The Branded Gentry: How A New Era of Entrepreneurs Made Their Names

Every era has its gentry: wealth, authority and power are seldom static for long. Once, whiskered industrialists challenged the landed gentry for social ascendancy. Then, in the 20th century, came a new era of entrepreneurs, who made their names by making their names into brands. This is a book about 13 such individuals; from Johnnie Boden to Julian Richer; from Lord Sainsbury to Paul Smith; from Emma Bridgewater and John Hegarty to Robert Hiscox and others. Remarkable men and women, from a sweeping range of industries: pioneers of modern enterprise. The authors take us on a colorful, illuminating journey, described through 13 compelling portraits, covering grand philosophies and shrewd strategies, the lessons of success (and failure) and the dramas and difficulties on the way. The book will appeal to general readers interested in finding out more about the people behind the brands, as well as those of an entrepreneurial spirit who want to know how others got to the top—and what is involved when you have your name above the door.

David Hopper is a marketing research strategist with over 20 years of international experience, running his own consultancy, H2 Partners, whose clients include Bollinger, Nokia, Pernod Ricard, and McDonald’s. Charles Vallance is chairman and founding partner of advertising agency VCCP, which handles a diverse range of clients including Hiscox, Laithwaites, easyJet, Molson Coors, Burton’s Biscuit Co, Compare the Market and O2.