Joshua Amrani’s Post

Watching the raid on Sean Combs' home during the news took me back to September 2006 when I led Diageo’s Reserve Brand Group. The Cîroc team, ably led by Jamie Herbstman, presented two potential growth strategies: (1) partner with Sean “Diddy” Combs, an idea generated by the inimitable Jacquie Lee, or; (2) a traditional brand-building campaign for “self-defined sophisticates living an uncommon lifestyle”, developed by KBS (kirshenbaum bond senecal + partners) and Hunter.   I advocated for the uncommon. Ultimately, the team went with Diddy, launching in 2007.   The Diddy partnership took Cîroc from +/- 50,000 to ~2 million cases globally today. It also paved the way for many others like Clooney’s Casamigos, Hagar’s Cabo Wabo, Reynolds’ Aviation Gin . . . I take no credit for the Diddy deal, but I think it fair to call it a success.   But now Cîroc is declining double-digits in the US. Could Diageo have built a more enduring business today if they had gone with a positioning woven into the fabric of the product? Public reports indicate that Diddy made almost $1 billion over the 15-year partnership, and that does not include the dollars needed to activate the partnership. So minimally, Diageo could have spent, on average, $70 million/year to establish the “Uncommon Vodka”.   What do you think? Is the Diddy story a cautionary tale for building brands around celebrity alignment (like Jared/Subway) or an unfortunate one-off? Today I see more influencer/celebrity endorsements than ever . . . but will these be lasting businesses? Do strategics need to be cautious when buying personality-driven businesses? I wonder . . . Jon Bond, Domenico Vitale, Jonas Hallberg, Aaron Reitkopf, Jonathan Lyon, Kristie Wallis (she/her), Brian Hodous, #Diageo #Cîroc #Diddy #Vodka

Next up in our Big Dwayne Energy employee spotlight series, where we showcase our incredible team is... Brandon Rockquemore - Regional Sales Manager, Florida ⚡️ 1. How are you bringing Big Dwayne Energy to ZOA?  I get the opportunity to bring BDE on two fronts by getting into the field and educating consumers and retailers about the benefits of ZOA. 2. What is your favorite thing about working at ZOA? My favorite thing about ZOA is the culture. There really is a family vibe and everyone here is so close-knit and easily accessible. Not to mention, we all have fun on a daily basis. 3. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?  I love sushi and feel like it can go all over the board with its diversity. I can honestly say I've never gotten sick of sushi.   4. What is your favorite ZOA flavor and why?  My favorite flavor, hands down, is our brand new Mango Splash. Not only is it delicious, but I've been working firsthand with the launch and watching everyone's initial reactions to the flavor.   5. What is your biggest Big Dwayne Energy moment?  My biggest Big Dwayne Energy moment would have to be our great activations in Daytona Beach around the Big Dwayne Energy launch. We were able to gain so many new fans of the brand and it was huge collaboration between all of our internal teams. We were able to create some memorable experiences for key retailers and consumers. #ZOAEnergy #BigDwayneEnergy #EmployeeSpotlight #SalesManager

Next up in our Big Dwayne Energy employee spotlight series, where we showcase our incredible team is... Olcomendy, George - VP, National Accounts ⚡️ 1. How are you bringing Big Dwayne Energy to ZOA? First, I truly believe that this brand is one of the best tasting energy drinks on the market. I am committed to making sure this brand is growing and is available across the country in all our leading retailers. If this product is not available, how can they experience the brand. I wake up every day energized to find ways for our retail partners to bring on ZOA Energy. BDE is a mindset that I carry across the organization to inspire others. 2. What is your favorite thing about working at ZOA? Definitely the people and the culture that has been developed here over the last 3 years. I come to work energized by the folks that surround me every day. By far, this has been the most fun and rewarding job I have had. Make no mistake, it's never easy but coming to work everyday here has been a moment in time that I will never forget. 3. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be? It would have to be pasta. Any type. I cannot imagine not having an option in a meal selection that does not have pasta. I absolutely loved my mom’s homemade pasta sauce. 4. What is your favorite ZOA flavor and why? Frosted Grape. Can’t really figure out why, as grape has never really been a favorite flavor of mine but I LOVE ZOA Frosted Grape. 5. What is your biggest Big Dwayne Energy moment? Two moments stick out for me. First would be our XFL tie in with HEB. We had the opportunity for our founders meet and greet at HEB in-store and then experienced the XFL championship game with all in San Antonio. Second would be a most recent win, bringing Albertsons Companies on board nationally. It has been a work in the making for a long time and just being able to tell our entire team of the win, brought out a Big Dwayne Energy moment that I will not forget. #ZOAEnergy #BigDwayneEnergy #EmployeeSpotlight #SalesTeam

