Case Study
Directions: First, answer the warm up questions below in the box to the right. Then, scroll down, pick an episode to listen to (Cotopaxi or Toms), and respond to the
respective questions
Warm Up Questions:
It’s common for companies now to donate to a cause,whether money or products. For example, Bombas gives a pair of socks to someone in need when you buy a pair.
Do you think these donations are genuine? Why do companies do this? Are they trying to be trendy? Does it encourage you to pick a brand over another if it supports
a social cause?
Before you listen:
Visit the Cotopaxi site. What do you observe about their products? What does the brand seem to be about?
While listening:
Here’s the link to the episode! HIBT: Davis Smith Respond to the questions using the space to the right as you listen
What was unusual about the pitch made by Cotopaxi?What are Cotopaxi’s unique selling point/differentiators from a brand perspective? From a business perspective?
What’s unique about the relationship with factory workers where Cotopaxi is made?
How was the company launched? What was special about the marketing event?
Briefly outline Davis Smith’s journey from his first job to creating Cotopaxi. Include at least 4 events.
After you listen:
Now that you’ve heard the Cotopaxi whole journey, reflect on the questions below and write your answers in the box on the right.
Were you familiar with this brand prior to the show? How did the interview impact your brand affinity?
What stood out to you in Davis’ story? What was inspiring or thought provoking?
What tips do you think Davis Smith would provide to someone who wants to be an entrepreneur?
What are character traits Davis Smith had that helped him become a successful entrepreneur?
What’s a question you’d like to ask Davis Smith?
respective questions
Warm Up Questions:
It’s common for companies now to donate to a cause,whether money or products. For example, Bombas gives a pair of socks to someone in need when you buy a pair.
Do you think these donations are genuine? Why do companies do this? Are they trying to be trendy? Does it encourage you to pick a brand over another if it supports
a social cause?
Before you listen:
Visit the Cotopaxi site. What do you observe about their products? What does the brand seem to be about?
While listening:
Here’s the link to the episode! HIBT: Davis Smith Respond to the questions using the space to the right as you listen
What was unusual about the pitch made by Cotopaxi?What are Cotopaxi’s unique selling point/differentiators from a brand perspective? From a business perspective?
What’s unique about the relationship with factory workers where Cotopaxi is made?
How was the company launched? What was special about the marketing event?
Briefly outline Davis Smith’s journey from his first job to creating Cotopaxi. Include at least 4 events.
After you listen:
Now that you’ve heard the Cotopaxi whole journey, reflect on the questions below and write your answers in the box on the right.
Were you familiar with this brand prior to the show? How did the interview impact your brand affinity?
What stood out to you in Davis’ story? What was inspiring or thought provoking?
What tips do you think Davis Smith would provide to someone who wants to be an entrepreneur?
What are character traits Davis Smith had that helped him become a successful entrepreneur?
What’s a question you’d like to ask Davis Smith?