The Barret Building Apartment
One of the most interesting aspects of our office space is the historic Barrett Building is The Apartment.
In 1951, self made millionaire entrepreneur Jack Barrett designed a built a 5,000 sq. ft. 4-bedroom private penthouse on the 2nd floor of the building. At the time, its elaborate labyrinth of sitting rooms, bedrooms, state-of-the-art kitchen and high-tech (at the time) electronics was accented by a rich selection of finished wood surfaces, including curly maple, oak, mahogany and cedar. It is a magnificent example of the period’s modern architecture and interior design. Today it remains a great spot for parties and occasional visiting rock star.
Rich in history, the apartment is also rumored to be home to some unexplained -- and maybe just a little spooky – activity. Late –night visitors, as well as some of the RadioVision staff, have reported unexplained movements, light and faucets inexplicably going on and off, as well as sounds and music from an unidentifiable source.
|
NADA 2009! Come see Radiovision at booth 4726!
The National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) announced that it will hold its 2009 Convention & Exposition in New Orleans, as originally scheduled.
New Orleans city officials say that damage caused by Hurricane Gustav is “minor and easily repairable.” In a statement issued by the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) reported little to no disruption in meetings, conventions and special events. The Convention Center, Superdome and major hotels suffered only minor damage such as window breaks.
“We’re pleased to hear that the city of New Orleans and the surrounding areas are making such progress,” says Steve Pitt, NADA vice president of conventions and expositions. “Residents and workers from across the region already have begun returning to their homes and businesses. And for us, it’s full speed ahead for the NADA convention’s return to New Orleans in January.”
Joe and Shelley will be back in 2009 leading the Radiovision team.
“We’re in a much better location this year so we should be able to see all our new friends from last year and maybe meet some new ones.” reports Joe Pollaro.
“We’ve got a lot of new things to share this year and some exciting new programs to show everybody.” Shelley McBride, “Stop in and see us! We’re gonna have a lot of fun this year.” |
Obama Look a like - Cheesy but Shrewd
“The power of political personalities in advertising”
In 2008, the struggling automotive industry has little to laugh about. Gas prices rising with no ceiling in sight; American consumers, unsure about the future withhold new car buying decisions; manufacturers taking advantage of low cost overseas workforces, resulting in loss of American jobs; the list goes on and on.
Searching for a light at the end of the tunnel, Dallas-based ad agency, RadioVision (www.radiovisioninc.com) took a major risk to set their client, Central Kia, apart from the other automotive dealers in the Dallas market. RadioVision’s creative team developed a new strategy that capitalizes upon the political races.
In what has turned out to be a monumental decision, A Barack Obama look-alike was found and a spoof on one of his campaign speeches was created for a television and radio campaign that prominent media personalities are still talking about. More importantly, Paul Fotopoulos; Central Kia owner says, the spot helped boost sales at his dealerships as much as 15 percent in April and May of 2008. Typically, he says, the dealerships sell about 600 new vehicles a month.
The Barack Obama look-alike commercial’s timing and creativity caught the attention of the biggest network television’s top executive producers. Within days, an estimated 10-million viewers have watched the commercial, as nationally known political pundits, late night talk show hosts, comedians and commentators have featured, weighed-in on, discussed, spoofed and lampooned this… “fresh political satire that’s selling a hell of a lot of cars in a very cold economic climate.”
- The Daily Show with Jon Stewart
- The O’Reilly Factor with Bill O’Reilly
- Hardball with Chris Matthews
- MSNBC morning program
- CNBC
- CNN Politics
- The Wendy William’s Experience
- Dallas Morning News
- Automotive News
With 30 years of automotive creative featuring parodies that boost dealers’ sales and market share, RadioVision is also famous for its long-running and side-splitting series of commercials using Oscar-nominated Burton Gilliam, from Hollywood’s ultimate cowboy movie parody, “Blazing Saddles.” Inspired by the recent media attention, the RadioVision creative team is launching a series of satirical TV commercials for syndication which will feature some well known faces from Hollywood and some actors that resemble well known faces, poking fun at American culture to sell cars.
“It might be cheesy, but it’s shrewd.” – Bill O‘Reilly
|
GAS SELLS CARS IN DALLAS
Dallas Texas- Mel Brooks first introduced the visceral humor of flatulence to the silver screen in 1972 in “Blazing Saddles” when cowboy actors, Burton Gilliam and Slim Pickens, sitting around a peaceful campfire setting, unleashed the fury unlike anything ever witnessed in a public forum. The politically incorrect humor of Mel Brooks proved “Blazing Saddles” to be one of the top comedy films of all time.
Today, under mounting gas pressure on consumers, Dallas based dealership, Rodeo Ford, is venting a distinctive rumble across Texas recreating the famous campfire scene from Blazing Saddles. Burton Gilliam has been the cowboy spokesperson for Rodeo Ford from its inception taking the dealership from obscurity to national notoriety. The radical humor and charisma of Burton Gilliam has already achieved Iconic significance in the Dallas Ft. Worth market in high profile commercials with notable lines like: “My Gosh, that’s too cheap!” and “We don’t care how you get here, folks…just get here!”
