This is a pretty good article, and looks to be an interesting web site in general…
http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/article.cfm?articleid=45627
Justin Fink – FHB Editorial
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Replies
That is an excellent article. Good find, thanks.
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Good article Justin. I guess you're good for something after all, in spite of what Andy says.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
What Andy says ?Maaan, you aughtta hear what Mark says about him...I thought my monitor was going to melt.So, I turned the computer off. Then he calls me, to continue ! I started to see colors, and the phone started to melt.
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Damn...looks like I'm getting some trash talkin behind my back!Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
Hey - You know darn well I'm happy to trash talk to your face!Andy Engel
Senior editor, Fine Woodworking magazine
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It wastes your time and annoys the pig.
Other people can talk about how to expand the destiny of mankind. I just want to talk about how to fix a motorcycle. I think that what I have to say has more lasting value. --Robert M. Pirsig
None of this matters in geological time.
Mark said that is because he never sees your front !(Am I playing with fire here, or what ? he he he)
Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
what about the business where you could buy booze in the front of the building or play cards out back. Sign said "Liquor in the front and poker in the rear"
Seen that on a tee shirt saying "Season's greetings from Mabel's (house of ill repute), where you can Liquor .........."
How about Mr. Bonz rib joint?
Some businesses that could have benefitted from the article: Beaver Liquors, Beecher Meats, Beecher Tool and Die. They are for real.
Are any of those companies you mentioned represented by the legal firm of Dewey, Cheatem and Howe?Lignum est bonum.
RE: Dewey, Cheatem & HoweThey actually exist, in name, in Cambridge, MA. The name is used by a pair of auto mechanics who run a popular radio car talk show. Their office (last time I was in Cambridge) and sign is in the Harvard Square section of Cambridge, MA.Renaissance Restorations llcVictorian Home Restoration Serviceshttp://www.renaissancerestorations.com
You're talking about "The Car Guys:....
I used to drive long-haul. and I enjoyed listening to them whenever I was out east.
Good show
locolobo; Edmonton, AB
How about "Hooter's Roofing" The saying under their logo which was an Owl perched on a roof, was. "Hooter's we're always on top"
The last company I worked for was named "Truss/Slater". I once told one of the owners I thought it sounded akward - More like you were saying "truss later". Kinda like "We can get your trusses there later 'n anybody". The particular owner I talked to said: "I'm the one who picked out that name". So I slinked back under my rock and didn't bring it up again...
Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. [Leo Tolstoy]
Saw this one in nearby Palmdale, on the side of an old panel truck. No kidding! "Butcrack Plumbing"
Not a company name, but -
This is what the local wally world's sign on the front of the store here in town looked like for a couple of years. It used to say "Satisfaction Guaranteed"
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Everybody's for democracy in principle. It's only in practice that the thing gives rise to stiff objections.
Didn't the university of Illinois basketball team run around with their name misspelled on their jerseys for a little bit? I think someone caught it in the team photograph after it was already out. This wouldhave been a few years back.
http://bootliquor.com/
I don't know anything about basketball except that it's a complete waste of time.
But I did find a couple more business names:
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Bumpersticker: So Many Pedestrians - So Little Time
I've been gone for more than 10 yrs, but when I lived in Dallas, there was a hospital on 635 near I-35 that was finally renamed "RHD Hospital" after the founder. The previous name was Robert Dedman Hospital.
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
what's the matter Boss---can't jump ?
LOL, Stephen
Boss, can't hit the hole?
Basketball rocks, especially the Pistons!
Boss, what do you do for sports and entertainment-drag trusses around the park? Anyone for a truss dragging race? How about truss hurdling? That sounds fun.
Maybe we could toss small jack trusses onto tree stumps. Shall we call it Trussshoes?
blue
I think virutally ALL pro sports are a waste of time and money. The only ones that are at ALL important are tractor pulling and jelo wrestling.
Men forget everything. Women remember everything. That's why men need instant replays in sports. They've already forgotten what happened.
blue,
7-0 is a nice start for Detroit----but by seasons end Lebron and Co. will have Detroit looking like a girls CYO team.
Of course---by the end of the NBA season I will have been watching baseball for 8 weeks or so---the only pro sport to take seriously.
BTW--- I would much rather watch a highschool game than the NBA----kids not afraid to play D---or to dive on the floor or jump into the stands after loose balls-------- that's where I started watching Lebron---at my old Alma Mater.
