Page 110 of The Situation
Tate arches a brow.
“The website is the home of the organization,” I say. “It can’t look like shit. And if they can’t understand what we’re going for, I’ll find someone who can.”
He grins. “I like you fiery.”
“You should’ve seen me an hour ago. I threatened a printer. Had it quaking in its boots.”
His chest shakes as he laughs.
“What did you want to talk to me about?” I ask, tossing a couple of perfectly popped kernels in my mouth. “By the way, you buttered this like a popcorn pro.”
“Good to know. I’ll add that to my résumé.” He takes another handful from the bucket. “So I wanted to talk to you about a hypothetical situation.”
“Gotta love those.”
He reaches behind him and shuts the door.
“This stays between us,” he says.
“Of course.”
“If you were given a clean slate—that is, starting from scratch—what would you do differently to make this franchise a success?”
“Anything?” I ask.
“Anything.”
This is a marketing lover’s dream.
“Safe space?” I ask.
“Safe space.”
“Okay, then.” I rub my hands together. “First, I’d get rid of that terrible Raptors mascot and replace it with something elevated yet relatable. We’d build an iconic logo that’s fresh and marketable—something that looks great on merch. That sounds crazy, but it isn’t. Great merch is easy marketing, and the best brands have it figured out.”
“Those are great points.”
“I’m not done.” I chuckle, just getting started. “New colors that don’t scream Midwestern US high school basketball.”
“That’s an interesting comparison.”
I shrug. “That’s exactly what the dusty black and crimson screams, and that’s not the message we want to put out.”
“No, it’s not.”
“With that said, we’d update the facilities and overhaul the arena. Give people a reason to want to come and spend their money here. Make it a good time.”
He smiles, grabbing another few kernels.
“I don’t know a lot about hockey,” I admit. “But I’d look at the coaching staff and roster. We need people who are a draw. People love winners, sure, but they also love people with a story. People they can root for or against. It doesn’t matter.”
“I love that.”
“Stronger digital platforms. Involve the fans and increase engagement. Start traditions. People love a tradition!”
“Okay,” he says, amused. “That’s enough. I can see the picture you’re painting, and I love it.”
I grin. “You didn’t even take notes.”
