Even though people are under economic pressure, they still want to support those brands with values that are compatible with their own.

Authentic brands don't emerge from marketing cubicles or advertising agencies. They emanate from everything the company does.

Who wants a dream that's near-fetched?

Even though people are under economic pressure, they still want to support those brands with values that are compatible with their own.

On balance, I am a supporter of the minimum wage going up. We've got to be very careful what we wish for because some employers - and there could be a lot of them - will be scared away from hiring new people or creating incremental hours for part-time people as a result of that wage going up.

I really believe that you cannot use the stock market as a proxy for the economy.

The rules of engagement around building a brand have changed significantly over the past 10 to 15 years. Where companies at one time could spread their message through traditional marketing, consumers now seek an enduring emotional connection with the companies they patronize. The foundation of that connection is the most important characteristic of building a world-class brand: trust. Trust with your people and trust with your customers.