🌟 Exciting Times Ahead at Miros! 🌟 After a reenergizing summer holiday, our Sales and Marketing team are back in full swing! 🚀 Our order books are filled, and new contracts are being signed at the perfect pace. We're super excited about what the rest of this year has in store! ✨ What's Ahead: 🌟 Welcoming our new young star as Sales Manager in October! 🌍 Meeting our partners and customers worldwide at every major industry event - watch out for our signature pink socks! 🚀 Innovative Releases: Get ready for two groundbreaking product launches: Proper predictions and unparalleled data security/integrity for unbiased reporting. 🌊 Engaging Events: First up - Join us in Rio in just 2 weeks for "Ocean Insights, Real-time Data & Pink Socks" - an event you won’t want to miss! 💡 Industry Disruption: We're not just keeping up with change; we’re driving it. Tomorrow’s operations demand better solutions, and we’re delivering. 🤝 Client-Centric Focus: Our mission is to make our clients' lives easier, with solutions that truly matter. Stay tuned and watch this space for more updates! 🌐 Miros Group #Innovation #GlobalConnections #ProductLaunch #ClientSuccess #Miros #PinkSocks #FutureReady

Celebrating the success story of a School Mate Turned Entrepreneur From schoolmates to witnessing the rise of a remarkable entrepreneur, I am beyond proud to share the journey of my friend and fellow gym buddy who ventured into the world of business three years ago, founding Carnage a leading fashion material brand specializing in premium sportswear. I recall our days in school, and it fills me with immense joy to see how far he has come since then carnage once a vision, is now among the most recognized brands in Sri Lanka, securing the second spot in visibility rankings. His dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence have been the driving forces behind this remarkable achievement. What sets carnage apart is not just its products but also the values it embodies. With a focus on delivering premium quality comparable to renowned international brands like Nike and Adidas, Carnage has become a favorite among locals seeking both style and comfort. Whether it's the convenience of Cash on Delivery or the exceptional service experienced at their outlets, Carnage ensures customer satisfaction at every touchpoint. Beyond business success, my friend's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and the younger generation alike. In an era where challenges abound, he stands as a beacon of positivity and possibility, demonstrating that with passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, anything is achievable. As we celebrate his accomplishments, let us also recognize the invaluable lessons his journey imparts. To all those contemplating entrepreneurship, I urge you to take a page from his playbook. Embrace challenges as opportunities, pursue your dreams with unwavering determination, and let passion be your guiding light. Finally Joel Tillekeratne, the epitome of grit, grace, and greatness. May your path be adorned with even greater triumphs and may your journey continue to inspire countless others to reach for the stars. Carnage #SuccessStory #Entrepreneurship #LocalPride #Inspiration #Carnage #CelebratingSuccess

How I got promoted 2x in 1 year: 1. Hit 150% of my half quota 2. Expanded my brand internally 3. Expressed my interest in moving upmarket 4. Shared insights on how I was winning deals with my team If you’ve gotten promoted, how’d you get there?

Congratulations Direct 60 List honoree Koral (Chen), SVP, Brand Development and Licensing, SMAC Entertainment - Michael Strahan™ / WEAR by Erin Andrews / Snoop Doggie Doggs! The Direct 60 List honors top executives mastering the business of brands. Leveraging technology, innovation, and next-generation strategies, these leaders drive growth and position their brands for success in a consumer-centric, data-driven world. You can see the full Direct 60 List here:  https://lnkd.in/gyJxNYFa Koral told us, “Consumers in today’s retail environment have so many ways to shop and an endless supply of information at the moment of purchase. Now more than ever, when developing your business, your strategy must emphasize your differentiating factors and consider all the reasons why someone in your audience pool won’t pick you or complete their purchase. For us, at SMAC, our brands are rooted in filling a specific void in the marketplace while providing talent-driven added value. From Michael Strahan to WEAR by Erin Andrews to Snoop Doggie Doggs, we strive to build strong brands — bringing in the talent as our secret weapon." Meet The Direct 60 List Honorees in person at The Direct 60 Forum on October 10th in New York City! More than a gala and less than a conference, this one-of-a-kind event features thoughtful peer discussions, elegant tasting experiences, inspiring acceptance speeches, red carpet moments, incredible giveaways (five star hotels!), curated receptions and VIP dinners - there are few evenings that can match The Direct 60 Forum. Learn more:  https://lnkd.in/gNXz8vUQ #Direct60 #TheLead #Brands

