CDW Corp.
Agency: Ogilvy & Mather, Chicago TV spot: “Gordon & Taylor” Launch date: March 2012 Creative credits: Chief creative officer: Joe Sciarrotta; copywriters: Geoff Berg, Mark Bruker, Terry Cosgrove, Matt Peabody; art directors: Chuck Taylor, Tom Newsom; management supervisor: Charles Brandl; producer: Cary Potterfield; executive group director: Cathy Francque Why we liked it: Fictional company Gordon & Taylor wins at everything—except basketball. So the company's pragmatic leader recruits Charles Barkley to help save the basketball team and work in the IT department. No matter that Barkley knows nothing about IT—the company has CDW to handle all its tech challenges. Several funny scenarios ensue, including a frustrated Barkley attempting to configure a bunch of tablets before his co-workers inform him he doesn't need to because CDW handles that, among many other tasks. Voice-over closes the loop: “If you have a basketball problem, call Charles Barkley. If you have a tech problem, call CDW.” America loves deadpan office humor, and this extended spot serves it up with a slam dunk.
