Tim O’Brien
Creative Director

“I now pronounce you man and Wasabi Peas.”

Sure, there’s Brand Love. But what about “Brand Marriage?” If such existed, Tim would have most likely presided over many a ceremony. In fact, through the years, Tim has helped unite people and brands as lifelong partners to have and to hold, to honor and cherish, from first purchase forth. Tim is a strategy-first creative who helps craft brand stories that connect. In fact, Tim has spent over 20 years connecting customers and consumers to various food and beverage brands through integrated marketing efforts and award-winning advertising for agencies like Lois/EJL, Campbell-Mithun, Bozell and more.

George Kusch
Creative Director

“Whispering sweet nothings to my pepperoni pizza puffs.”

Love may be blind but “Brand Love” is anything but. At the risk of making Brand Love seem fickle, creating Brand Love is very much dependent upon all the senses. What one sees. What one feels. And if there’s one guy who can make a brand simply irresistible, that guy is George. George masterfully highlights a brand’s sexiest features while crafting a brand story that truly connects. And truly moves customers and consumers to action. In fact, George has spent over 25 years gussying up brands with award-winning creative for agencies like Foote Cone & Belding, RSCG Tatham, Campbell-Mithun and more.

Peter Baughman
Vice President, Communications

“I will fight anyone who disagrees that Gummi Bears are the world’s finest food.”

When it comes to love, we’ve all heard how important communication is. When it comes to Brand Love, that need for clear and powerful communiqués is extremely magnified. Fortunately, there’s Peter. Peter is a masterful marketing wooer, making sure the right message gets to the right people in the most effective and proficient manner. With over 15 years of agency experience including long stints at OMD and Starcom, Peter has perfected his skills regarding the oversight, execution and measurement of all communications (external and internal) via paid, owned, earned and shared platforms.

Steve Megel
Chief Operating Officer

“loving a brand at the age of 6 and sharing it with your grandkids at 60.”

Every Lothario needs a wingman. When it comes to the team of brand love creators here at Foodmix, Steve is that guy. He’s a behind-the-scenes bigwig, overseeing the financial and day-to-day operations of this finely tuned agency. And he’s available to share his financial acumen to help grow clients’ businesses as well. Combine that with his extensive IT and Internet management skills and it’s no wonder Steve has been considered an invaluable asset, ever since his days as a CFO at a communications behemoth and as an officer of major agencies and holding companies.

Sara Hagen
President

“forget the life preserver, throw me a wheel of P’tit Basque.”

How does one get to “Brand Love” from “Brand Like” or “Brand We’re Just Friends”? That’s where Sara comes in. She is Brand Love’s true muse – overseer of the entire Brand Love-building experience. Sara is tirelessly invested and committed to each of Foodmix’s clients – whether she’s crafting a marketing communications plan or collaborating on a client’s future goals and ways to exceed them. Beginning with her years at Nakano Foods, followed by leading the charge for Rich Products at O’Connell, Norton & Partners, up until her current position here at Foodmix, Sara has earned every bit of her esteemed reputation in the food and food marketing industries.

Nadine Baarstad
VP, Client Development

“I believe in two food groups: Bread pudding and ‘other ‘.”

Every company needs a brand advocate, and who better to serve in that role than Nadine? She’s our client development guru who knows how to move our clients from “brand like” to “Brand Love.” Whether she’s attending industry conferences, serving on marketing boards, or scouring media outlets for news, Nadine can spot someone who could use a little Brand Love in their lives. She understands what clients need because she has worked on all sides of the business, from media planning/buying to account direction to TV production. She has won accolades and awards for her work with respected brands including ConAgra, Maybelline, Dial Soap, Humana and more.

Dan O’Connell
Founder/CEO

“I want to bathe in my favorite barbecue.”

When it comes to creating Brand Love, there is no matchmaker quite like Dan. He wields strategic know-how like Cupid’s bow and hones sharp insights into pinpoint-precise arrows that target audience’s collective derriere. In other words, Dan knows what makes the evolving food culture tick. He’s refined his craft for over three decades, both as client and agency guy. In 1988, Dan founded Stricevic & O’Connell – a small marketing firm that quickly blossomed into the Food Marketing Division of Bozell Worldwide. Today, along with overseeing the strategic and creative direction on all major Foodmix accounts, Dan speaks nationally on marketing issues and is involved in several food industry associations.

What Foodmix feels this means for the future.

Times have changed. Well-established brands need to evolve along with an ever-changing food culture. For them, Foodmix continues to utilize our unique B2B2C capabilities to help them own both the retail customer and the ultimate consumer. But the path today is different – the buzz now is all about shifting consumer expectations and behavior – something we have been tracking and acting upon for decades. Who better to help food companies profi t during the Food Renaissance than the team who helped them master the shift from “at-home” to “away-from-home” food spending over the last 30 years? Welcome to the Food Renaissance – let’s get together and create some Brand Love.

©2016 Brand Love Study, Foodmix Marketing Communication

What Foodmix feels this means for the future.

It’s easy to chase headlines, but marketers need to be cautious, especially in today’s food culture. For every trend there is a counter-trend. How many gluten-free products will ultimately survive? What happens when “non-GMO” simply becomes a point of entry? Grabbing a trend and staking your whole reason for being upon it can have significant risks when the trend proves to be a fad or when the market is saturated. Truths last and resonate. Find your “True North” and forge a path that leads your consumers to an unremitting love for your brand.

©2016 Brand Love Study, Foodmix Marketing Communication

What Foodmix feels this means for the future.

Creating brand bonds can take time. But that’s not to say your brand needs to spend decades on the shelves. Creating great experiences is an integral way to attain Brand Love. Your brand needn’t “own” the experience, simply enhance it. If your brand is established, go retro. Not only is retro the rage, it could spark a trigger of happy times. Established brands can also leverage existing equity to create successful line extensions. Newer brands can benefit from this “experience” dynamic as well. How can your product help recreate, or refresh, life experiences consumers hold dear? Creating Brand Love is about fitting your brand into consumers’ lives, not wedging your story into their mind. Be true, and be relevant.