Zip Co’s Post

Here's an appropriate quote for the week of the108th Indy 500 at the Brickyard: “Marketing is a race without a finishing line.”-Philip Kotler #marketwithintention #marketingleadership #racetowin #marketingdrivesresults

Let's talk NASCAR! Not the competition provided across 28 racetracks/speedways/arenas over 41 weeks that drives impressions in the media with bright shiny things the consumer observes on glass in front of them, or as a visceral experience attending the Daytona 500. No, rather, want to talk about the brand as enjoyed and valued by the free marketplace. And, want to talk about the value of the "league" to society and the world of private equity. No one company has had greater corporate impact on my environment since summer of 1980 when I arrive in Daytona Beach between my JR and SR of HS.  France family has driven the narrative for Daytona Beach since William H.G. France, Sr., ("Big Bill"), collected $2.50 per ticket from 14,000 people staging their first NASCAR race. On the beach, and South Atlantic Avenue, in 1948 after a meeting at the Streamline Hotel months earlier on December 14, 1947. These definitive steps were the start of being part of the "major-leagues'. NASCAR/Frances would stand closer by permanently approving Team Charters. Jim France (my email to him last week presented in the attached comment), representing a family that has spanned 4 generations, has two choices. First, they can remain the first family of stock car racing with majority ownership covering a fiefdom. They will cycle through scheduled Charter contract negotiations constantly. Or, second, they transcend to a new level of leadership and sell controlling interest to new ownership group comprised of free market investors. Believe market appetite is strong with institutional private equity aggressively seeking sports related properties. Believe value of NASCAR, the "league", is between $4.35B and $6.35B. However, if the Frances would accept some portion of that purchase price from a consortium of institutional investors in cash and in the form of "paper" it opens possibilities. Simultaneously, if the investor were to reach a deal with the collective 36 charter team owners in form of cash and "paper", for the approval of a permanent distribution from the "new" NASCAR, it solidifies the integrity of the product offered. Stakeholders (Frances, Race Team Alliance/Charter Team Owners and capitalist private equity) are then rowing together toward a league like the NFL, MLB, NBA or NHL. Maybe NASCAR becomes a public traded sports league with a Board of Directors and shareholders and run by the team owners. Below is a link to my LinkedIn comments added to the post of Adam Stern with Sports Business Journal which shared Ken Belson's article for the The New York Times. I've offered similar commentary, and personal communication, with/to other reporters like Eric Jackson from Sportico here and on Twitter. https://lnkd.in/gjKrwABm

Here’s my piece on the Greyhounds’ 10-year reunion! Dive into the front-page feature on the milestone anniversary of their first state championship! #SportsJournalism #AnniversaryFeature #HeadlineStory"

In the words of Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith, "I love it when a plan comes together." More than 3 years ago our friends and former clients in Sturgis mentioned they were in need of an idea that would support attendance growth from younger riders and increased participation in the last weekend of the famed Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Our team brought forward an idea that more than a few called crazy, too complex, too difficult and likely ineffective. We disagreed. Over those 3 years there were countless trips to Sturgis, city council meetings, creative renderings, partnership discussions and most importantly a belief that our solution would help the city and the rally achieve their objectives. It was a long road but one that was absolutely worth it. Today, thanks to our friends Ads of Brands, MarComm News, The Denver Egotist and LBBonline - Little Black Book, the results are in and they're incredibly positive. The reports justify the investment in the race for the local economy and the Sturgis Rally overall. Read about it here:https://lnkd.in/gNS_A_Jn It's good to be curious. It's better to be brave. #businessunusual #experiential #creative

