Vintage Drums Teach Authentic Business Storytelling
As someone who started FZP Digital at 60 after decades in accounting and nonprofit work, I'm constantly evaluating how stories drive purchasing decisions--it's crucial for understanding what makes clients connect with brands.
I bought a vintage Ludwig drum kit primarily because of the story behind Ludwig's role in launching Ringo Starr's career with The Beatles. The seller told me how Ludwig drums went from a small Chicago company to global fame literally overnight when Ringo's kit appeared on Ed Sullivan in 1964. What sealed the deal wasn't just the Beatles connection--it was learning that Ludwig was so overwhelmed by demand they had to turn away orders for two years.
That story taught me something vital about authenticity in business messaging. When I help clients develop their brand stories, I always look for those genuine "overwhelmed by success" moments rather than manufactured heritage tales. One of my nonprofit clients saw a 40% increase in donor engagement when we shifted from generic mission statements to sharing specific stories about how they started in someone's basement and grew beyond their wildest expectations.
The drum kit sounds amazing, but more importantly, that purchase shaped how I approach client storytelling--real struggles and unexpected growth always resonate more than polished origin myths.
Fred Z. Poritsky, Chief Idea Consultant, FZP Digital
Handmade Paper Preserves Tradition Through Touch
I once purchased a piece of handmade paper from a small mill. It was crafted using old linen rags, pressed and dried by hand. The maker explained that the mill was one of the last of its kind, and every sheet carried the story of patience and preservation. Holding the paper, I realized it was not only meant for writing. It was an archive in itself, carrying tradition into the present. The texture and weight made it feel alive and personal, unlike any machine-made product.
Each sheet seemed to hold a memory of the hands that shaped it and the care that went into its creation. Using the paper, I felt connected to a long line of makers and writers who valued the permanence of tangible craft. It reminded me that objects can hold meaning beyond their function. The experience gave writing a deeper purpose and allowed me to pause and appreciate the beauty of patience and skill in a world that moves quickly.
Lord Robert Newborough, Founder/Owner, Rhug Wild Beauty
Stanford Roommates Prove Clean Products Need Context
I bought Method cleaning products years ago purely because of their "people against dirty" manifesto and story about two Stanford roommates who couldn't find non-toxic cleaners that actually worked. What sold me wasn't the product specs--it was their mission to prove that effective doesn't have to mean harmful.
That purchase completely changed how I approach client messaging at King Digital. When I was grant writing for addiction recovery nonprofits, I learned that people connect with change stories, not feature lists. Now when I optimize Google Business Profiles, I hunt for each client's change moment--the specific pain point that made them start their business.
One cleaning company client's backstory about his daughter's asthma attacks from harsh chemicals became our core Google profile story. His local search rankings jumped because Google's algorithm rewards authentic, engaging content that keeps people reading. The emotional hook made potential customers stop scrolling and actually call.
Method taught me that purchase decisions happen in the heart first, brain second. That backstory-first approach now drives my entire SEO and reputation management strategy--businesses with compelling origin stories consistently get more engagement on their profiles and reviews.
Diana's Watch Opens Doors Beyond Status
After decades in high society circles, I purchased a vintage Cartier Tank watch specifically because of its connection to Princess Diana. The seller explained how Diana deliberately chose understated pieces that could work at both royal functions and her private charity work--she wanted jewelry that wouldn't overshadow the causes she championed.
Having covered countless galas and philanthropic events, I understood exactly what she meant. At charity auctions, donors focus on the cause when hosts aren't dripping in flashy pieces. The most successful fundraising events I've attended feature organizers wearing neat but subtle accessories that complement rather than compete with their message.
Since wearing that Tank, I've noticed how it opens conversations at events in ways my previous flashier pieces never did. People share stories about their own meaningful jewelry or ask about upcoming charity events instead of just commenting on the watch itself. It taught me that in high society, the most powerful luxury items are those with authentic stories that connect to something larger than status.
The watch has become my go-to piece for every major event I cover--from Met Gala afterparties to private gallery openings. Diana's approach of choosing pieces that serve the moment rather than dominate it completely changed how I think about personal style in professional settings.
R. Couri Hay, Co-Founder, R. Couri Hay Columns
Business With Heart Crafts Ethical Footwear
I once bought a pair of handmade leather shoes from a small brand in Bali, not because I desperately needed new shoes, but because of the story behind them. The founder used to work in a big factory where workers were underpaid, so he quit and started his own workshop, hiring the same people but paying them fairly and letting them design the styles together. The shoes weren't cheap, but every time I wear them, I remember that story. It feels like I'm walking around with a little reminder that business can be done with heart.
Andre Oentoro, CEO Founder, Breadnbeyond
Heritage Bags Built to Tell Life Stories
The best purchase I've ever made based purely on the story was a leather messenger bag from a small company called Satchel & Page.
The founder's inspiration wasn't about fashion; it was the WWI-era map bags his grandfather used. They built the company on the idea of creating products that get better with travel and age, carrying the story of your life.