Now, employing the universally understood language of the most laughable bodily function, Rodeo Ford has ventured where no advertiser in car marketing history has gone before. The first five seconds of the 30 second commercial is reminiscent of the campfire setting in Blazing Saddles as Burton Gilliam steps up and proclaims: “Rodeo gives you Gas for Life!” The commercial goes on to offer up the Ford F-150 with Gas for Life, a special gas reimbursement program developed by Rodeo Ford Advertising Agency, RadioVision. “It’s a funny TV spot because it revives the hysterically crude humor of “Blazing Saddles” with Burton Gilliam, the original star of the movie”, says Joe Pollaro, Owner & Partner of RadioVision, a Texas based company.
Sky rocketing gas prices and demand for fuel efficiency have become major factors in the car buying decision to consumers. Innovative offers like Rodeo Ford’s exclusive “Gas for Life” program are expected to breathe new vitality into truck sales by giving truck buyers a way to overcome record high gas prices. “Using typical gas consumption formulas and subsidizing the cost of gas with $3600 paid in advance to the consumer, it is estimated that gas cost will be reduced by $ 1.00 per gallon over the course of the average four year truck ownership experience”, says Robbie Rothlein, General Manager of Rodeo Ford.
In addition to the Gas for Life offer on any F-Series Truck, Rodeo Ford has also established itself as the “Home of the $11,888 Ford F-150”. Rodeo Ford has over 1000 F-Series trucks in stock in what is believed to be the biggest build-up of Ford Trucks in Texas history. To further incentivize buyers, Rodeo Ford is giving away navigation systems with every new Ford. “Another exciting offer that most gas conscious buyers are unaware of is Rodeo Ford’s exclusive $8,888 Ford Focus delivering an amazing 35 MPG. It is definitely a buyer’s market and Rodeo Ford has made a point of putting the most aggressive offers on the table”, says Rothlein.
“Burton Gilliam was the first man in history to comically pass gas in a movie…just like Archie Bunker was the first man to flush a toilet on television. Now, it’s time for another first. While a few people may be offended, most will see this as a humorous way to bring attention to a very important topic on the mind of every cost conscious consumer. Considering the over-the-top content of most mainstream programming on TV, this is an innocent and truly funny breakthrough”, says Pollaro.
Rodeo Ford has an entire series of “Gas” related spots scheduled for release through-out the summer. Rodeo Ford is located on Plano Road five miles west of downtown Plano and on I-30, just minutes East of Downtown Dallas. You can view the TV Spot on the web at 877GoRodeo.com. For more information on the “Gas for Life” program, call 877 Go Rodeo or visit the dealership. |
News Release - A Friendly Gesture
- Friendly Chevrolet is donating over 30 computers to Heritage Christian Academy in Rockwall
- The presentation of the gift will be made at Friendly Chevrolet on Friday, October 8, 2004 at 10AM. About 15 children from the Academy ranging in age from 5 to 17 will be on hand for the presentation.
Dallas, TX – October 4, 2004 – When you think of gateways to the future, the image of a car dealership doesn’t readily spring to mind. However, that’s exactly the theme of a dedication that will take place this Friday at Friendly Chevrolet in Dallas.
|
|
Read more...
|
News Release - Veteran Automotive Marketer
Veteran Automotive Marketer, Adolfo Troncoso, Named RadioVision Director of Hispanic Division
Dealers often growing Latino market with “single vision” approach to Spanish-speaking buyers----40 Million, and growing.
Richardson TX April 19, 2004: Adolfo Tronconso has been named Director, Hispanic Division for advertising agency RadioVision. RadioVision is one of the largest independent agencies in the United States serving the retail automotive industry.
|
|
Read more...
|
News Release - Barrett Building Restored
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DENISON COMPANY RESTORES LOCAL OWENERSHIP OF HISTORIC BARRETT BUILDING
(Denison, Texas)---Ownership of the historic Barrett Building at 531 W. Main Street in Denison has been transferred back into local hands after nearly three years. The 36,000 sq. ft. property was purchased by RadioVision, L.P., a locally owned advertising agency with national clientele.
According to Debbie Tull, RadioVision’s chief operating officer, plans for a major restoration of the architectural landmark are already in progress. RadioVision expects to make a substantial investment to bring the building up to standards while the exterior to its original design.
The Barrett Building was built in 1920 for the YMCA. The vernacular Tudor revival architectural style was an impressive sight in those early days. A victim of the Great Depression Era, the YMCA financially crumbled in the early 1930’s. The Kraft Food Corp. occupied the building from 1937 to 1951. At one point there was a Greyhound Bus Depot on the property.
|
|
Read more...
|
|
|
