brand origins

MSIT QUIZ SOCIETY

WEEKLY QUIZ SESSION – 1 (21st sep 2012)

Brand Origins Kush Jain

1. A group of people in Royal service to Mughals were forced to flee in 1857 dynasty from Red fort to Farukhnagar to save themselves from wrath of British. There they lived in hiding, trying different types of livelihood.

However They never forgot their profession, and the trade secret passed from father to son. In 1911, at Delhi Durbar one of them tried to bring back their profession in mainstream once again. Aimed with vision of “Bringing Royal Quality to Common People” they opened their first permanent venture in 1913.

Id the brand they created, which has become one of the landmarks of Delhi.

2. The visionary behind this product “Y” wanted to name the product after his favorite type of X; where X was also incidentally the name of company he worked for.

However, this was in copyright violation with another company name, so they changed it to current name. Even this sounded phonetically similar; so X was forced to buy off the rights to its name.

ID Y. (bonus points for the name of “visionary”)

3. This Multibillion dollar company has its roots in two different stories.

I In December 1923, Thomas McInnerney formed National Dairy Products Corporation to take advantage of fragmented US ice-cream market. BY 1930’s it was largest dairy company in US and World.

II In another story, another founder of another company started selling cheese door-to-door at wholesale prices in 1903. And although his first year in business was dismal, he was soon joined by his brothers in his effort. In 1912, it had set up New York Headquarters to prepare for international acquisition. By 1930, it had captured forty percent of cheese market in US, and was third largest dairy company in US after National Dairy, and Borden.

These two companies merged in 1930, and were called National Dairy till 1969, where they changed name to one based on second story.

Which company?

4. Sabeer Bhatia when deciding on name of his new mail service designed, started playing with --mail name.

He eventually settled on HOTMAIL, why?

5. Anil Moolchandani inherited his family business of sarees. As he hunted ways to grow, he started trading into various commodities.

He hit the jackpot in most unusual of the ways – by printing songbooks.

Also, once according to rumor some US patrons brought him two posters, which when displayed in shop elicited many inquiries about their sale.

Thus in 1979, Moolchandani started one of the most iconic brands in India. It initially dealt in books, leathers and posters before moving to segment it is undisputed leader in.

ID the brand.

6. ID these brands (part marks)

A> In 1882, a group of experts was hired by William Sanderson to evaluate 100 casks. They selected one of the cask, and the name of brand derives its name from that incident.

B> This is in production since Middle Ages of Europe. At this time, however this term then referred to chemical compounds such as medicines and cosmetics cleaners. In fact, one of its use was in those days to “Increase fertility and awaken lust.”

7. This billion dollar business was almost certainly a result of one man’s struggle and will.

X started in 1884 with vision to help people who have no access to popular treatment. His ceaseless efforts and commitments soon resulted in the brand name which started to be being associated with trust and reliability.

X with zeal and fervor undertook the task for preparing natural cures for diseases like cholera, malaria and dengue. Soon, the news of his medicines traveled, and he became trusted doctor.

Therein, lies the naming of brand : “Daktar X” (amalgam of both terms)

ID Brand. Bonus Points for X.

8. ID this product widely used in offices.

A. One of initial name of the product was “Press n Peal”

B. The Yellow color it comes in was chosen by accident.

C. With the advent of computers, computers version of this product could be used in some places to replace physical product.

9. First product by this brand was stackable flat bottom trunks, which proved to be success. Soon, they produced their first monogram to counter fake imitations of their product.

However, the real wealth of this brand came during World War II, when they collaborated with Nazis.

This brand and its famous monogram are among the world’s most valuable brands. For the sixth consecutive year in 2010, it was number one in top most powerful brands in world.

It is also, ironically, the most counterfeited brand in world.

ID this brand, which is also known for its snob value.

10. Created in 1978, originally called “Little People”, they went on to become instant success and most popular in their category throughout the 1980’s.

Inspired by artisan Martha Nelson, Xavier Roberts along with help of four other won, created this brand, which went under “Coleco”, “Hasbro”, “Mattel” years depending upon who owns the right.

The initial brand sported names like BunnyBees, Colonel Casey, Otis Lee etc. At peek of popularity, this brand was much sought after, and must have; and in fact fights amongst adults over this brand was not unheard of.

11. According to legend, this brand got its name from:

When X was starting his first business, a record shop, he asked for suggestions on name, and one of the girls stated,

“How about _______ seeing we are all ______ at business.”

ID The brand (blanks). (no points for X)

12. This success story is heartwarming.

Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak started his quest to promote human rights, social reforms, waste management, use of non-conventional sources of energy amongst other equally lofty goals. Despite several setbacks, he persisted, and succeeded in creating a brand that we in Delhi, certainly know of. (frankly speaking, I even don’t know its competition :P)

In 1996, his brand was granted Urban Best Reforms award by UN. At today, it is largest NGO in India, and yet its revenue is in millions.

