Motel 360

The culture of motel verse hotel. Two profoundly similar words, yet two vastly different destinations. Until now.

If you asked me yesterday what I associate with Motel 6, I may have said: blue and red, Cheez-It carpet stains, or crusty bed sheets. Anything besides Priestman Goode, a design firm that found a job where they could do no wrong. Taking Motel 6 and filling the rooms with Ikea looking decor.














My question is, what took Motel 6 so long? Did they just start employing brand managers? Did they start to realize fast food chains have started improving the "in-store" experience and image before them? Yet, they could be the first in the motel category to catch on. Finally, making the motel a value stay.

It reminds me of my unforgettable Super 8 motel experience. Optimistic to come across a Holiday Inn Express with low fuel and heavy eyes, I was forced to settle for the 8 that is super in Ghost Town, Ohio. To make a short story shorter, I slept on the smokey sheets with my jeans stills on. Listening to the Van Reaper sharpen his blade in the room above me.



Motels have the advantage of cheaper rates and roadside real-estate. Accommodating to the savings conscious traveler and those that can't find a hotel due to a faulty Garmin. Renovations to give the motel a clean, modern look, is the keychain to the keys in beginning to change the brand perception. Starting a trend for motels to follow in future hopes to be found in the same consideration set as the hotel.

Workforce Culture is Changing

Today's learners will have 10-14 jobs by the age of 38, and are preparing for 10-14 jobs that may not exist yet. The economy has people who were once choosers, now are beggars. As I watch the news, I see high school janitor jobs attracting hundreds of candidates with a 4-year degree and work experience within hours. Often we apply for jobs that may be a reach, but rarely do we subject ourselves to apply for jobs we know we are overqualified for.

My classmates and I are entering into this circus with our post graduate degrees optimistic, and are ready to play musical chairs... or cubicles if you prefer. One of these classmates, Hank Leber, is fighting the current circumstances by developing an agency with a new pricing strategy - you pay what you think it's worth (go to Agency Nil to find out more on why it is cheaper than freelance and better than interns).

We believe we are unique, we know we are hungry, and we lack the sleep to know otherwise. The illustration above talks to why my specific track can bring value to any company. We help create and evolve culture. Us, along with some help from technology, will be responsible for creating some of the new 10-14 jobs that people will be finding themselves at. Change because you want to, not because you have to. Under our parental control, lets raise this change together.

Blocking the Past Away

Everyone has a soft spot for the underdog. Stories are not made by underdogs, tales are made that last generations. It's thrilling to see dynasties such as the Yankees and Patriots take a lick. We relish in others victories as an underdog because it has the power to uplift a city and even a country. Just like Vince Papale did for the city of Philadelphia or what the "Miracle on Ice" did for the United States when defeating the Soviets.

It's defying the odds. It's the modern day David vs. Goliath on national television, only they have replaced the slingshot with a puck or ball. Michael Oher poses as Goliath on the football field, standing 6'6'' and weighing around 320 pounds. Skill and ability are not what make the All-American Michael Oher an underdog. Rather, he found himself as an underdog to make success out of life (see video above).

The NFL's culture is made up of many players like Michael that grew up without a proper parental figure. Young men with troubled/challenging backgrounds that are suddenly introduced to rich and fame. After learning about Michael's story, which included being enrolled in 11 schools over a 9 year stretch, I assume I was only one of thousands of people who were "in his corner."

I sat there watching the infamous NFL draft with my fingers crossed. Hoping my hometown Vikes would take this special individual with the 22nd pick (plus we needed a right tackle). Of course, we take the Gator with questionable character, Percy Harvin. Michael goes with the next pick to the Baltimore Ravens.

I sat there pondering. The NFL is full of guys with good character who have overcome tremendous odds to fulfill their dreams of playing a game for money. Why don't we know more about these guys? Why do we know what kind of motorcycle Kellen Winslow is riding, what Terrell Owens got his mom for Christmas (probably a pic of his 6-pack), or what record label Pacman Jones is creating? The NFL is responsible for the image it creates for itself as the media decides how it's reputation continues to build everyday.

