Erich Funke’s Post

GREAT THINKING NEVER GETS OLD. It's that simple. Different ad. I worked with Ryan Kutscher, Susan Alinsangan, Julia Regan, and Joel Francke on the TV spots for this delightfully insightful (and completely ironic) campaign. Shot by the side-splittingly funny Matt Aselton (Arts & Sciences), this series of spots flipped the relationship between Gen Y and their Boomer parents. Research showed that, contrary to the typical image of depressed, "struggling" empty nesters, boomers are self-actualized and genuinely excited about pursuing their own adventures. While boomers find it easy to transition into a fun, active lifestyle, it's their 20- something kids who are having a hard time adjusting. I don't recall if this Venza campaign won any awards, but it was noted as being the highest performing campaign across all automotive brands of 2011, and set new benchmarks within Toyota. And, Nielsen (global leader in audience insights) presented the Venza broadcast work as a best practice at the Cannes Advertising Festivals. (Which is a different sort of feather in our caps). Key to the success of this campaign were: the amazing and always-brave Tim Morrison (Toyota Client), Paul Martinez (Editor, Arcade), Uwe Gutschow, Nicole Scandaliato, Andrew Corpman,  Rebecca Alberts, Courtney Mues, Rebecca Albert, Nate Pouley, Jenna Reiss, Roarke O’Brien. #brandbuilding #creativitymatters #ideasworthsharing #ninelives #adsthatshine #ninelivesgroup #marketingagency #storytelling, #creativity I specialize in powerful, breakthrough, effective ideas that build brands and business.

GREAT THINKING NEVER GETS OLD. It's that simple. (Different spot, same campaign, same write up as previous) I worked with Ryan Kutscher, Susan Alinsangan, Julia Regan, and Joel Francke on the TV spots for this delightfully insightful (and completely ironic) campaign. Shot by the side-splittingly funny Matt Aselton (Arts & Sciences), this series of spots flipped the relationship between Gen Y and their Boomer parents. Research showed that, contrary to the typical image of depressed, "struggling" empty nesters, boomers are self-actualized and genuinely excited about pursuing their own adventures. While boomers find it easy to transition into a fun, active lifestyle, it's their 20- something kids who are having a hard time adjusting. I don't recall if this Venza campaign won any awards, but it was noted as being the highest performing campaign across all automotive brands of 2011, and set new benchmarks within Toyota. And, Nielsen (global leader in audience insights) presented the Venza broadcast work as a best practice at the Cannes Advertising Festivals. (Which is a different sort of feather in our caps). Key to the success of this campaign were: the amazing and always-brave Tim Morrison (Toyota Client), Paul Martinez (Editor, Arcade), Uwe Gutschow, Nicole Scandaliato, Andrew Corpman, Rebecca Alberts, Courtney Mues, Rebecca Albert, Nate Pouley, Jenna Reiss, Roarke O’Brien. #brandbuilding #creativitymatters #ideasworthsharing #ninelives #adsthatshine #ninelivesgroup #marketingagency #storytelling, #creativity I specialize in powerful, breakthrough, effective ideas that build brands and business.

GREAT THINKING NEVER GETS OLD. It's that simple. I worked with Susan Alinsangan, Julia Regan, Ryan Kutscher, and Joel Francke on the TV spots for this delightfully insightful (and completely ironic) campaign. Shot by the side-splittingly funny Matt Aselton (Arts & Sciences), this series of spots flipped the relationship between Gen Y and their Boomer parents. Research showed that, contrary to the typical image of depressed, "struggling" empty nesters, boomers are self-actualized and genuinely excited about pursuing their own adventures. While boomers find it easy to transition into a fun, active lifestyle, it's their 20- something kids who are having a hard time adjusting. I don't recall if this Venza campaign won any awards, but it was noted as being the highest performing campaign across all automotive brands of 2011, and set new benchmarks within Toyota. And, Nielsen (global leader in audience insights) presented the Venza broadcast work as a best practice at the Cannes Advertising Festivals. (Which is a different sort of feather in our caps). Key to the success of this campaign were: the amazing and always-brave Tim Morrison (Toyota Client), Paul Martinez (Editor, Arcade), Uwe Gutschow, Nicole Scandaliato, Andrew Corpman, Rebecca Alberts, Courtney Mues, Rebecca Albert, Nate Pouley, Jenna Reiss, Roarke O’Brien. #brandbuilding #creativitymatters #ideasworthsharing #ninelives #adsthatshine #ninelivesgroup #marketingagency #storytelling, #creativity I specialize in powerful, breakthrough, effective ideas that build brands and business.

"Walk in stupid every morning." A lifelong practice of mine. It’s not self-critical. That (and being curious) is one one the best ways to get to the core of the problem/issue/challenge you’re facing.

What Kevin Robinson said: "Your biggest asset is your name. Your reputation. Your experience. The specific skills you’ve honed for many many years." #brandbuilding #creativitymatters #ideasworthsharing #adsthatshine #ninelivesgroup #marketingagency #storytelling, #creativity I specialize in powerful, breakthrough (and effective) ideas that build brands and business.

I’m an avid fan of Mathews "Bull Bytes” (many truths and wisdoms in his bytes). I never thought to articulate it myself, but his message: “Don't listen to the noise. Just play your music", immediately resonated with me - it’s something I too have lived by for most of my career. Stay focused on your vision, stop worrying about the haters and negaters.

GREAT THINKING NEVER GETS OLD. It's that simple. I worked with an AMAZING(!!) team: Donnell Johnson, Stephan Baik, David Evans (Executive Producer) - and the awesome and super talented Jody Hill (director) on the launch of this Sienna minivan. Our paid media budget to promote the vehicle was simply a YouTube ad banner! From this humble beginning, the video became one of the most viral sensations of its time (22+ million views, back then), and resulted in a whopping 145% JUMP in sales in a declining category (– Brand Channel Feb 3, 2011). To this day, the web waxes lyrical about the “Original Sienna Swagger Wagon” work. Simply Google it. Due credit to the endearingly boastful parents (Rachael Drummond and Brian Huskey), without whom this entire campaign would not have enjoyed the success it did, and to Black Iris Music for a stunning range of music. Additional credits: Teddy Gersten (Editor par excellence), Karena Dacker (Producer), Ginny Kollewe, (Strategic Planning Director) Uwe Gutschow (Snr. Digital Strategist), Steven Sluk (Group Account Director), Patrick Young (Account Director) #brandbuilding #creativitymatters #ideasworthsharing #ninelives #adsthatshine #ninelivesgroup #marketingagency #storytelling, #creativity I specialize in powerful, breakthrough, effective ideas that build brands and business.

🏈 after I wrapped up watching the Super Bowl yesterday, I couldn't help but appreciate the creativity behind some standout commercials! 👏 Kudos to the brilliant minds behind: - BMW with Christopher Walken - State Farm with Arnold Schwarzenegger (compliments to Steve McElligott and Jerome Marucci) - STōK Cold Brew Coffee - Squarespace (funny idea) - VW (VW has done this approach a few times, but it's still good) - KIA "Ice Skater" (tender and heartwarming, compliments to Mike Czako and team) - Discover Card  🎉 Each one brought a unique touch and left a lasting impression. A big shoutout to all the talented teams who worked on these delightful pieces! 🌟 #SuperBowlAds #Creativity #Advertising