EP 57: UConn’s playbook: Growing a winning brand in a new NIL era

EP 57: UConn’s playbook: Growing a winning brand in a new NIL era

College athletics is no longer just about winning games. It is about building brands powerful enough to compete in a rapidly changing market. On this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Jason Butikofer, Deputy Director of Athletics/Chief Operating Officer at the University of Connecticut, to talk about how one of the country’s most recognized college athletics brands is navigating the NIL era. From championship momentum and national visibility to revenue sharing, facilities investment, fan engagement and brand partnerships, Jason offers an inside look at what it takes to lead a modern athletic department during a period of significant change for college sports.  The conversation explores UConn’s approach to NIL strategy, the value of partnerships, the influence of powerhouse programs like men’s and women’s basketball and the role legendary coaches like Dan Hurley and Geno Auriemma play in extending the university’s brand beyond the court. For marketers and brand leaders, this episode is a case study in momentum, relevance and trust. UConn’s success shows that while winning creates attention, brand building turns that attention into loyalty, culture and long-term value. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com [brandslam@addventures.com].

EP 56: Inside Hasbro’s Marvel Universe: Scaling fandom globally

The world’s biggest superheroes are built on more than spectacle. They’re built on identity, emotion and fandom. In this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata go inside Hasbro’s Marvel universe with Mike Pullano, Senior Director of Global Brand Strategy & Marketing leading the Disney Marvel portfolio. From Spider-Man and Black Panther to X-Men, Deadpool and The Avengers, Mike shares how one of the world’s most iconic entertainment brands continues to scale globally while staying emotionally connected to fans across generations. The conversation explores what it takes to balance storytelling with business performance, market simultaneously to kids, parents and collectors, and evolve legendary franchises without losing what made audiences fall in love with them in the first place. Mike also reflects on his 15-year journey at Hasbro, helping shape powerhouse brands including Monopoly, Nerf, Peppa Pig, Furby, Baby Alive and Super Soaker. Along the way, he breaks down the strategy behind licensing partnerships, global audience engagement and building fandom that lasts far beyond the screen. For marketers, entertainment leaders and brand builders, this episode offers a powerful look at how emotional connection, consistency and community continue to drive winning brands in a crowded entertainment landscape. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com [brandslam@addventures.com].

EP 55: Brand Portugal: TV, film & music stars from across the globe

Culture travels when people believe in it. In this special episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Mary Sadlier take listeners inside the International Portuguese Music Awards (IPMA) in Providence, Rhode Island, where music, storytelling and identity come together on a global stage. From red carpet conversations with actress Daniela Ruah from NCIS fame, to performances and interviews with artists like D.A.M.A., Nelson Sobral and Ensemble 17, the episode explores how Portuguese and Lusophone culture is shaping entertainment and music worldwide. What stood out throughout the night was not only the talent, but the clarity of identity behind it. These artists are building loyal audiences by embracing who they are, staying consistent in their message and creating emotional connection through authenticity and craft. For marketers, healthcare leaders and brand builders navigating crowded industries, this episode offers a powerful reminder that culture is not a limitation. It is a competitive advantage. The brands that resonate most deeply are the ones that create trust, emotional connection and a sense of belonging people can feel. The IPMAs prove that when brands stay rooted in identity and lead with emotional connection, they do not just grow audiences, they build movements. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com [brandslam@addventures.com].

EP 54: Selling culture, not just products: The Portugalia story

Culture is not a marketing tactic. It is the brand. And winning brands know how to activate it.  In this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Michael Benevides, President and CEO of Portugalia Marketplace and Portugalia Imports Inc., to explore how a family business rooted in Portuguese heritage became a nationally recognized brand experience. What began more than 30 years ago in a garage has grown into a 20,000 square foot marketplace that brings food, wine and tradition to life for customers across the country. Michael shares how Portugalia scaled beyond its local community without losing the authenticity that made it special. Every decision, from sourcing products directly from Portugal to creating an immersive in-store environment, is intentional. It is not just about selling. It is about creating a connection, trust and loyalty through culture. For CMOs and healthcare marketers navigating crowded, highly commoditized markets, this conversation hits at something deeper. Differentiation does not come from messaging alone. It comes from building an experience people believe in and want to be a part of. This episode breaks down the discipline required to grow a heritage-driven brand the right way. It is not growth at any cost. It is growth with clarity, consistency and conviction. Portugalia is proof that when you protect what makes you different, you do not just compete, you lead the pack. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com [brandslam@addventures.com].

EP 53: Heartbreak Hill to global thrill: The Boston Marathon brand

The Boston Marathon is one of the most iconic and enduring brands in sports. On this episode of Brand Slam, presented by (add)victory, the sports marketing division of (add)global, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Scott Stover, Chief Marketing Officer of the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.), to explore how the Boston Marathon has evolved into a global brand while staying true to its Boston roots. With “Marathon Monday” fast approaching, Stover breaks down what has kept the brand strong for 130 years. He points to its deep connection to the city and its traditions, as well as its ability to resonate with a worldwide audience. The conversation looks at the heart of the Boston Marathon, including how it maintains its prestige while still feeling accessible and why qualifying continues to represent one of the most meaningful accomplishments in sports. Stover also shares how sponsorships like Bank of American’s role of Presenting Partner help amplify the event’s impact as not just as a race, but as a major economic and cultural moment for Boston. Beyond competition, the episode highlights the Marathon as both a platform for storytelling and purpose and one of the largest charitable fundraising events in the world, where thousands of runners compete not just for time, but for causes that matter. As the brand continues to evolve, Stover discusses how the B.A.A. is engaging the next generation while preserving the authenticity and traditions that make Boston unique. From Hopkinton to Boylston Street, the Boston Marathon proves that great brands don’t stand still. They keep going the distance. Have an idea for a guest? Reach out at brandslam@addventures.com [brandslam@addventures.com].