MY team starts December 2
Stephen
Stephen, I'm totally impressed that you got to watch Lebron in high school.
I would much rather watch a highschool game than the NBA----kids not afraid to play D
If you are impressed with players playing D and diving on the floor and playing a total team game, then you ought to start watching and rooting for the Pistons!
I hope you save your money and don't lay too much green on Lebron and Co. He might be coming into his own right now and be a premier player, but it takes more than one player to beat a solid tight team like Detroit. I fully expect to see Detroit take the title back this year, barring a string of unusual injuries. So far, we've only had one major injury and when Lindsay Hunter comes back you'll see a new wave of trapping defenses along with a much improved offensive onslaught.
I used to enjoy watching baseball myself, but unfortunatly I've lived in Detroit too long. They managed to destroy the joy of the game for me. Thankfully, the Pistons have stepped up to the plate and given us something to cheer about. Even if the Tigers won the world series, I'd still prefer to watch the NBA. I can watch the Pistons from start to finish without getting bored, but I can never watch an entire baseball game, even if it's the World series.
According to my Detroit Pistons calender, we'll be meeting Clevland on New Years Day. By then, we'll all know exactly how our seasons are shaping up. We'll settle our little dispute then.
blue
I would like to encourage blue and hazlett to place a bet on the game. The loser could do something like shave his head or paint himself purple and take a picture, etc. Maybe eat worms, raw eggs or swallow a goldfish or something in a sporting nature.
I would like to encourage blue and hazlett to place a bet on the game. The loser could do something like shave his head or paint himself purple and take a picture, etc. Maybe eat worms, raw eggs or swallow a goldfish or something in a sporting nature
Umm, Ummm, No!
I'll bet Stephen one penny.
blue
I get to pick the date on it.
The power has swung back to the eastern conference, for sure, but the Spurs will pound on 'em all!
Saw this sign on a high mountain pass in colorado:
'Hard Times Concrete Company'The heck, you say?
Just thought of a good one for a sheetrock installer:
'Screwed Up Drywall'The heck, you say?
I knew a countertop install company named "Counterfitters". Their business cards and logos looked like bogus $100 dollar bills or something.Another "Top Shop" was called, "Counter Intelligence"When we remove countertops we sometimes refer to the owner as "topless" (before the new top goes in)..."oh no! I'm getting a visual".
Heck, congrats on the Spurs taking it last year from a tired Pistons team that wasn't allowed to have a dynamic offensive game plan (LB hated the fast break as much as he hated the 3 point shot). I'm more than willing to bet you my ENTIRE supply of milkbones that the Spurs will not defend their championship this year.
The Pistons are fired up and having fun playing for their new head coach, Flip Saunders, an offensive minded coach that is the perfect fit for a team that has already established itself as a defensive lockdown superpower. The Pistons are on a mission to secure homefield advantage during the finals becuase they all believe that it cost them their championship last year. Last year they started 8-8. This year they started 7-0. Do you sense a different mindset?
Scottie Pipen has already publicly stated that the Pistons might be the first team to win 70 games since his Bulls did it back in the MJ era.
Watch out San Antonio. Big Ben and Mr. Big Shot aren't taking any prisoners this season!
You willing to put your entire supply of Milkbones on the line?
blue
Dang. I can't find anything to argue about in your post. The Spurs so far this year are playing with no sense of urgency.
Pop will have 'em playing right at playoff time, tho, and who else will top the western conference?
So we will see you in the finals...If the Pistons can get by Dwayne Wade and the Heat! <g>
I'll think about how many milkbones I have room for....The heck, you say?
The Spurs are probably caught up in the exact same mentality that the Pistons were last year: championship hangover. Rip Hamilton admitted that they collectively thought they just had to show up last year. Thus, the 8-8 start. I know San Antonio is doing better than that, but I belive that the differernce between these two teams is so slight that home field advantage will be the difference.
When you think about the 2-3-2 format, that statement makes sense. Last year, the Pistons had to fly four times in a two week period. Your Spurs only flew once and had the luxury of a very comfortable bed and surrounding forthe final two critical games. Also, it helps to be adjusted to your two hour time difference.
It's going to be interesting. I don't think Miami is the team to beat however. Yes, they upgraded their skills, but they downgraded their team chemistry. Walker is a typical NBA star that wants the ball. Wade wants the ball. Shaq wants the ball. Already trouble is brewing.
