Boston Duck Tours has built a brand that has become part of Boston's identity. For millions of visitors, it's their introduction to the city. For locals, it's part of the celebrations that define it. What began as a small local business grew into a city icon, forever tied to the championship parades that have defined Boston’s sports over the last quarter century.

On this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Cindy Brown, CEO of Boston Duck Tours, to explore how one of New England’s most recognizable brands became part of the fabric of the community.

Cindy has been with Boston Duck Tours since its earliest days in 1994, helping grow the company from a small operation into a beloved Boston institution known by locals and tourists alike. What started as a unique way to see the city has become a rolling and floating symbol of Boston storytelling, civic pride and shared celebration.

The conversation looks at how Boston Duck Tours built emotional connection, created a consistent experience through its ConDUCKtors and scaled without losing the personality that made people love the brand in the first place. Cindy also shares what happens behind the scenes when New England wins big and the Duck Boats become the center of the city’s championship parade tradition. For the last quarter century, “Cue the Duck Boats” has become synonymous with Boston’s championship moments.

For marketers and brand leaders, this episode offers a look at how a local business becomes part of a city's culture. It explores experience design, community trust, operational readiness and storytelling. Most of all, it shows how lasting loyalty is earned by showing up, year after year, in the moments people remember.

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Boxing may be the ultimate test of a personal brand. Every time the bell rings, reputation, preparation and performance are all on the line..

On this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with Providence native, Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, a 2008 U.S. Olympian and former two-division world champion, just days before his July 24 return to the ring at Mohegan Sun Arena. 

With humor and honesty, Andrade shares the story behind his famous nickname, the influence of his father and the mindset that carried him through one of boxing's most accomplished careers. He also reflects on being labeled one of the sport's most avoided fighters and what that taught him about confidence, patience and betting on himself.

Outside the ropes, Andrade discusses building businesses, investing in real estate and preparing for life after boxing through promotion and commentary. He also weighs in on how social media, influencer culture and personalities like Jake Paul have changed the business of boxing.

The conversation takes a personal turn as Andrade reflects on his Cape Verdean heritage, being welcomed by the president and prime minister of Cabo Verde and the pride of watching the country capture global attention during the 2026 World Cup.

Whether you're building a business, a career or a personal brand, Andrade's story is a reminder that the strongest reputations are earned one decision at a time.

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The World Cup is more than a soccer tournament. It is a global brand experience shaped by fandom, culture, hospitality and the shared moments that bring people together.

On this special episode of Brand Slam, (add)ventures founder and CEO Steve Rosa and (add)ventures President Mary Sadlier examine World Cup 2026 through a brand and marketing lens, exploring the players building global influence, the media shaping the tournament narrative and the brands earning an authentic place in the fan experience.

They also discussed the international fans who transformed stadiums and host cities, the tournament’s impact on communities like Boston and Providence and how firsthand experiences can reshape perceptions of a city, a company or even a country.

For marketers, the lesson is clear: brands win cultural moments by understanding the audience, contributing something meaningful and creating a genuine sense of belonging.

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Basketball is no longer just an American game. It is a global business, a cultural force and a powerful case study in how leadership, talent development and brand growth can move across borders.

On this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata chat with Ryan Richman live from Tokyo. Richman is head coach of Alvark Tokyo, assistant coach for the Japan Men’s National Team and a former assistant coach with the Washington Wizards. With experience across the NBA, international basketball and player development, Richman brings a unique perspective on how the game is growing around the world and what leaders can learn from the way elite teams are built.

The conversation explores Richman’s coaching journey from the NBA to Japan, what championship cultures have in common and why chemistry, accountability and trust often separate good teams from great ones. He also shares what Americans may still underestimate about basketball’s rise throughout Asia, including the impact of players like Rui Hachimura and the growing influence of the game in Japan.

For marketers and brand leaders, the episode offers a broader lesson in multicultural connection, leadership and continuous improvement. Richman discusses how the Japanese principle of kaizen, the philosophy Toyota lives by as owner of Alvark Tokyo, has shaped his approach to coaching, development and team building.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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The strongest brands know when it’s time to reinvent themselves. And right now, baseball is in the middle of exactly that kind of transformation. Once challenged by shifting attention spans, the game is finding new life through global talent, a faster pace and a more connected, energized fanbase. On this episode of Brand Slam, hosts Steve Rosa and Joe Kayata sit down with longtime MLB executive Dan Duquette to explore how baseball is finding its way back to our hearts and why its future may be more international–and more exciting–than ever.

Few people have witnessed baseball’s evolution up close the way Dan has. A two-time Major League Baseball Executive of the Year, he’s helped shape winning organizations across the Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, and Baltimore Orioles. Along the way, he saw early what the game could become by investing in talent across Latin America and the Caribbean, helping expand baseball’s reach far beyond U.S. borders. It’s that perspective, grounded in people and a global view of the game, that makes his take on baseball’s future so compelling.

Dan saw it before most others did: a global pipeline of talent that could elevate teams and expand the game itself. From stars like Vladimir Guerrero to today’s international icons like Shohei Ohtani, that vision has helped shape baseball into a sport that reaches far beyond its borders. 

At its core, this is a story about people. Dan recognized potential early, invested in it, and built connections that stretch across continents. It’s the same instinct that drives the best brands: show up where your audience is and create something that truly connects.

It’s a conversation about evolution, global thinking and what it takes for a legacy brand to win again.

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