When it comes to advertising, every potential client wants to hang with the coolest kid on the block. I think it has to do with the allure of the big name — who doesn't want to be associated with the hot shop that everyone knows? But no one stays on top …

If you had asked me 15 years ago, "Would you ever move back to North Carolina?" I'd have said "absolutely not." Don't get me wrong, I love this charming, often backwards-thinking state. It has mountains and the ocean — a lot of states don't have either one. Warm summers, easy winters, a war of barbecue styles where there are no losers ...