Racing Through Life: Paul Zindrick's Journey of Resilience and Relationship Building #leaderlead Told with a narrative voice of Richard Petty, the King --- > Video links in the comments for part 5 Well now, let me tell ya 'bout this chat on LeadersLead where Zach and Paul Zindrick got together. Paul's story, it's like a good ol' race at Daytona – full of twists, turns, and a whole lot of heart. Paul, he started off talkin' 'bout hittin' the reset button on his life, movin' from Minnesota to California and then to Cincinnati. That's like shiftin' gears in a stock car, findin' the right path on the track. It's about knowin' when to hold back and when to push forward, just like we do in racin'. Then he dives into how he got into the NASCAR industry with JTG Doherty Racing. Reminds me of the days when we'd find those golden opportunities in the pit stops of life. He made a connection with Kroger, through a good buddy AJ – that's racin' for ya, always about the team you build and the folks who got your back. Paul's personal life, with his son by marriage, is like the loyal crew behind a racer. He doesn't call him a stepson, 'cause in our world, family is family, no matter how they come into your life. It's about stickin' together through the ups and downs, just like a pit crew that's there through every lap. Talkin' 'bout his big win at the Daytona 500, now that's a tale. Reminds me of the thrill of crossin' that finish line first. It's not just about drivin' fast; it's about strategy, teamwork, and keepin' your eye on the prize. Victory at Daytona, that's the dream of every driver and team in NASCAR. Paul's advice to the young guns lookin' to break into sports marketing and corporate partnerships? It's all about relationships, just like in racin'. In this sport, it ain't just your driving skills; it's the people you know, the hands you shake, and the bonds you make. Zach, talkin' 'bout Paul's work with the military community, now that's a mark of a true champion. In racin', it's not just about the trophies and the glory; it's about givin' back, supportin' those who stand for us. That's what makes a legend in my book. Their conversation wrapped up with a commitment to keep on rollin', to keep on makin' a difference. That's racin', and that's life – you keep your foot on the gas, eyes on the road, and you never stop chasin' that checkered flag. Paul Zindrick's story, as told to Zach on LeadersLead, it's like a great race – full of challenges, victories, and the kind of spirit that keeps you goin'. It's a reminder that in racin', just like in life, it's the journey and the folks you meet along the way that make it all worth it. #veterans #military #racing #nascar #kroger #stenhousejr #daytona #daytona500 #daytona500champion #driver #vlog #instagram #army #airforce #navy #marines #coast #excitement #excited #wow #unreal #speed #bridgestone #pirelli #firestone #ford #chevy #toyota #leadership #mentoring #business 

I have about 100 irons in the fire all the time. And so should you. As a racer and a business owner, we don't make it to the track unless a very strict set of stars align. ✅ Funding ✅ Car prep ✅ Trailer prep ✅ Driver equipment ✅ Race equipment ✅ Marketing materials ✅ Media equipment ✅ Sponsor supplies The list goes on. And each one of those boxes has a dropdown with a laundry list of things that must happen as well. It is a difficult balancing act that every successful racer has to master. But that is what it takes. If you aren't ready to face that list of your own and take it all on at once, than you aren't ready to go racing. That being said, no one can do it completely solo. You have to have help to alleviate some of the pressure. If you are looking for help on the digital/branding side of things, let's talk about it. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for reading my post! I help racers increase their sponsorship value, grow a larger following & get more opportunities to race. If you liked this post, follow me here on LinkedIn! #racing #motorsports #branding #sportsmarketing

🏎️ Who wants to get wet? Weather Impact on the British Grand Prix 🏎️ 🏁 The British Grand Prix at #Silverstone is known for its high-speed corners and unpredictable #weather, which can significantly affect the race's outcome. In this year's race, mixed conditions could play a crucial role in determining the #winner. 🏁 Just as #F1 teams prepare for variable weather, #businesses must be #agile 🚀 and ready to #pivot in response to economic shifts, supply chain disruptions, or sudden changes in #consumer #behavior 🧲 🏁 Regarding the impact on Teams and Drivers Tire #Strategy - #Flexible strategies are essential, as the track can alternate between dry and wet within a few laps. Qualifying Sessions - Rain can lead to unexpected grid positions, shuffling the usual pecking order and offering mid-field teams a chance to start higher up. Silverstone has a history of weather-affected races. The 2008 British Grand Prix saw torrential rain that tested drivers' skills to the limit, with #LewisHamilton delivering a memorable wet-weather performance. This year's forecast could set the stage for another #legendary race. 🏁 Is it going to work for the #British drivers? There are three in pole position!

