Adding to our automotive expertise is Blue Magic, makers of car care and appearance products. As agency of record, our first task will be to launch an all-inclusive wheel and tire cleaning kit with creative launching this spring.

National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) and their dance counterpart, National Dance Association (NDA) selected us to be their agency of record to help them raise their profile and preference among teenagers and school cheer/dance programs. Our work will include a national print campaign as well as promoting their camps and competitions.

Western Governors University is one of the most highly regarded online institutions in the country and we were proud to be selected to launch their new WGU Texas branch. An introductory campaign comprised of TV, radio and outdoor will break late January with the goal of encouraging thousands of prospective new students to get the degree they’ve always wanted.

Last, but certainly not least, we’re very pleased to add another media client to the roster. Verizon Fios has tapped our local expertise on a planning project to help them gain better awareness and penetration into the DFW market.

Work is already well under way for each of these terrific new additions and we look forward to generating great results for them in the year ahead.

Then, the holiday season rolled around. To me, the holidays mean Starbucks. And Starbucks, like an all-knowing Santa, came through for me – with Crème Brulee Latte. Woo hoo. Wrapped in sugar and tied off with caffeine, this little gift kept me coming back all season.

Since folks know Starbucks is a treat I don’t always afford myself, I got three gift cards for Christmas. The sticker on one urged me to register it online. There, I found I could combine the cards and carry only one. I could also earn points for my purchases. Woo hoo. I was back in the fold. When I found myself with some spare change in February, I reloaded my Starbucks card.

March rolls around and Starbucks intros their bold coffees. Driven in to try the Pike’s Peak Roast, I get a passport. Try all eight flavors and get a pound of coffee. Woo hoo. I love free stuff.

Today is Free Pastry Day. I go in for the newest bold and a Zucchini Walnut Muffin. I realize I forgot to stamp my passport last week for Italian Roast (I tried it, really). Do they hassle me? No, they happily give me the retroactive sticker. And, do they hassle anyone for not having their Free Pastry coupon? No. In fact, they are offering everyone, coupon or not, a free pastry. It’s a pastry love fest.

And they have samples. Free packets of Via. Tastes of different blends. And more pastry. Woo hoo. I take the Via and make it when I get to the office. It doesn’t hold a candle to the cup I just finished, but I think it might be nice to keep a few packets in my briefcase for when I am in a coffee pinch.

And soon, I’ll be getting my free pound of beans. Woo hoo. That will probably spoil me. I’ll think about buying their beans, maybe just once in a while.

Go back to the beginning, I am a reluctant Starbucks user – one who has left the franchise (more than once actually). They entice me back. Then, they deliver delight. There’s a lot to learn there.

Now, go get your free pastry before they run out.

If you haven’t already, you ought to read it. By the end you feel like you really know the guy, and you can’t believe what a waste it was for him to lose his battle with addiction. A book that is equal parts funny and sad.

Amazing to me was the admiration and respect that other comedy greats had for him. I always thought he was funny, but it was really interesting to hear others known for their acting and comedy skills speak of him as unique and special.

Hope you enjoy. Let me know what you think.

So, here’s the deal. In exchange for the time you’re giving us, we commit to:

- Share things we think will be of some value to you.
- Limit the grand-standing and self-promotion.
- Listen.
- Make mistakes. We find there are lots of those on the path to anything good.

Pretty simple exchange really. We hope it’s one you’ll choose to make now and again.