the same motto, “Get Serious. Get Hoyt.”

The choice is yours, but in my opinion Hoyt has the edge and will have my hard earned dollars in the very near future.

Monday, May 31, 2010

Toyota: Friend or Foe?

Over the course of several years consumers have put their trust and safety into the vehicles made and sold by Toyota. They have had over twelve years of record-breaking sales and in 2008 sold over 2.6 million vehicles in the U.S. Toyota's reported revenue for the FY 2009 was $208.995 billion. Although the number of vehicles sold have decreased due to the recent recalls, Toyota remains a powerhouse in the automotive market, with GM and Volkswagen in hot pursuit.

When you drive down the highways and around the city each day many of the cars you notice on the road are made by none other than Toyota. They have been awarded the ENERGY STAR Sustained Excellence award by the EPA in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

So the question is whether or not you consider Toyota a friend or a foe?

There have been arguments for both sides. Toyota has had an excellent record for safety, reliability and being a leader in manufacturing and production. Many of my family members have purchased these cars based on their excellent record. These cars have lasted 10, 12, or 15 years based on the care given to them by their owners. When you see the Toyota symbol on television, in a book or in the news you think reliable. The history over the past 70 plus years has been unbeatable when compared to other brands. This pertains to brands in the U.S., Europe, Asia and other countries. Even if you do not own a Toyota you understand the impact it has had in the automotive industry. They were the first company to commercially mass produce hybrid vehicles.

Let's not even look at their records with records to automobiles and focus more on the non-automotive efforts. Toyota has been involved in philanthropy activities such as scholarships with the United Negro College Fund, developing a family literacy program and creation of the Toyota USA Foundation. They have ties to the aerospace industry, agricultural biotechnology and robotics. Toyota has been under recognized in their efforts to promote higher education because they are most well-know for their innovations in automotive technology. The company has founded a technological institute, student exchange scholarship and teacher programs and list goes on and on.

The flip side of this argument is based on the criticism that Toyota has received after the recall in late 2009 and that has continued through 2010. Although they continue to be a leader in this industry, sales have declined considerably. A big part of the problem is that reports indicate Toyota has known about this problem for years and failed to initiate a recall of its vehicles. Most of their top selling vehicles were taken off the market to research the faulty accelerator pedals, floor mats and brake system. All along Toyota was assuring their consumers that they were rectifying the problem. However, the news painted a different picture. A company that covered up the problem for many years and continue to produce vehicles despite reports of unintended acceleration. This problem led to many accidents of which numerous lives were lost. Toyota was blamed for these deaths, but was this a legitimate problem or merely driver error.

Numerous sites, investigations and articles indicated that many of these accelerator problems could be directly linked to driver error in many cases. There are reports that drivers would unintentionally press the gas instead of the brake due to outside distractions and panic of the driver. Toyota however has continued their marketing strategy to show their company as authentic and a continued force to be reckoned with. Their latest strategy involved commercials of recent Toyota consumers who have purchased vehicles telling their story of why they purchased a Toyota. The commercials include real people who have purchased these feelings after the mandatory recall. Toyota continues to use their motto, "Moving Forward", which in this case is fitting to help them in moving on past this recall, the investigations and fines that have accompanied it.

Whatever your decision is or verdict that you have assigned Toyota, one thing remains the same and that is their continued efforts in striving for excellence. I, for one, consider them a friend based on their record and history not only in the automotive arena but in philanthropic efforts as well. And Toyota is not the only company to have faced such a problem. Many years ago Audi faced a similar recall and Volkswagen has had numerous complaints of unintended acceleration problems.

The choice is yours, friend of foe? But whatever you choose do so wisely.