The NFL as a corporation should be modeled in how they generate year-round interest - free agency, the draft, training camp, and the season. Now is the opportunity to match their model business practices with role models like Michael Oher. After being drafted he said he didn't care if he went in the 7th round... he was happy to get to work... he is ready to play 10+ years for the Ravens. The one takeaway I had from his interview is I saw a poster boy and campaign for the NFL draft for the next 10 years.

Cross Canadian Culture

My roommate and I were a few of the younger ones to attend Cross Canadian Ragweed at Toad's Place. They started the night off with one of my favorites, Alabama. Ironically, the band name has no association with the country Canada. The name comes from a combination of the band members names that have been friends since they were ten years old. It was good to see country rock bring out the cowboy hats on a Richmond Sunday night. If these Richmond faithful hadn't been feeling the music, which the forty-year lady to my right dancing like we were at a Lil Wayne concert showed they were, they were sure to admire the inked skin of lead singer Cody Canada (pictured above). If there is one observation I have made during my time in Richmond, it is there is a culture for body art. It is most apparent at the gym where people have the chance year round to wear shorts and show off their skulls, baby daughter, or the ever original Egyptian hieroglyphics.





















Why is the canvas between the knee and ankle getting more attention from the needle than any other? I personally can't speak on what the experience is like getting a tattoo, besides what I've seen on "Miami Ink." The closest thing my body has been to being designed was when I got a monkey henna tattoo on my left tat in Puerto Vallarta. By the end of the week it was a ear and a curly tail...

I have yet to see a flattering tattoo on a calf. So my questions is, what would make someone choose the calves before a shoulder blade, arm, or pectoral? Is it easier to pump out a few calf raisers then bench press? Or is it part of this niche culture within the "artsy" city of Richmond?

Road Trip

   

It would have been an enriching experience if I had visited the Muhammad Ali Center by myself, but it was much more enriching visiting it with Kris, Brandon, and Leo. It invoked conversation between my group members that we probably would have never talked about if we hadn't taken the nine hour drive from Richmond to Louisville - passing through Charleston, West VA, provided a good conversation starter in how you couldn't pay us enough to live there. The experience alone allowed us to get closer as friends, not just as group members. 

  

Our gang managed to fit time to visit museum row and tour the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory. Leo's admission was essentially used to pay for his girlfriend's Louisville souvenir as we got free mini bats in conclusion of the tour.

With all the looming distractions, such as happy hour specials, we didn't lose focus of the intent for our trip. That was to learn about the man who said, "If you even dream of beating me you'd better wake up and apologize."

A witty, humorous, controversial figure that is the most globally influential person of our time. The three time heavyweight champion is not a cultural icon for his quick feet and left jab but rather for his loud mouth and peaceful mind. Every sentence he interjected was quoted - "Wars of nations are fought to change maps. But wars of poverty are fought to map change." His words were powerful - "I wish people would love everybody else the way they love me. It would be a better world." 

No words could capsulate the six core values (conviction, dedication, spirituality, giving, confidence, and respect) the center demonstrates in their interactive timeline that illustrates that transformed experience you have in finding inspiration in becoming as great as you can be. That inspiration can come from the least expected places. Sure, there is shadow boxing and punching bags, but did you know Ali was a poet and artist?

Today his message is still being carried as he carries the Olympic torch. Very few people, if any, are as iconic as Muhammad Ali. Ali's daughter Laila Ali now is the face to all young women that anything is possible, or at least Adidas believes so, carrying her father's message to never hear no to new generations and audiences. 

Was Ali truly the first to stand or was he the first to get back up? We remember Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr., but we remember Muhammad Ali in a different light. We remember the perseverance he had to continually silence doubters while defying the odds in a exuberant manner. We remember his powerful presence as most literally looked up to him. Ali had no fear to say something wrong and he knew how to entertain while getting his message across. It is interesting that a man who fought for peace had to gain respect by using force. No longer does an African American need to use force to be heard. Ali was part of a foundation that put the process into action. Now all communities stand tall and applaud in recognition of a great fighter and mind.