Can David Beat Goliath in Spirits? How Nemiroff Achieved a 41.7% Growth in a Red Ocean Market 🚀 I’m thrilled to share some incredible news: Nemiroff has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing spirits brands worldwide, securing a spot in the TOP-10 by The Spirits Business with an astounding 41.7% growth last year! 🏆🌟 This achievement isn’t just about numbers; it’s a testament to the power of strategic marketing and human-centred brand management. Here are the key learnings from our journey that you can apply to your business: 1️⃣ Set Ambitious Goals: Aim high and pursue relentlessly. Bold ambitions drive extraordinary results. 2️⃣ Embrace Change: The spirits industry is dynamic. Stay agile and adapt your marketing strategies to market trends for sustained growth. 3️⃣ Leverage Local Roots Globally: Maintain a strong local identity while expanding globally. This dual approach can resonate deeply with diverse markets. 4️⃣ Team Spirit: Diverse talented team can achieve incredible breakthroughs. 5️⃣ Embrace Disruption: Constantly refine your products and marketing campaigns to stay ahead of the competition and connect with consumers. 6️⃣ Consumer-Centric Approach: Understand and cater to local tastes while maintaining a global brand identity. This helps in expanding market presence effectively. 7️⃣ Craft Brand Stories: Craft compelling stories around your brand. Emotional connections drive loyalty and engagement. 8️⃣ Strategic Partnerships: Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and partners. They can provide invaluable support and open new opportunities. Originating from Ukraine, where we proudly hold the title of #1 vodka brand 🏆, Nemiroff’s influence has expanded globally. We’ve made significant strides in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, becoming the leading vodka in many countries and solidifying our presence in duty-free markets worldwide. This is just the beginning. We’re excited about the future and are committed to continuing our journey of growth and excellence. Cheers to all who have been part of this incredible journey! 🥂🌏 If you’re passionate about marketing innovation, brand growth, and the spirits industry, let’s connect! Follow my journey and join the conversation about building a world-class brand. #marketing #CMO #brandbuilding #indomitablespirit #changemanagement

My thoughts already quoted in the post!

𝗔𝗡 𝗔𝗗𝗩𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗗 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗙𝗜𝗟𝗟𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 - 𝗜𝗧'𝗦 𝗚𝗜𝗢'𝗦 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗔𝗥𝗬! 🙌🏽 Today we celebrate the first work anniversary one of our more younger team mates at ingredient brothers, Gio Franza! 😎 In only a year, he's shown us his great superpower: 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗼𝗳 𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲! 🙌🏽 "𝘏𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘯 𝘶𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘯 𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝙬𝙤𝙣 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙥𝙡𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙙𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙨 𝙤𝙣 𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙤𝙬𝙣. 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝙤𝙬𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝘰𝘧 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘶𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘫𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮’𝘴 𝘷𝘪𝘴𝘪𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘮𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘩𝘦 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘨𝘳𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝙄 𝙝𝙤𝙥𝙚 𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙯𝙚𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙬𝙚 𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙪𝙚 𝙝𝙞𝙢!" - Natalia Gonzalez, Head of Global Sourcing Besides being awesome in the Sourcing Team, Gio has also sprinkled some Gen-Z energy into what you see here on LinkedIn, helping us to move forward with more dynamic and relevant content! - we stan a well-rounded team mate!! 💯 It's no cap 🧢 that Gio slayed his first year at IB 🤙🏼 (Did we say that right? 🫣) #people #anniversary #workanniversary #appreciation #sourcing #whatdoesskibidimean #growth #companyvalue #ubuntu #bulk #wholesale #supplier #importer #privatelabel #ingredientbrothers