Michael Kraabel

    Branding - Marketing - CMO - Creative Direction - Minneapolis

    Writing Brand Voyagers

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    For many years, I’ve had a burning desire to document my experiences and insights into branding and marketing. As a Creative Director and Marketing Strategist, I’ve spent countless hours developing strategies, processes, and approaches that have shaped numerous brands. Now, I’m finally taking the time to write it all down in “Brand Voyagers.” This book…

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    Understanding and Utilizing Brand Archetypes in Branding

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    Brand archetypes are powerful tools that help marketers define and communicate a brand’s personality, purpose, and position. Rooted in Carl Jung’s psychological theories, archetypes represent universal symbols and themes that resonate with people across cultures and time. In branding, these archetypes help focus efforts, ensuring consistency and authenticity in brand messaging and experiences. The History…

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    The Modern Take-Down Culture: A Personal Reflection and a Call for Empathy

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    In today’s digital age, the line between civil discourse and personal attacks has blurred. As someone who’s been the face of a company under public scrutiny, I’ve experienced firsthand how quickly criticism can escalate into personal attacks. The internet, with its message boards and review sites, has fostered a toxic trend where people, fueled by…

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    Reflecting on Bishop+Rook’s Journey and Lessons Learned

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    When I started Bishop+Rook, I wrote a letter expressing my passion for vintage Land Rovers and the joy I found in connecting with others who shared this enthusiasm. I laid out a vision to create a company dedicated to restoring these iconic vehicles to their original factory condition. Our goal was to honor the heritage…

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    Reviving Red White & Blue

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    When we think of American beer history, names like Budweiser and Pabst Blue Ribbon often dominate the conversation. Yet, nestled in the annals of brewing lore is a brand that once held a cherished spot in the hearts of beer lovers: Red White & Blue. This brand, rich with history and cultural significance, is poised…

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    Creative Revolution – Reimagining Vintage Advertising

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    Our latest Lab Challenge is called “Creative Revolution,” and it is an opportunity to travel through time to reimagine vintage advertising for the modern world. This initiative invites you to explore the roots of advertising, understand the historical context of past campaigns, and infuse them with contemporary sensibilities and creativity. Creative Revolution is a project…

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    Hapu the Weaver and the Birth of Advertising

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    Advertising, as we understand it today, has a rich and fascinating history that stretches back to ancient civilizations. Among the earliest known examples of advertising is the story of Hapu the Weaver, an Egyptian craftsman whose innovative approach to promoting his business has left an indelible mark on the annals of marketing history. The Context:…

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    Embracing Technology in Marketing

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    The marketing industry has always been a fertile ground for innovation, often driven by the latest technological advancements. In 2024, this trend shows no sign of abating. Instead, technology continues to act as a powerful disruptor, reshaping how we connect with audiences, craft narratives, and measure success. While the adoption of new tools invariably raises…

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    Rebranding Strategy

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    Rebranding is a strategic initiative that involves altering the corporate image of an organization. It is a market strategy that can entail changing a brand’s name, symbol, or design to reestablish its presence in the market. Rebranding transcends visual updates, requiring a variety of strategic and operational efforts to reposition the brand effectively. Levels of…

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    Voyager DISTIL Methodology

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    The Voyager DISTIL Methodology is a comprehensive approach designed to streamline project development and execution. It focuses on five key phases: Define, Investigate, Strategize, Transform, Implement, and Learn. Each phase enhances clarity, fosters innovation, and ensures successful project outcomes. The Voyager DISTIL Methodology provides a robust framework for organizations struggling with change. By offering clarity,…

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