After losing our Brave Magazine editor to retirement, I wondered if Flag and Banner (FAB) would ever have the chutzpah to publish it again. I say that because making a magazine is hard work, expensive, and takes a lot of brain power, thus the editor must be someone with a passion for it, otherwise it becomes something we (the marketing department) collectively put off, and put off, and put off. Which we did for a while. But I am glad to say it is back and we feel like proud papas (or mamas).
The Birth of Brave
Before FAB matured into a company of excellent processes and interdepartmental communication, we had Mandatory Monday Morning Meetings (MMMMs) where we met to orally communicate between departments about current work in progress. The highlight of these meetings were usually when a salesperson would share a customer’s story about the intended use for the flag or banner we made them. We’ve seen ourselves in movies, presidential elections, sporting events, being carried across the country for a cause, and one of my favorites is an underwater memorial for Navy Seal Adam Brown. For the curious divers, the Lake Ouachita coordinates are published in a past Brave.
At one of these MMMMs we had the idea to make a newsletter for our customers about our customers. It didn’t take long before the idea grew into a glossy 28-page magazine. And Bonna, a salesperson at the time, coined its name: Brave.
What’s in a Name?
At first glance, you might think a magazine with the title Brave was about servicemen, cops, or even American Indians … and sometimes it is. But, for the most part, it is about everyday people doing brave things. Making a movie, running for an election, competing in sports, supporting a cause, and, of course, being a Navy Seal, all take courage. And it doesn’t stop there. It takes courage to change jobs, move, get divorced, forgive, enlist, donate, volunteer, fall in love, and sometimes just to even get dressed and leave the house.
In the current issue, it speaks to the bravery it takes to change one’s lifestyle: To act and think outside your comfort zone.
Delivery Method
We don’t mail our magazines to as many customers as we used to. It has gotten too expensive, and we have a lot of customers now (80,000). However, we do send a free copy to those who have subscribed for USPS mail delivery. And if you have ordered from us lately, you most likely got one in your package shipment.
But that is not the only way to get your free copy of Brave. You can also subscribe to receive an online flip book and, in case you didn’t know, we have a Water Cooler Weekly email that you can also subscribe to. This is where you get the most bang for your buck. Each Thursday an all-inclusive email will be sent to you with links to all our YouTube tutorials and funny Flag and Banter clips. Also in the email: sales, Dreamland Ballroom updates, my weekly blog and podcast guest, and yes the Brave Magazine online publication.
We’re busy over here, so don’t worry about me retiring anytime soon!
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