Under the Influence with Terry O'Reilly Brand Envy
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Nov 15, 2025 Explore the captivating stories of four iconic brands that have thrived for decades. Discover how a wax attraction has kept audiences spellbound for 200 years and a restaurant has perfected their ice cream swirl for over 80 years. Learn about the intriguing partnership between a luxury car brand and a famous spy, along with how a bubblegum brand remains beloved through nostalgia and collectibles. Join the discussion on what keeps these brands alive and evolving in a changing market.
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Uniqueness Sustains Brands
- Terry O'Reilly argues longevity comes from being absolutely unique and staying relevant across generations.
- Each featured brand kept its core identity while adapting to changing tastes and technologies.
Madame Tussauds' Origin Story
- Anna-Marie Tussaud survived the French Revolution by using her wax modelling skills to recreate guillotine victims for public display.
- She toured Britain for 36 years and then opened a permanent London exhibition that became a lasting tourist brand.
How Dairy Queen Perfected Soft‑Serve
- Sherb Noble and J.F. McCullough tested soft-serve in 1938 and sold 1,600 cones in 90 minutes, proving strong product-market fit.
- Dairy Queen franchised rapidly and protected its iconic cone curl as a trademark while expanding globally.
