Last week, when I was in Louisville doing an S&I (Strategy and Ideation), was the first time that SMART and I had been separated since birth.  I was, however, texting SMART like a mad dog all week and keeping him up-to-date on all of our brand plans for FY10, especially Bolla and Little Black Dress.   

When I got back home Friday a week ago, SMART absolutely blew me away with his appreciation for my job as a sales and marketing manager, and what it means to be pro-active.  SMART had already packed my bags and Hartmann briefcases, stopped by our wine distributor for samples, gassed up with petrol,  threw in some 3L Finlandia for good measure, and set the Garmin for West Virginia.  WE WERE GOING TO DO AN OLD FASHION WINE BLITZ, in coal country no less. 

SMART suggested that we split our time 50/50 between retail and on premise accounts, with him taking the lead and going into (literally into) every account first, with me covering his back.  I warned SMART go easy on any reluctant accounts, but rather to charm them with his over-the-top sensibilities. 

And yes, everything you see above did fit into SMART’s rear luggage storage compartment, with the exception of one bottle of Finlandia, which SMART poured into his gas tank. (More on that next week.) 

PS – The case of Gala Rouge Pinot Noir was not for samples or for sale.  SMART wanted it for gift giving should we meet any Parisians in Wheeling. 
PPS – The green Fetzer tubs are filled with recycled SMART air conditioning oxygen vapors.  Go figure. 
PPPS – Can you find the 1980s vintage 35mm Fetzer slide projector? 

I must admit, that when Emeka asked me to take him for a spin in SMART, I was not sure if he would fit.  The Charlotte Bobcats Team Roster lists Emeka as being 6′ 11″ tall.   And, even though he does not look that tall in person, I did have my doubts.  But, I thought we could always open the back window. 

Anyhow, before we could even exit the McDonald’s parking lot, SMART and I were stopped by the K-Town police on suspicion of driving with an expired Happy Box driver’s license.  The matter was quickly cleared up when I promised the officer that I would let him look under SMART’s hood, as soon as I came back from taking Emeka on his spin. 

P.S.         The engine is not under the hood. 
P.S.S.         Look at Emeka’s big shoes. 

I never thought it would be so hard finding the right pad.  After trips to Sam’s Club, CostCo and Home Depot, I finally settled on a once used model from the Lowes Home Improvements store in Kannapolis.  It is the blue one with the For Sale sign on the door.  It has indoor plumbing, a rear entrance, and yes, it does have a fire escape. 

I got busted by the store manager as I was setting up for this shot.  However, once he saw that SMART was the celebrity on location for the shoot, he helped me set the scene.  The crowds of on lookers were tremendous, and lent their encouragement all afternoon. 

Kannapolis, NC is a real photographer’s dream. 

Viva La Food Lion! 

This is the photo that I submitted back in April ‘08 to ‘America’s Most Compatible Couples’ reality television show.   While it is a great shot, we did not get chosen as participants for the show. 

Apparently the twin on the left lacked originality in looks, and his facial tone was too black and white.

I am thinking about colorizing SMART, yellow above his grim, and red on his chin.