I’m Sorry
I’m only human, and believe it or not, I make mistakes. I know you find that hard to believe from a guy who has made his living by #winning. Sometimes I say the wrong thing. Sometimes I do the wrong thing. Sometimes I compound the error by doing both. Through the years I have had to apologize for a bunch of screw-ups, but one thing is for sure — if I make a mistake once, I try my darndest to never make that mistake again. Mistakes are okay to make as long as you learn from them.
But I am also a very busy human and I tend not to realize that I have made a mistake because I am moving at 100 MPH. So this week, I thought I would kill two birds with one stone: 1) I am making a list of people I need to apologize to, and 2) I am apologizing to them publicly in the Weekly Report. This way, they will know I am sincere in my apology, my loyal readers will hopefully be entertained, and I will be humbled (sort of).
- To my son, Jack, I apologize for yelling at you several times this week. (Yes, it was my fault for yelling. Try not to screw up too much next week so I don’t have to apologize again next Friday.)
- To my friends at The Richmond Ad Club, I apologize for last week’s email. It missed the mark. You guys did a great job pivoting after COVID-19 and pulling off a well-run virtual Richmond Show. Your hard work is appreciated.
- To my four-legged fur baby, Gertie, I want to apologize for not taking you on a long walk in more than two weeks. Although not an excuse, the days have just been too hot and at night the streets have been too dangerous.
- To the guy who graffitied Madison+Main’s Worldwide HQ, I’m sorry I wasn’t there to beat you when you spray painted ACAB on my building.
- To my employees at the Texas Inn, I am sorry about the verbal abuse that you have suffered trying to enforce the mandatory mask order.
- To Communication Director Kent Brockwell, I’m sorry about taking the last Bud Light out of the break room fridge. This Bud’s (not) for you.
- To my 3,124 Facebook friends, I would like to personally apologize for my high school friend Peter and his trolling political rants. I agree with you…the guy is a little nuts. But what the hey, friends are friends, right?
- To my sister Katherine, my Mom, my brother-in-law James, and my nieces Isabel and Olivia, I am so sorry that I have not come to visit you in 2020. I am not making any excuses, but there is a global pandemic and I have been a little busy. (I am going to visit you in Charleston before Labor Day.)
Monday, July 27 – Lights, Camera, Action!
We had a long, but productive start to the week on Monday. We started at 7 a.m. shooting a TV ad on location at Cedarfield and it only took us 13.5 hours to shoot a 30-second spot. Special thanks to our friends at Broadscope Media, Creative Director Art Webb and Account Executive Andrew Simpson, and the talented actors and actresses from Liquid Talent. It was 99 degrees in the shade and we all had to wear our masks, all day, inside and outside. (I will never complain again about having to wear my mask again for 13.5 minutes in Kroger.)
On Monday, Account Executive Allison Nida celebrated her 29th birthday for the second year in a row. I am told that she had a great time. I do not know because I was not invited to the party. In all seriousness, happy birthday Allison. We are so proud of you for raising $535 on your birthday fundraiser for our clients at Housing Families First.
Tuesday, July 28 – Raise A Glass
If you’re searching for a locally produced spirit to enjoy during your virtual happy hours, look no further. We are proud to announce that our clients at A. Smith Bowman Distillery recently swept the Best Virginia Whiskey Category at the 2020 International Whiskey Competition. Their Bowman Brothers Small Batch Virginia Straight Bourbon Whiskey won first place, Isaac Bowman Virginia Straight Port Barrel Finished Bourbon Whiskey won second place, and John J. Bowman Virginia Straight Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey won third place. Master Distiller Brian Prewitt said, “As Virginia’s oldest distillery, we are proud to honor the legacy of our state’s first settlers by continuing to produce top-quality spirits. We feel honored for the recognition.”
Wednesday, July 29 – A Special Message to Andrew’s Parents
On Wednesday we said goodbye to Account Executive Andrew Simpson for a few days as he takes some much-needed R&R at his parent’s house in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Andrew’s last assignment on Wednesday, before he went on vacation, was to film this special message from me to his parents.
Thursday, July 30 – We’re Going Live
On Thursday we logged onto Facebook Live for Episode 8 of Convos with Clients featuring Alliance Group COO Andy Poarch and Account Executive Geoff Zindren. Their full-service public relations and government relations firm has over two decades of experience assisting top-tier clients across the Mid-Atlantic and we’re proud to have them as our partners. Learn how their team can help you with your next large-scale branding campaign here.
Friday, July 31 – Shhhh, it’s Super Secret Stuff
Many of the Madison+Main-iacs have sacrificed their summer hours today, and wonderful weekend ahead to work on a very special project that will affect all Virginians in a positive way. I wish I could tell you more but I have been sworn to secrecy. I am not kidding. Someone in a dark suit and even darker sunglasses is standing over my shoulder as I type this. Stay tuned — good news is coming very soon. Maybe even next w… *loses signal.*
A Few of Our Favorite Events
Master Distiller’s Dinner at A. Smith Bowman Distillery
1 Bowman Drive | Fredericksburg, VA
November 14, 2020 | 6-9 p.m.
Smith Bowman Distillery and Earth Apple LLC have partnered to bring you a unique bourbon experience! Master Distiller Brian Prewitt will start the evening off with a guided tasting of rare Abraham Bowman Limited Edition Whiskies, accompanied by delectable small bites specially selected by Chef Jessica Wilkins. Following the tasting, Chef Jessica will treat guests to a 3-course dinner served with carefully crafted bourbon cocktails. Tickets will cost $125 per person and go on sale October 14 at 10 a.m. via Eventbrite.
Got an upcoming event you want to share? Can we come? Send us the deets!
“Is it too late now to say sorry?”
— Justin Bieber