Tag: Sarah Guldalian

Allow me to introduce you to Frederick. His face is distinguished and handsome but kind. His expression: Ever responsible – never lavish – for he takes great pride in treating others with dignity, the same that he himself possesses. Should you ever stop to ask about his day, he will most certainly tell you it is “first rate,” perhaps even “top notch.” 

Frederick strolls down the street of his old-world Manhattan borough. He glances towards the window of his favorite gallery, recognizing a new piece that has arrived. The boutique owner, a friend, stops her work to share an eager smile and wave. Frederick tips his hat and grins before he continues ahead.

Frederick enters Central Park, cane always in-hand. Should you meet him, you might detect the slightest limp – ever so subtle. (Though, no one has ever asked nor would he feel compelled to share how this came to be.) As he journeys ahead, he stops to enjoy the beauty of Fall. A gust of wind blows, and he takes great delight in a blazing orange leaf that circles down from the sky like a feather.

Frederick looks ahead to see the red door that marks his destination. He enters the familiar bistro and takes his seat at the bar. From his coat pocket, he retrieves a small notebook and a pen. He places them atop the bar, along with his hat, before he rests his jacket and cane on the back of his chair.

The bartender, in a pressed, white apron, smiles at Frederick before turning towards the record player. He places Frederick’s favorite record on the spindle – Sinatra, though Frederick loves most all standards and jazz. He smirks and gives a gentle nod to the bartender as a means of thanks. Before he looks away, he stops to appreciate the beautiful finish on the mid-century record player.

Marked for his sophistication and known for his world travels, Frederick is well-respected on this island and certainly in this borough. Yet, he is perhaps most regarded for his uncommon humility and the warmth he shares freely with his wisdom. 

The bartender is excited to bring him the newest wine, just in from Italy. Frederick grins with delight, as though he were young again, for he has never lost the wonder of being treated.

Who is this Frederick – this lover of the arts, this man who possesses a limp from life, yet stands with style and grace? Frederick is the personification of Top Notch Brand Company. We have just walked you through the exercise of bringing your brand to life. As you look upon our brand image, may you forever think of Frederick.

Our Core Values

Experience • We walk with a limp, one that tells a story.

Humility • … Yet, we are still standing and with more gratitude than ever before.

Excellence • We have gained wisdom from failure and strive to excel greater yet in our areas of success.

Honesty • We strive to treat others well, with dignity and respect. 

Inspiration • We strive to contribute beauty to the world through our creative gifts.

And, who are you? Who is the identity behind the brand? What is your story?

Your brand too is like a person. You have likes and dislikes. You have a favorite color, favorite music. You invest your time in a special way. You have a preferred drink and a treasured restaurant. You select your friends in a particular fashion. You walk and you talk in a unique way. You interact in a certain manner. You go to similar places where you see your favorite people. And you find yourself particularly inspired in certain environments.

Be unequivocally you. If you need help finding “you” in your brand, or you have lost your way, we can help – through dreaming, planning, messaging, media, and marketing. We look forward to learning about your identity, about what excites you, brings you life, and what you uniquely bring to this world to inspire and help others. And, once we have, we cannot wait to shine a spotlight and share this top notch news with the world.

Contact us at Sarah@TopNotchBrandCompany.com.

[Inspired by & dedicated to Ken Guldalian, our real-life Frederick]