I’VE TAKEN A PARTNER.

The partners here have had a lot of discussions about moving the agency forward and getting to the next level. It became clear that if I could find someone who had a track record of creating award-winning work across all channels, who was renowned in the industry for his new media prowess, and who was a really nice guy, well, then there would be nothing VB&P couldn’t do. To be honest, I wasn’t quite sure this mythological creature existed. But it does. And it goes by the name Will McGinness.

I’m thrilled and downright giddy to say, Will McGinness is joining forces with VB&P (you can read the press release here). He’ll be my creative partner, and he’ll work across accounts just as I do. His title will be my title: Creative Director. The creative leaders here now have another complementary resource to turn to for guidance and direction and multi-platform thinking.

It’s an exciting time. For the agency. For me, personally. And even for the industry, if I may be so bold. It’s going to expect great things from this combination. And I can tell you with complete certainty, the people of this agency are ready for the challenge. Especially the new guy.

THE SF EGOTISTS ASKS. PAUL ANSWERS.

This week, the San Francisco Egotist featured Paul in a Q&A. Read here about the best advice he ever received, why the world doesn’t need another ad agency, and why he thinks San Francisco trumps New York.

THE MAYOR GIVES US THE THUMBS UP.

If you missed our Super Bowl commercial for Audi, then you are practically the only one. Green Car, which aired in the 4th quarter of Super Bowl XLIV, was the second most viewed commercial during the Super Bowl with 115.6 MM viewers (that’s 231.2 MM eyes) making it the second most watched commercial in U.S. history. There were several car companies vying for attention during the big game, but Audi rose to the top, ranking 6th in the USA Today Ad Meter and 1st in the Wall Street Journal poll. People weren’t only watching, they were also talking. “Audi Wins the Super Bowl,” was the title of a piece written by CNET, while Advertising Age ranked us as one of the best spots of the game and wrote, “Very funny for all the obvious reasons.” Edmunds.com posted, “Audi ‘Green Police’ Slays in Super Bowl Ad Wars.” And yes, our very own mayor Gavin Newsom tweeted, “Ok. . .That green police Audi commercial hits home. . .” In the end, Audi gained almost 3 billion media impressions, including coverage of the spots on The Today Show, CNBC, and The CBS Early Show.