Local Legends: Ohio Valley Commercials That Stuck With Us
What do Leaky BA, Number One Snyder, and Gus’s Goodies have in common? They’re more than just ads - they’re part of the cultural DNA of the Ohio Valley.
In this episode of Meeting of the (Strong) Minds, the Strong Minded team rewinds the VHS and spotlights the local television commercials that everyone in Wheeling, Steubenville, and beyond still remembers. From jingles that became earworms to taglines etched in memory, we explore what made these ads so effective and why they matter today. Special guest Lauren Hersey joins to share behind-the-scenes stories and the strategy behind creating local spots that still stand the test of time.
Listen to the Episode
Highlights from the Conversation
The Ohio Valley Commercials Hall of Fame
We crown classics like Leaky BA and Number One Snyder while sharing the lines and jingles that people can still quote decades later.
Jingles, Taglines, and Local Fame
From Gus’s Goodies to Stillwell Auto Sales, the team debates why some slogans and songs outlast entire businesses.
Behind the Camera with Lauren Hersey
Lauren shares her journey from newspapers to TV, and how she helped shape local ad campaigns with a mix of creativity, strategy, and community connection.
Strategy Behind the Shtick
It’s not just silly characters or low-budget charm. Lauren explains the research, timing, and targeting that made these commercials effective.
Nostalgia Meets Marketing Lessons
Why repetition, simple messaging, and personality turn a 30-second spot into something unforgettable.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why jingles and taglines are powerful memory tools
- How local commercials balance charm and strategy
- The formula Lauren uses to make ads memorable
- Why repetition and frequency matter more than polish
- What modern brands can learn from classic TV spots
Who Is This Podcast For?
If you grew up in the Ohio Valley, this episode is pure nostalgia. But if you’re a business owner, marketer, or creative, you’ll also walk away with lessons on how to make your brand stand out — even without a Super Bowl ad budget.
Whether you’re laughing at “I can’t call you, you gotta call me” or singing along to Gus’s Goodies, this episode shows how local commercials became legends.
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