Indiana is a more likely challenger for the Eastern Conference Championships. The matchups in the playoffs will be interesting. One thing is certain, we won't be seeing LB in the playoffs this year!
I'm talking to the township right now about getting a permit for a milkbone storage facility. I might have to apply for a variance because I'll probably be encroaching into the sebacks when I start loading up my winnings.
blue
Maybe the Pistons oughta stay out of Texas? <g>And that's not even the good Texas team.(gotta get my digs in while I can!)
Remembered another company sign I saw on a mini van at HD -
'Well Hung Drywall'
True story.The heck, you say?
I believe you are correct Heck. Yesterday was not a good day for sports fans in the State of michigan.
I am much to good a sport to point out to Blue the results of the OSU vs. michigan Game----LOL----that's gotta hurt.
( Ya know blue---there is only ONE college football game I try to watch each year-- OSU/ michigan---- of course we both know that's the only college game worth watching)
Stephen
BTW---that team up north is pretty good---but they ain't the Buckeyes
Edited 11/20/2005 1:23 pm ET by Hazlett
Get your digs in now while you can guys. You guys just peeved off Big Ben.
Actually, I wasn't too surprised that the Pistons lost. I didn't think they were going 82 -0! I wasn't surprised that Michigan lost either. Tressel has owned Loyd Carr and now the fans will be calling for Carr's head. This was a huge loss for Loyd and a great win for OU.
Too bad Penn state foiled everyone. We'll be hearing a lot about schedules in the next year.
blue
Forget where I saw it, but there was this big rig going down the highway with a big
S.E.X.
on the side. Did a double take, then read the smaller print under it .. South East Express. [:o)
Godloves Liquors (family name)
and Dr Toothman (real name) is an orthodontist from Chewsville (real town)
I think both names have helped business...
Treat every person you meet like you will know them the rest of your life - you just might!
There's a deck builder here named Phil Decker ..
A contractor's ad in the paper said "We Bid 'Em to Get 'Em"
Bed and Breakfast down on a breazy beach in Florida...
"Passing Wind Resort"
I saw a van once for Ash Wipe Chimney Cleaning
We have a dentist Dr. Chew and a doctor named Payne.-------------------------------
People are entitled to their own opinions; People are not entitled to their own truth.Jacob
Joe,I’ve seen tractor trailers that say â€G.O.D.†on the sides. Underneath that it says.“Guaranteed Overnight Deliveryâ€Joe Carola
I beleve I saw that sign this summer------right across the street from the COOP---right?
Stephen
RE: Dewey, Cheetem & HoweYup, right across from the COOP building, up on the 2nd floor of the brick building (if it's still there, Harvard Square has changed drastically the past few years)Renaissance Restorations llcVictorian Home Restoration Serviceshttp://www.renaissancerestorations.com
Related, sort of...In Ketchikan, Alaska where I once cleaned many a thousand fish, the local trash company announced their guarantee proudly on the side of every garbage truck: "Satifaction Guaranteed, or Double your Garbage Back!"
RE: Dewey, Cheetem & Howe
They have a Hong Kong office now:Hui, Gippayoo & HoweLOL
This was an actual customer of mine - we all loved calling them because the operator (awesome accent) never said the word "products." http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/product-compint-0000639992-page.html
=:-O
I knew a fireman named Burnham.
I always thought Dress Barn was funny. Maybe its for plus sizes. There is a gas station/ convenience store called Pump 'n' Munch. How about Bunghole Liquors?
Oh man! I've been saying the same thing about that store!
As image concious as most women are, How could any self respecting woman ever buy clothing from a place called "the dress barn" ?
(MOO...)
There has to be a great story behind however that name actually wound up getting chosen. I imagine somebody submitted it as a joke, and some bean counters in charge actually thought it sounded catchy, etc. etc.
" If I were a carpenter"
I've always wondered that too - they must do *something* spectacularly right if they can get away with a name like that.hmmm, mistake #9 - do not name your business something that insults your customers by implication...More Money Than Sense Construction Co. heh. actually, I kinda like the sound of that one...
And who thought of womens clothes named Sag Harbor????
Mr. T. MOTOL
"They keep talking about drafting a constitution for Iraq. Why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it's worked for over 200 years, and we're not using it anymore."-- George Carlin
"I think natural selection must have greatly rewarded the ability to reassure oneself in a crisis with complete bull$hit."
I'm Swiss!
