Don't Mess With Texas: The Story Behind the Legend

In December 1985, a bumper sticker bearing the words "Don't Mess With Texas" began appearing on pickup trucks across the Lone Star State. There was no explanation, no sponsor, just those four words and a small red, white, and blue Texas flag.Fast-forward twenty years to 2006. Today, the longest-running public service campaign in Texas is also the most successful antilitter campaign in history. Until now, only a handful of people knew the true stories behind the legend: the stories of famous commercials and the stories about dozens of the biggest and brightest Texas stars who donated their time and considerable talents to help Texas reduce litter on its highways by an astonishing 72 percent.

Tim McClure is a brand architect, author, filmmaker, and legend builder. He is one of the founders of GSD&M, one of America's most successful advertising agencies. He is also the creator of the legendary "Don't Mess With Texas" slogan and antilitter campaign.

Roy Spence is also a founder of GSD&M. He has been profiled in USA Today, recognized as an "Agency Innovator" by Advertising Age, and named "Adman of the Century" by Texas Monthly magazine.