Thirty Years of “Ronisms”

Usually, we at S&A Cherokee use this monthly newsletter to educate and inform our clients and partners about PR and communications concepts. If you’ll indulge us a little, this month we’d like to toot our own horn.

Perhaps you’ve read in the News & Observer, Garner-Cleveland Record or Garner News that S&A Cherokee turned 30 this year. To put that time frame in perspective, here are a few fun facts from 1982 (courtesy of our ace PR intern Robert Carlton):

• The number one movie was “E.T.”
• The New York Islanders won the Stanley Cup, and Jimmy Connors won men’s singles atWimbledon.
• The three most popular TV shows were “M*A*S*H,” “Dallas” and “60 Minutes.”
• Michael Jackson released the album “Thriller.”
• USA Today and HBO both debuted.

Ron Smith started Smith & Associates in 1982 in the midst of a recession and has steered the company through several other economic downturns by intelligently diversifying and adapting.

Over the years, Ron has imparted his wisdom to the staff through what we affectionately call Ronisms – folksy sayings that convey deeper messages. Here are a few of our favorites.

“Pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered.” – Ron relays the story of a job interviewee who asked him how big he wanted S&A to be. His response was that the size of the company doesn’t matter, it’s having the right people do what needs to be done.

“I don’t mind recessions because they put our competition out of business.” – Rather than hunkering down during recessions, Ron and S&A Cherokee have diversified and launched new endeavors that broadened our revenue base.

“Don’t ever love anything that can’t love you back.” – Don’t throw all your affection into possessions or your career. God and your family matter much more.

“Success is never final; and failure is never fatal. It’s courage that counts.” Ron came across this saying on a calendar during a difficult period when he was “failing” at his ad agency job. It’s served him well in plenty of situations since.

There you have it. Wisdom from our beloved founder.

Congratulations to Ron Smith on 30 successful years!

To discover how S&A Cherokee can help with your public relations and communications needs, contact us for a free consultation at (919) 674-6020.