LOL- that one never occured to me! but i admit to wondering about Dress Barn. i believe the thinking behind dress barn was to bring in women to whom getting a bargain was higher on the kist than pride.there's an old neighborhood in memphis bordered by railroad tracks named Normal-Buntyn, formerly Normal Station for the train depot (now gone). many local businesses used the name "Normal", ie Normal Hardware, which i thought hilarious when i moved here in '74. the hair salon was called Normal Beauty and the little corner drugstore was Normal Drugs.
Know a dentist with the last name Bleed.
It was still there as of august 15th or so
Stephen
Btw,
we have a dentist here in one of the suburbs------- Dr. Payne.
Stephen
OK, not a business name but... As you head east into Roosevelt, Utah, there's a rest stop sign with an arrow pointing right at the entrance to a graveyard. The 'rest stop' is the next entrance.
I had an orthodontist, Dr. Ruff
Big funeral home chain here in Buffalo named "Amigone."
If that's a question, then the answer for at least one person at each funeral is "yes, you are."
Also, there used to be another funeral home here named "Hole-Parker."
Girlfriend's gynocologists: first one was Dr. Everhard; second one was Dr. Harsh....
True, the Tappett Brothers have adopted the Dewey, Cheatham, and Howe tag line.
IIRC, it was Johnny Carson who first used a reference to his legal firm during Tonight Show performances:
Boyd, Dewey, Cheatham, and Howe.
Unless you're the lead dog, the view just never changes.
The masthead in the American Spectator magazine used to say their legal counsel were Solitary, Poor, Nasty, Brutish, and Short.
Also probably used the law firm of Dewey, Screwum, and Goode.
We've got a couple of interesting name choices here locally: Action Waterbeds and BJ Plumbing Supply are my 2 favorites.
Around here we have a trucking company named "A. Duie Pile" No joke.
I see them everywhere.
Justin Fink - FHB Editorial
Edited 11/15/2005 4:19 pm ET by JFink
Was a time, most of twenty years ago now, when Messrs. Sevcik & Marek fixed dents, the sign on their business read "S & M Body Shop."
How it never found it's way into National Lampoon escapes me (but I never had a camera handy whenever the thought occured to me, either).
The fastener store sent their sign back after they moved, "Ace, Screw & Bolt" was not how the letterhead read . . . Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
Worcester, MA has a "Hickey's Liquors"
Good tips, but neglected to mention a couple of other cardinal points of advice: Do a little searching on existing business names and avoid a lawsuit. Most states' secretary of state web page allows free searching of existing business names and existing trademarks.
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (http://www.uspto.gov) has an easily searchable database in the trademark section. Not a substitute for professional analysis, but this together with the state databases is a good starting place to avoid getting a nastygram from the lawyer for "Hometown Plumbing" when you name your business "Hometown Plumbers."
His point about using "fanciful" names like Xerox is only half right; there is sure a marketing cost, but they make the strongest trademarks; and the easiest to defend.
Kleinpeter milk. It's over in Baton rouge. LA. I was driving through there last week. I don't know if it's me or what but I pronounced Klein as clean when I saw the billboard. Even if you don't it's still funny.
The billboard is a picture of two cows and the words above them read.
"Everybody loves Kleinpeter milk!" I swerved from laughing. And I don't think I'll be buying any.
http://www.kleinpeterdairy.com/default.asp
http://bootliquor.com/
Edited 11/15/2005 11:15 pm ET by Gunner
Re: Kleinpeter milk.
In German "klein" means "small."
really
LOL
Cool You can't look at that and it not be funny.
http://bootliquor.com/
Wow, Thanks! I'm in the process of renaming my business, and this article is really helpful!
forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
Another proud member of the "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Have any of you guys heard the story of a company whose initials were ATM and they put those intials inside of some neat sleek horizontal graphics so the signage looked and read:
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I wonder whether that's really true or just a great urban legend.
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That's Bucksnort Billy's first company...
Mr. T. MOTOL
"They keep talking about drafting a constitution for Iraq. Why don't we just give them ours? It was written by a lot of really smart guys, it's worked for over 200 years, and we're not using it anymore."-- George Carlin
"I think natural selection must have greatly rewarded the ability to reassure oneself in a crisis with complete bull$hit."
I'm Swiss!
In project specifications it's not uncommon to see a phrase that says something to the effect of "Approved vendors: Brand A, Brand B, Brand C or approved equal."
So, one of the vendors here named themselves Approved Equal Company.