Dave vs. Goliath
I’ve been a huge fan of Apple for years and years and years. Its success is an example I have used in presentations and speeches.
I have walked the walk with Apple products. Our computers, our phones, our servers- you guessed it – Apple.
I was a Steve Jobs uber fan. I thought he was a genius. Steve Jobs’ business philosophy centered on creating “insanely great” products by merging technology with liberal arts, driven by passion, intense focus, and minimalist design. He prioritized user experience over technical specifications, and made products that put “a dent in the universe”. Along the way, Apple became the biggest company on Earth and one of the most respected brands.
But no more. Steve Jobs is dead and I don’t feel so good, myself.
This week I had to file a lawsuit against Apple in Richmond Circuit Court. Me vs a $2 Trillion dollar company.
As many of you know, my son Jack died last November. He had an iPhone, a MacBook and an iCloud email. For the last 3 months I’ve been fighting a nameless, faceless bureaucratic behemoth that will not provide Jack’s “digital access,” in violation of Virginia law.
As a young man, Jack had almost everything online. Bank accounts, loans, credit cards, insurance, and more. As his dad and successor of his estate, I’ve been trying to close his affairs. This was done with a Small Estate Affidavit and notarized and sent to everyone – from the bank to the Elections Board. It’s been exhausting work and I am emotionally drained.
However, I cannot finish without getting access to his accounts. Apple, despite getting a death certificate, the estate affidavit and other documents, refuses to provide me access without a court order.
So I had to pay my attorney and file suit against Apple. Unbelievable. I will probably spend any and all money that Jack left in this world fighting the very company he paid to store his data.
My advice to you is this – when you make (or update) your will and estate plan sure to give digital access to your loved ones before you pass. This will save you and your family lots of time and lots of money and heartbreak and frustration.
Never in a thousand years did I think I’d have to sue the brand I’ve loved and respected so much.
MONDAY:
HARP RVA
Monday, VP Leanne Pillow and I joined HARP in the Chesterfield County Jail, to hear more about their mission, serving the greater Richmond community by providing resources, education, treatment, and healthy alternatives to individuals in recovery and those suffering from active addiction. We’re proud to announce that we will be donating more than 100 hours of pro bono work to HARP RVA in 2026. Stay tuned, HARP’s 10th Anniversary is coming up March 19th!
TUESDAY:
THE SOUPERBOWL
The Madison+Main-iacs braved the last of the remaining ice on the roads to gather in the office and prepare for one of the biggest days of the year for advertising–the Super Bowl! And since we don’t miss a chance to make a pun–or a potluck–happen, we hosted our own “Souper Bowl”, sharing soups (and queso and cornbread) made by our team while we checked out the big game commercials that have already been released.
WEDNESDAY:
WHAT’S A SUPERBOWL WITHOUT PIZZA?
No need to wait til Friday this week to hear the insider scoop! On Wednesday I went live on WRVA to talk about the making of a Super Bowl Ad I produced before starting Madison+Main. Are you excited for the Big Game this weekend? Or are the ads the big attraction for you? If you want to understand the bones of what makes a big ad for the “Big Game,” check out the segment here.
That evening, Account Manager Amanda Anderson and a few of our creative team joined Nick Davis, a Richmond photographer with decades of experience and a stellar client list, to photograph the gourmet goodness at our new client, Zorch Pizza. Amanda’s fiance “Chad” aka Thad and a few friends stopped by to help us sample, shoot, and show off their amazing menu. Order Zorch before the big game here, or head to their Forest Hill pizza parlor to watch with them!
THURSDAY:
DUCK, YEAH!
We’re excited to announce a new client joining the Madison+Main family, Lake Effect Decoys! This Michigan-based company offers a unique lineup of “Producks”, designed for the serious waterfowler. Lake Effect produces decoys that work, from the detailed outer surface to their unique internal structure, from smooth lakes to rough waters. Keep an eye out for our upcoming work, that’s literally for the birds!
FRIDAY:
DAVE ON THE AIR, AGAIN!
Called into WRVA for my weekly update with Rich Herrera on all things RVA this weekend – including all the best spots where you can plan to watch the Big Game! ICYMI, here’s the link.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
Screening: Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m..
Takes place before the Liverpool-Manchester City match.
Subject: Terry O’Neill, owner of the Richmond-based Penny Lane Pub.
One of RVA’s iconic watering holes is getting some well-deserved recognition for it’s owner, Terry O’Neill. You can come settle in before the Liverpool/Man City match and learn about the owner of this institution in downtown RVA!
Super Bowl LX
Super Bowl Party, hosted by Paralyzed Veterans of America Mid-Atlantic
Game viewing with food and community vibe so come enjoy an informal watch party and enjoy!
11620 Busy St, Richmond, VA 23236
Come early 6:00 before kick-off time.
Zorch Super Bowl Watch Party – Forest Hill Pizza Parlor
!! SCHEDULE YOUR ORDER AHEAD !!
Try out some themed specials to cheer on your pick for the winner of Superbowl LX – they’re slinging a pie for each team, so you can root for your faves from plate to the big screen!
Try the Teriyattle Cheese Boks, with teriyaki chicken and sauce, bok choy, and romano, or grab a Stew England Tomatriots — your choice! And pop in before kickoff to grab a seat and enjoy the Bowl on every screen.
“Giants are not what we think they are. The same qualities that appear to give them strength are often the sources of great weakness.” – Malcolm Gladwell