Author Archives: Rod Schwartz

About Rod Schwartz

Rod Schwartz backed into a lifelong career in radio advertising in 1973 in Springfield, Illinois. He joined the Pullman (Wash.) Radio Group in 1979, where he worked until his retirement at the end of 2022. Since 1991, Rod and his family have operated Grace Broadcast Sales (GraceBroadcast.com), providing short-form syndicated radio features to radio and TV stations across the U.S. and Canada. Rod also operates an independent advertising, marketing, and communications consultancy for small business owners and professionals, FirstStrikeAdvertising.com. An avid photographer, Rod shares some of his favorite images of the Palouse at PalousePics.com and on his Viewbug gallery.

An Email from a Listener About the Commercials

Posted on November 27, 2023 by Rod Schwartz

The email read, in part: Was listening to the local news this morning…which is always informative and entertaining…. and just wanted to say that two relatively new commercials have broken into my Top 5. #1. Moscow & Pullman Eye Care.  Those … Continue reading →

Posted in Advertising (General), Branding, Client-voiced commercials, Communication, Copy, Copywriting, Radio Advertising, Radio Commercials, Radio Copywriting, Radio Production, Slogans and taglines, Storytelling, Voiceover | Leave a comment

Inexpensive Tools to Help Grow Your Sales or Business—Introducing AppSumo

Posted on August 29, 2023 by Rod Schwartz

If you’re an entrepreneurial salesperson, marketer, or business operator, you’re going to love this! AppSumo is a clearinghouse for a ton of inexpensive and highly useful digital tools for sales and marketing, to help you expand your effectiveness! Here are 5 … Continue reading →

Posted in Business, Communication, graphic design, Internet, Problem-solving, Productivity, Promotions, Sales & Marketing | Leave a comment

The 100 Most Valuable Brands

Posted on July 24, 2023 by Rod Schwartz

From Visual Capitalist, the top 100 brands in 2023, ranked according to value. Amazon, Apple, and Alphabet’s Google lead the pack, and U.S. companies comprise half of this year’s top brands. According to VC: Amazon ranks number one globally with its … Continue reading →

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On Creativity – lessons from LA Gear, Jesse Stone, James Bond, and the Bible)

Posted on July 27, 2022 by Rod Schwartz

“That’s really creative—I like it!” For an ad writer, getting that kind of reaction to a new spot or campaign idea brings joy-joy feelings. But what makes someone creative? Is it innate or learned behavior? What exactly is creativity? I … Continue reading →

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“Make Us Famous”

Posted on July 4, 2022 by Rod Schwartz

Early in his snarky, whip-smart analysis of what advertising can and cannot do for a business or brand, veteran adman Bob Hoffman asks:  – Why do some actors get million dollar fees for appearing in movies while other equally good actors get … Continue reading →

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The Era of the Ear

Posted on May 1, 2022 by Rod Schwartz

“…there is virtually no waking moment that isn’t now an OTL (opportunity to listen) to some form or other of third-party content.” – Charles Vallance Despite the many constraints of lockdowns and pandemic living, there are two parts of us … Continue reading →

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This Appliance Dealer Digs April Fool’s Day (and these Radio Commercials Prove It)

Posted on March 29, 2022 by Rod Schwartz

Every year at this time, I get to do something extra special—and thoroughly enjoyable, as Don Frei, co-owner of Howard Hughes Appliance, Television, and Sleep Shop in Moscow, Idaho, and I collaborate on creating radio commercials that hit the airwaves … Continue reading →

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Meet Your Listeners/Customers Where They Are

Posted on December 18, 2021 by Rod Schwartz

by Roy H. Williams This article was originally published in Williams’ Monday Morning Memo (10/4/21) and reprinted in RadioInk (11/8/21). Understanding the distinction between transactional and relational customers is vitally important for business owners and advertising professionals alike, and no … Continue reading →

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Harness the Power of a Five-Second Ad

Posted on October 7, 2021 by Rod Schwartz

I sold my first five-second radio commercials back in 1975. For the record, that’s thirty years before Clear Channel would proclaim “Less Is More” and with great fanfare begin offering five-second “adlets” or two-second “blinks.” Twitter founder Jack Dorsey had not … Continue reading →

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WHAT GOOD WRITERS DO

Posted on July 21, 2021 by Rod Schwartz

Good writing makes us feel deeply. If you’ve ever loved a canine companion, these words will reduce you to a puddle. And you will feel richer for having read them. Because good writing touches our emotions. Good writing also paints … Continue reading →

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