Planet Propaganda

From Acid-Washed Jeans to Hall of Fame: What Just Happened?! I got inducted into the Wisconsin Advertising Hall of Fame late last week (still checking to make sure they didn't mix up my name with someone else's). In 1989, I founded Planet at the age of 24. I was still wearing acid-washed jeans and had a haircut that made me look like I was auditioning for a Thompson Twins tribute band. It was a simpler time then. All I wanted was to create great work and make a decent living. As anyone in this industry knows, the advertising world has a way of whacking you upside the head. There are triumphant highs that make you believe in your own mythology, followed by humbling lows that remind you of your humanity. I've experienced both, most of the time within the same afternoon. I learned early on that if you want to stick around, you need to take both the highs and the lows in stride. Along the way, one of the most profound lessons I've learned was the power of gratitude. And DAMN, I have a lot to be grateful for. First, I want to thank the Hall of Fame committee for this incredible and unexpected honor. To the creative community in Wisconsin – you've been our foundation and support system for over three decades. You rock, we love you, and we can't thank you enough. I'm forever indebted to Anne Garner, my college professor who taught me how to push the work. She always used to say "push it" when the work wasn't good enough. Those words still challenge and haunt me every day. To all my partners, especially John Besmer, who stood with me through the ups and downs this industry hurls at you. The difficult years taught us as much as the successful ones. More importantly, they showed me the depth of John's character and why I'm so fortunate to call him my friend. To all of the crazy talented Planet People, past and present – you've brought brilliance, creativity, and, most importantly, heart to everything we do. I am even grateful for Giant Angry Beavers and absurd ideas that don't make sense on the surface. They represent something beautiful – the willingness to risk looking foolish in pursuit of something authentic. That courage has built special relationships that have sustained us for decades. Looking back, I'm grateful for every chapter of this story, even the ones I wouldn't choose to read again. They've all led me to this moment, with a heart full of gratitude. Thanks to everyone who's been part of this wild ride - clients who trusted us with their brands, colleagues who pushed the work (Anne would be proud). The crazy ideas, the late nights, the wins, the losses - all of it. This one's for all of us who've been brave enough to pitch Giant Angry Beavers (and other weird stuff) over the years. ?? #AdLife #HallOfFame #StillCantBelieveIt #GiantAngryBeaversForever