Which brand?

13. This famous brand X was started by a guy Y, when he felt embarrassed on a shopping trip. He created this brand, with helpful staff, wood paneled walls, and complete different type of display.

In 1982, after five years, he sold the brand which was grossing $6 Million a year to Leslie Wexner for only $4 Million.

IN 1984, Y tried to start a retail store for children, “My Child’s Destiny” which went bankrupt.

However , X in early 1990’s was now topping off $1 billion in revenues. In Aug 1993, he committed suicide leaping off Golden Gate bridge at age of 1946.

Id X.

Bonus for Y.

14. This company was started in 1945 by two business partners. However, certain political events separated the two partners, where one of them went into politics while other gained control of company.

However, the products already contain the initials of both founders, so instead of recalling the products, the person changed the name of company.

Which Company?

15. Initially started as “stationary and fancy good emporium”, in 1837, New York, this brand today is renowned for totally different segment.

This company’s catalogue is known as “Blue Book”.

This brand found mentions in several films, memoirs, and songs including iconic movie based on this brand name.

This is often misquoted as inspiration for what?

BONUS: What is actual inspiration?

Connect:

Moby DickConnect:

One of the most brilliant (and perhaps destructive) ad campaign ever, this brand was redefined.

In just two years after this campaign, its sale rose from $5 billion to $20 billion.

For many years to come, this brand and in fact, whole segment was defined by the message of the campaign, which made the product which was perceived “lady-like” (Mild as May) to a more rugged, masculine flavor.

X and Y represent different brands. The origin of Y’s started with the man on right complaining about X. X hitting back at man saying he was ignorant about this business. So, man created Y.

X

Y

Z

Z used to work at X. Hired at Y to manufacture their first product. Had a falling out with the man, who refused to pay him 4.5 million italian lire fees which was agreed upon them until ordered by courts.

Knitting Machine (Second Hand)

The Brand Story.

Gentlemen on left started by making wooden floats for fishing nets. However, plastic floats forced him out of business.

After this, he took a lesson – not to be behind his competitors by technological advancements.

Which Famous brand does he own today?

Answers follow

1. A group of people in Royal service to Mughals were forced to flee in 1857 dynasty from Red fort to Farukhnagar to save themselves from wrath of British. There they lived in hiding, trying different types of livelihood.

However They never forgot their profession, and the trade secret passed from father to son. In 1911, at Delhi Durbar one of them tried to bring back their profession in mainstream once again. Aimed with vision of “Bringing Royal Quality to Common People” they opened their first permanent venture in 1913.

Id the brand they created, which has become one of the landmarks of Delhi.

Kareems

2. The visionary behind this product “Y” wanted to name the product after his favorite type of X; where X was also incidentally the name of company he worked for.

However, this was in copyright violation with another company name, so they changed it to current name. Even this sounded phonetically similar; so X was forced to buy off the rights to its name.

ID Y. (bonus points for the name of “visionary”)

Apples,Macintosh ….Jeff raskin

3. This Multibillion dollar company has its roots in two different stories.

I In December 1923, Thomas McInnerney formed National Dairy Products Corporation to take advantage of fragmented US ice-cream market. BY 1930’s it was largest dairy company in US and World.

II In another story, another founder of another company started selling cheese door-to-door at wholesale prices in 1903. And although his first year in business was dismal, he was soon joined by his brothers in his effort. In 1912, it had set up New York Headquarters to prepare for international acquisition. By 1930, it had captured forty percent of cheese market in US, and was third largest dairy company in US after National Dairy, and Borden.

These two companies merged in 1930, and were called National Dairy till 1969, where they changed name to one based on second story.

Which company?

Kraft foods

4. Sabeer Bhatia when deciding on name of his new mail service designed, started playing with --mail name.

He eventually settled on HOTMAIL, why?

It was made in HTML…and it had those letters in hotmail

5. Anil Moolchandani inherited his family business of sarees. As he hunted ways to grow, he started trading into various commodities.

He hit the jackpot in most unusual of the ways – by printing songbooks.

Also, once according to rumor some US patrons brought him two posters, which when displayed in shop elicited many inquiries about their sale.

Thus in 1979, Moolchandani started one of the most iconic brands in India. It initially dealt in books, leathers and posters before moving to segment it is undisputed leader in.

ID the brand.

Archies

6. ID these brands (part marks)

A> In 1882, a group of experts was hired by William Sanderson to evaluate 100 casks. They selected one of the cask, and the name of brand derives its name from that incident.

B> This is in production since Middle Ages of Europe. At this time, however this term then referred to chemical compounds such as medicines and cosmetics cleaners. In fact, one of its use was in those days to “Increase fertility and awaken lust.”

a. VAT 69B. Vodka

7. This billion dollar business was almost certainly a result of one man’s struggle and will.

X started in 1884 with vision to help people who have no access to popular treatment. His ceaseless efforts and commitments soon resulted in the brand name which started to be being associated with trust and reliability.