Accepting defeat is just as crucial as celebrating victory. Each loss leads us on the path to deeper understanding and resilience. It’s the stumbles and setbacks that sharpen our focus and strengthen our resolve, much like my experience at Road Atlanta during the final race of the 2021 IMSA season. With high hopes, we were racing the Camaros, meticulously prepped despite a power reduction mandated by IMSA. We qualified well, and during the race, our cars performed brilliantly—navigating the unpredictable conditions and mechanical challenges. Just when it seemed we were poised for a podium finish, a minor collision and a subsequent technical hiccup led to a disqualification. From potential winners to disqualification, the roller coaster of emotions was intense. This experience, though bitterly disappointing, wasn't just about losing a race; It was an important lesson in persistence and perspective. It reminded us that success isn't just about crossing the finish line first but about the resilience and teamwork it takes to compete at this level. Life, like racing, throws unexpected challenges our way. It’s not the setbacks that define us but how we respond to them. We learn more from our failures than our victories, gaining insights that fuel our future strategies. So, as you face your own races, remember that every setback is a setup for a comeback. #Resilience #Perspective #LosingLessons

Are you aware that NASCAR is back in Chicago? This weekend's second Chicago Street Race is a chance for NASCAR to deliver on what it planned last year before torrential rain disrupted the event. The big picture: The 2.2-mile course that weaves through Grant Park was a tough sell to a city not as consumed with racing as other sports, but NASCAR is using it to attract a wider, more diverse fan base. Friction point: Even before last year's event was disrupted by rain, commuters were mad about street closures in the Loop, downtown residents and alders complained about noise and pollution, and Taste of Chicago fans were frustrated the event lost its summertime Chi slot. Between the lines: Former Mayor Lori Lightfoot brokered the city's contract with NASCAR, which runs through 2025, so some thought Mayor Brandon Johnson would wave it goodbye once he took office in 2023. -The agreement can be terminated with at least 180 days' notice without compensation or damages. Reality check: He didn't. But NASCAR and the city negotiated for six fewer days of race set-up and breakdown — from 25 to 19 — for this year's race. What they're saying: "Our unparalleled skyline provides a stunning backdrop for NASCAR's television and streaming audiences, and that's to say nothing of the economic benefits that come with the event," Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce CEO Jack Lavin told Axios in a statement. Zoom in: Saturday's lineup includes The Loop 110 (50 laps), performances by Buddy Guy, the Black Keys and the Chainsmokers, and Q&As with drivers. -The big race, Grant Park 165 (75 laps), is Sunday at 3:30pm with performances by Lauren Alaina and Keith Urban earlier in the afternoon. -NBC will also broadcast the races. If you go: Two-day tickets start at $269 and go up to more than $3,000 for hospitality suites. -New this year is a general admission one-day ticket for $150, with kids free on Saturday and $45 on Sunday (alongside an adult ticket). -Metra has also announced more trains will be running for the event. #nascar #chicago #grantpark #downtown #racing #city

It’s been a rollercoaster year so far for the Williams Racing team, but it’s not over yet. The news of Dorilton Capital’s purchase of the team stirred some emotions at first, but now it seems that the team is charting its course towards financial stability and competitive resurgence, despite some of the recent challenges. Team Principal James Vowles recently shed light on the team's financial journey, emphasizing the need for sustained investment to propel Williams back to the top of the Formula One grid. Despite these previously mentioned recent struggles, Williams Racing remains steadfast in its commitment to excellence, which is a symptom of the team I so well know by now. Vowles acknowledges the imperative of ongoing investment from owner Dorilton Capital to fortify the team's financial standing and fuel its competitive ambitions. With a rich history boasting nine constructors' championships, Williams Racing is poised for a transformative revival. Strategic investments are earmarked to modernize infrastructure, enhance technological capabilities, and foster a culture of innovation within the organization. The infusion of capital from Dorilton Capital marks a pivotal turning point for Williams Racing, safeguarding jobs and preserving the team's legacy in Formula One. This strategic partnership underscores a shared vision for sustained success and long-term growth. I used to be an avid supporter of Williams Racing, so I believe this investment heralds a new era of prosperity and competitiveness for the team. The revitalised Williams Racing is primed to reclaim its position among the elite in Formula One, leveraging cutting-edge technology, top-tier talent, and unwavering determination. But there is always another hairpin bend in the road ahead. Only time will tell… What are your thoughts on this? If you would like to chart a steady and safe course forward for the scaling and growth of your own business venture, then get in touch with me or the team at Salamander Advisory today. If you want to meet your new “pit crew” or see more about how we can put your business in pole position, take a look at the link below: https://lnkd.in/gaAF-T82 #FormulaOne #racing #DoriltonCapital #WilliamsRacing #VC