Deciding to shift my career out of the marketing/PR industry to join our industry was one filled with lots of excitement and understandable learning curves. It's a move many weren't surprised to see, given that love for PVF naturally flows through my veins growing up in my family business. Still, I often get asked what surprises me the most as a marketer in this industry. While there aren't many noteworthy "surprises," there is a recurring interaction I find myself in when people in the industry see my title, whether through a verbal introduction to my role or exchanging business cards. It's often met with a subtle glance of confusion or an honest inquiry as to why I have both "Marketing and Brand" listed in my title. Aren't those two the same? Or "How is Porter Pipe & Supply a brand? You aren't manufacturing anything".
These questions prompted me to write this month's column and ensure a general understanding of these marketing terms. So, let's dive in. Is there a difference between marketing & brand, and if so, are both necessary?