X with zeal and fervor undertook the task for preparing natural cures for diseases like cholera, malaria and dengue. Soon, the news of his medicines traveled, and he became trusted doctor.

Therein, lies the naming of brand : “Daktar X” (amalgam of both terms)

ID Brand. Bonus Points for X.

Dabur

8. ID this product widely used in offices.

A. One of initial name of the product was “Press n Peal”

B. The Yellow color it comes in was chosen by accident.

C. With the advent of computers, computers version of this product could be used in some places to replace physical product.

Post it notes

9. First product by this brand was stackable flat bottom trunks, which proved to be success. Soon, they produced their first monogram to counter fake imitations of their product.

However, the real wealth of this brand came during World War II, when they collaborated with Nazis.

This brand and its famous monogram are among the world’s most valuable brands. For the sixth consecutive year in 2010, it was number one in top most powerful brands in world.

It is also, ironically, the most counterfeited brand in world.

ID this brand, which is also known for its snob value.

Louis Vuitton

10. Created in 1978, originally called “Little People”, they went on to become instant success and most popular in their category throughout the 1980’s.

Inspired by artisan Martha Nelson, Xavier Roberts along with help of four other won, created this brand, which went under “Coleco”, “Hasbro”, “Mattel” years depending upon who owns the right.

The initial brand sported names like BunnyBees, Colonel Casey, Otis Lee etc. At peek of popularity, this brand was much sought after, and must have; and in fact fights amongst adults over this brand was not unheard of.

cabbage patch dolls

11. According to legend, this brand got its name from:

When X was starting his first business, a record shop, he asked for suggestions on name, and one of the girls stated,

“How about _______ seeing we are all ______ at business.”

ID The brand (blanks). (no points for X)

Virgin

X is Richard Branson of course

12. This success story is heartwarming.

Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak started his quest to promote human rights, social reforms, waste management, use of non-conventional sources of energy amongst other equally lofty goals. Despite several setbacks, he persisted, and succeeded in creating a brand that we in Delhi, certainly know of. (frankly speaking, I even don’t know its competition :P)

In 1996, his brand was granted Urban Best Reforms award by UN. At today, it is largest NGO in India, and yet its revenue is in millions.

Which brand?

Sulabh International

13. This famous brand X was started by a guy Y, when he felt embarrassed on a shopping trip. He created this brand, with helpful staff, wood paneled walls, and complete different type of display.

In 1982, after five years, he sold the brand which was grossing $6 Million a year to Leslie Wexner for only $4 Million.

IN 1984, Y tried to start a retail store for children, “My Child’s Destiny” which went bankrupt.

However , X in early 1990’s was now topping off $1 billion in revenues. In Aug 1993, he committed suicide leaping off Golden Gate bridge at age of 1946.

Id X.

Bonus for Y.

Victoria’s SecretRoy Raymond

14. This company was started in 1945 by two business partners. However, certain political events separated the two partners, where one of them went into politics while other gained control of company.

However, the products already contain the initials of both founders, so instead of recalling the products, the person changed the name of company.

Which Company?

Mahindra and MahindraOriginally it was Mahindra and Mohammed

15. Initially started as “stationary and fancy good emporium”, in 1837, New York, this brand today is renowned for totally different segment.

This company’s catalogue is known as “Blue Book”.

This brand found mentions in several films, memoirs, and songs including iconic movie based on this brand name.

Tiffany

This is often misquoted as inspiration for what?

BONUS: What is actual inspiration?

Coca cola bottle’s shape"Shae of Coca Cola bottle"Actual inspiration: koala leaves

Connect:

Gorilla glass

Moby DickConnect:

Starbucks

One of the most brilliant (and perhaps destructive) ad campaign ever, this brand was redefined.

In just two years after this campaign, its sale rose from $5 billion to $20 billion.

For many years to come, this brand and in fact, whole segment was defined by the message of the campaign, which made the product which was perceived “lady-like” (Mild as May) to a more rugged, masculine flavor.

Marlboro

Flipkart.com

Teddy Bears

Theodore Roosewelt refused to hunt a baby bear.

X and Y represent different brands. The origin of Y’s started with the man on right complaining about X. X hitting back at man saying he was ignorant about this business. So, man created Y.

X

Y

Z

Z used to work at X. Hired at Y to manufacture their first product. Had a falling out with the man, who refused to pay him 4.5 million italian lire fees which was agreed upon them until ordered by courts.

X: (Enzo) FerrariY: lamborghiniZ: giotto bezzarani (while at ferrai he had designed famous Ferrari 250 GTO)

Knitting Machine (Second Hand)

United colors of Benetton

The Brand Story.

Gentlemen on left started by making wooden floats for fishing nets. However, plastic floats forced him out of business.

After this, he took a lesson – not to be behind his competitors by technological advancements.

Which Famous brand does he own today?

Yonex

Proctor and Gable