Michael Kraabel

    Branding - Marketing - CMO - Creative Direction - Minneapolis

    What’s Really Going On With TikTok’s Latest Legal Troubles?

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    Let’s talk TikTok. The latest legal battles surrounding the platform have been setting off alarms across industries—privacy concerns, geopolitical drama, and even some whispers of good old-fashioned overreach. If you know me, you know I love a good conspiracy theory as much as the next marketer who’s had too much caffeine and late night blue…

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    Welcome to the Brandverse

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    Great brands don’t just sell products or services—they build worlds. These worlds are immersive spaces where customers not only feel seen and understood but experience a visceral connection that pulls them in, allowing them to escape the noise of daily life. This concept has been the backbone of my branding philosophy for years: create a…

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    The Birth of Catiki Originals

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    It all started with an idea that combined two of my passions: creative experimentation and Tiki art. I’ve always believed that you don’t wait for the right opportunity—you create it. That’s how Catiki Originals was born. I wanted to build a fun, playful creative platform where I could test the latest AI tools and see…

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    Why Political Science Majors Excel at Marketing

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    Marketing isn’t just about selling products or services; it’s about building trust and moving people to act. As a political science major turned brand marketer, I see the connection every day. Political science is a training ground for persuasion, storytelling, and strategy — the same core skills that drive great marketing. My years studying campaigns,…

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    Giving Back Through Brand Building

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    In 2025, I’m reviving one of my favorite passion projects: helping local companies build strong, memorable brands. Once each quarter, I’m dedicating time to work with a small business or entrepreneur to craft their brand story, refine their marketing strategies, and set them up for long-term success. Think of it as a mini brand incubation…

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    Jaguar Release Day

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    Today isn’t just another day for Jaguar—it’s potentially the day. The iconic carmaker is poised at a crossroads: one path could redefine their legacy, and the other might cement the idea that they’ve missed their moment. I’ll be live-blogging the action as it unfolds, sharing the wins, the stumbles, and everything in between. Whether you’re…

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    Why I Love Conspiracy Theories (Even If I Don’t Believe Them)

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    Let me start by saying this: I don’t actually believe most conspiracy theories. That’s not what draws me in. What I find fascinating about them is the sheer creativity—the way they challenge the obvious and spin alternate realities that feel like mental mazes. It’s like looking at the world through a kaleidoscope where every twist…

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    The Story Behind My Favorite Photo: Mia Gonzalez and the Power of 3D Printing

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    Sometimes, a photo becomes more than just an image—it becomes a story, a moment of triumph, and a symbol of what’s possible when technology and humanity come together. One of my favorite photos is of Mia Gonzalez, a young girl who unknowingly became the face of life-saving innovation through a Stratasys case study. Her story,…

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    Building AVIV Vodka: A Decade of Purpose and Partnership

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    A little over a decade ago, I began working on AVIV 613 Vodka. At the time, it wasn’t clear what the journey would look like, but one thing was certain—we weren’t creating just another vodka. This was something different: a product with roots in the land of Israel, shaped by a vision for more than…

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    Jaguar Rebrand: Still Angry, But At Least I’m Not Alone

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    After spending the night tossing and turning over Jaguar’s new branding campaign, I did what any frustrated car lover would do: I dove into the online discussions. What I found didn’t ease my frustration, but it did make me feel less alone. People across automotive forums and social media are echoing my thoughts—this rebrand has…

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