The “brand” I was referring to in my post? Star Trek! I’m not one of those fanatics, but I’ve enjoyed the whole Star Trek concept and execution for decades, and I still enjoy watching episodes from the original series. As with Superman, or Rocky, or Batman, some of these “larger than life” series end up with an incredibly long lifespan, and great fan attachment.

Samuel Adams – Finally, a beer that tastes like, well… a beer. Finely crafted every time fufilling the promise of a deep rich embodied lager. Drank one my freshman year in college and I was hooked for life.

Adobe- I’m a designer and creative by nature so I would of course tout the tools of the trade. These folks develop tools that make my job a little easier…and without patches.

Pixar now Disney Pixar – A creative power house that always delivers quality entertainment with memorable characters and heartwarming stories. Walt would be proud of Steve.

Miramax – Artistic films that have a broad appeal to the masses.

Boston Bruins – One of the original six hockey teams that manage their brand well.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)- ASPCA’s Marketing Director successfully raised their branding awareness from grassroots to the mainstream of animal issues.

Memorable brands are those that engage the heart, mind and soul of the audience. All senses are engaged to influence the consumer to order that pilsner, buy the latest software or view the latest film release. We wear our favorite brands on shirts, hats, and other apparel…and so do our cars. It is amazing to me how much branding really influences our choices and decision making.

It definitely satisfies the ‘all time’ requirement and if ‘favorite’ means that it provokes an emotional response… then this fits well. I’ve always loved the Superman franchise – still do.

Moreover, it wont ever be replaced… only retold and extended. The brand stands for everything good in the world (and krypton!) so will continue to be a metaphor for hope, freedom and justice… which will only become more relevant as the years progress.

McDonalds The golden arches are recognized around the world. Their mascot is a happy clown. Their sandwiches are almost a brand all their own. If someone says they want a Quarter-Pounder or Big Mac, you know they want McDonalds.

Disney W.E. Disney set out to entertain. When you think Disney, you think entertainment, be it movies, television, music, theme parks, etc. Mickey’s ears are everywhere.

Coca-Cola Growing up in the south, we had a word for soda…Coke.

As a designer I use their products so often that it’d be a tough job without them.

I’ve got to say without a doubt: Google. They’ve stuck with me through the thick and the thin searching the to the ends of the world (and my desktop) for information I need in an instant.

Have I forgotten a phone number? Need to navigate in a foreign country? Need to get that website I was on a few weeks ago? Well, Google knows where it is and I’m left happy as Larry as it pops instantly onto my desktop/laptop.

Also, you’d think a free seminar hosted by such a large company would be a pretty small event, but not Google’s AdSense seminar. There was beer, wine, pastries, snacks and waiters tending to us. Then, to top it off, the event was held at the Hilton hotel where I live.

Even with such a huge company, Google just does things right. They deliver two-fold, the value you would recive from their competition and their attention to the needs of their customers is second to none. I suppose they know more than anyone out there seeing as they store so much data about me.

I’m sure there are a lot of other Google “fan bois” out there, just like me. Even writing this this right now solidifies my respect for the company.

Good question, Steve…