About a year ago I was making arrangements for an associate who was in town for a conference and looking for accommodation. Before I continue, let me add that I am an enthusiastic environmentalist and advocate for liveable communities who walks, bikes and takes transit everywhere. I don’t even own a driver’s license. So imagine my horror when, on inquiring about bus transportation between one prospective hotel and the conference venue, I was told by the giddy desk clerk on the other end of the line to forget about the bus. “Bus-schmus!” she laughed. “We have a Hummer!” (more…)

Readers of the Sage Advisor have come to recognize the unmistakable voice of Stagecoach Designs’ CEO Melanie Parish. Her personal stories of brands-gone-bad, missed opportunities, and marketing successes–spiced up with a dash of life with twin two-year olds–have been appearing every second week for almost a year. In her articles, Melanie takes on the role of brand coach. She is keenly observant, quietly funny and full of smart and creative recommendations to right the marketing wrongs she encounters in her day-to-day life. (more…)