Sutherland Weston Marketing Communications

10/09/2026

More joy. Fewer obligations. A healthy dose of “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Those feelings are showing up in the forecast for 2027 consumer behavior.

On The Briefcase, SW’s Makaila Hickey breaks down three emotions highlighted by trend forecasting firm WGSN, including “suspicious optimism.” Think trust, but verify.

For businesses, it’s a useful question: Are you giving people something to enjoy, making their lives easier, or giving them a reason to trust you?

🎧 Listen to the conversation:

https://sutherlandweston.com/briefcase/

10/07/2026

Baz Luhrmann told us to wear sunscreen, floss, stretch and do one thing every day that scares us.

Dan Cashman apparently took that last one personally.

For our latest Strategy Brief team feature, Dan shares why that advice has stuck with him for nearly 30 years, and how a perfectly innocent family trip to Pittsburgh turned into his latest chance to put it to the test.

It involved an 1887 cable car, a very steep hillside and a healthy distrust of heights.

Read Dan’s latest View from Here in the latest Strategy Brief: https://conta.cc/4hgYGqq

10/06/2026

Getting visitors to Maine takes more than a sign on the road. Kenya Hopkins helped make sure policymakers heard that message.

Congratulations to Kenya of Acadia Wilderness Lodge, named the Maine State Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Volunteer of the Year! Kenya spoke up about the importance of digital marketing tools for Maine businesses, sharing what it takes to attract travelers to the Quiet Side of Mount Desert Island.

Our own Dan Cashman caught up with Kenya and her husband, James, after the awards in Portland. We’re glad he grabbed a photo so we could help celebrate. Well deserved, Kenya! 👏

10/05/2026

With almost half of the Sutherland Weston crew County born and bred, this one takes us right back. 🥔

None of us are old enough to remember the horse-drawn wagon days, thank you very much. But potato baskets, barrels, and 3 weeks of harvest break? Absolutely.

And if you remember Wayne Knight on the Potato Pickers’ Special telling everyone whether the farmers were “going on time,” you’re definitely our people.

A lot has changed since 1900. The County work ethic, not so much.

🥔 Throwback Thursday! 🌱

Some things change, and some things stay the same! This photo, taken around 1900 in Houlton, shows Aroostook County potato harvesters digging and picking potatoes by hand. With potato barrels and horse-drawn wagons in the background, it gives us a glimpse into what harvest looked like more than 120 years ago.

Today, Maine potato harvest looks a little different, with modern equipment helping growers get the crop out of the ground, but the hard work, dedication, and pride that come with harvest remain at the heart of the industry. 🚜🥔

10/02/2026

Maynard Pelletier knows fire protection. So naturally, we put him in the hot seat. 🔥

Turn up the volume for this week’s Hot Mic with Maynard, president of Maine Fire Protection Systems, and Ric and Dan. Then catch the full conversation on The Ric & Dan Show. 🎙️

Hear the full episode at ricanddan.com.

10/01/2026

Your gas gauge is going to demand attention anyway. Might as well do some good while you’re at it. 💜⛽

Choose the Purple Pump at participating Bangor-area Freshies Deli locations, and a portion of your fill-up supports the Bangor Region YMCA!

Plus, Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor is surprising drivers with FREE GAS over the next six weeks. A fuller tank and a little community love? We’re in.

09/30/2026

We’re talking fire protection tomorrow. Naturally, Ric and Dan have a few burning questions. 🔥

Maynard Pelletier of Maine Fire Protection Systems joins us on the next episode of The Ric & Dan Show. Tune in tomorrow! 🎙️

09/30/2026

Your clients have a love language. Spoiler: it probably isn’t another invoice. 😉

A thoughtful thank-you. Help with a small problem. A conversation that isn’t just about the next deadline. Little things can make a big difference in how clients feel about working with you.

On The Briefcase, Ric Tyler takes the five love languages into the business world. Well, four. We’re keeping this HR-friendly.

🎧 Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6hIzoeqeOBHmhMbp7otYFO

09/29/2026

Three-quarters of the Mainers we surveyed say they’re creatures of habit. Here’s the part that surprised us: even Mainers who want change said much the same thing.

So what does that mean when you’re asking someone to try a new business, product, or idea? This week’s Strategy Brief looks at what our Mindsets of Maine research found and why wanting change doesn’t always mean being ready to change your routine.
Read “Even Change Seekers Are Creatures of Habit” here: https://conta.cc/4hgYGqq

09/22/2026

When is it actually time to retire a slogan?

Ric Tyler has a pretty memorable reminder that a good message can stick around a whole lot longer than you think.

🎙️ A new episode of The Briefcase is out now.
https://sutherlandweston.com/briefcase/