As a founder, that narrative of building something durable with a legacy instantly resonated with me. I didn't just buy a bag; I bought into that philosophy of longevity over fast trends. It's a physical reminder that what we build should stand the test of time and tell a meaningful story.
Nirmal Gyanwali, Founder & CMO, WP Creative
TOMS Shoes Transform Purchases Into Global Impact
One product I purchased primarily because of its backstory was a pair of TOMS shoes. The shoes themselves are simple canvas slip-ons, but what compelled me wasn't the design—it was the story behind them.
TOMS was founded on the 'One for One' model: for every pair of shoes purchased, the company would donate a pair to a child in need. The founder, Blake Mycoskie, came up with the idea after traveling in Argentina and witnessing firsthand how many children lacked proper footwear, which exposed them to injury and disease. That origin story transformed the shoes from a consumer product into a symbol of impact.
When I bought my first pair, I wasn't just buying footwear—I was buying into a narrative of social good. The idea that a simple purchase could ripple outward and improve someone else's life resonated deeply with me. It made me feel like I was part of something larger than myself, even in a small way.
The story also shifted how I thought about consumerism. It showed me that products can carry meaning beyond utility—that they can reflect values, spark conversations, and even inspire movements. TOMS' model has since been replicated and adapted by other brands, but at the time, it felt revolutionary.
The takeaway: a compelling backstory can transform an ordinary product into a personal statement. That's why I chose TOMS—not just for the shoes, but for the story they carried.
Amir Husen, Content Writer, SEO Specialist & Associate, ICS Legal
War Reporter's Typewriter Delivers Translation Precision
I purchased a 1962 Olivetti Also, 22 typewriter since it was used by war correspondent Maria Santos to type the stories she filed in Vietnam. This machine was used by Santos to type 312 dispatches between 1967-1971, one of them being Pulitzer-nominated on civilian casualties. Her press credentials are still taped on the typewriter case and there are coffee marks on the space bar. I was hooked by reading her handwritten note behind the ribbon. This machine never broke down at times when a deadline was most important.
Working on translation projects with Fortune 500 clients, I require tools that provide me with perfect results under time-sensitive pressure. I now use this Olivetti as my secret tool when it comes to last-minute amendments on major contracts. Mechanical precision identifies anomalies invisible on screen and assists me in detecting mistakes in 73 percent fewer stages of revision. I have hand-translated 89 large translation projects with this typewriter in final reviews, one of these being a $2.8 million pharmaceutical reimbursement in which a single mistranslation would have led to regulatory delays. Santos had faith in this machine in battlefields. I have confidence in it with million-dollar deals. It is that legacy that makes me obsessed with zero-defect translations.
Danilo Coviello, Founding Partner & Digital Marketing Specialist, Espresso Translations
Green Juice Transforms Personal Loss Into Health
I have become addicted to Organifi Green Juice since Drew Canole created it after his father passed away as a result of avoidable health issues. He saw his father decline and there was nothing he could do about it. The loss made him come up with something that would help other families avoid the same regret. It is only natural food that humans might be able to adhere to.
I purchased my original canister in 2016 and I have not stopped. I am always on the road during physical therapy sessions and speaking engagements, and this keeps me on schedule. My clients face the same problem. Their struggle with healthy eating is not because of lack of knowledge. This removes that friction. Drew's story reminds me why I chose this career. I help individuals implement changes in their lives before their bodies fail. His father did not have such an opportunity. But millions of other people do because Drew made his pain useful. That is the type of origin story that earns my money.
Dr. Chad Walding, Chief Culture Officer and Co-Founder, NativePath
Game Developers Share Technical Problem Solving Journey
For me, the one product I bought completely because of its backstory was the game Factorio. I think it's because the developers were so open about how they built it. They had this weekly blog where they showed everyone exactly how they were solving huge technical problems to get the game running at a perfect 60 frames per second. Honestly, it was just amazing to watch their progress. They weren't showing off a cool game so much as they were showing a deep respect for the player's computer.
You know, on my end, my whole job is making game servers run without a single hiccup for competitive play. A tiny bit of lag in a Counter Strike match is a huge deal. When I saw the Factorio guys showing that same obsession with smooth performance, I just had to support them. It felt like we were on the same page. I believe that kind of dedication to how something runs is what makes a product truly worth it, and you just don't see it very often.
Michael Pedrotti, Founder / Tech Entrepreneur, GhostCap
Ugandan Baskets Create Jobs While Feeding Children
Last year, after volunteering with my family at Feed My Starving Children, I discovered their Marketplace and purchased several Christmas gifts from their collection. My favorite item purchased was this grass woven basket from Uganda. It is beautiful and provided 49 meals for children in need.
What drew me to these products was the powerful story behind them. The FMSC Marketplace creates sustainable employment opportunities for artisans in communities that receive their food aid. These craftspeople earn fair wages for their handmade goods, while retail profits generate additional meals for children worldwide.
I found it compelling that a single purchase serves multiple purposes - supporting skilled artisans, funding nutrition programs, and providing unique gifts with genuine meaning. The impact is significant too; in the past year alone, they supported over 2,200 artisans and generated enough retail sales to provide more than 4.6 million meals for families globally. The combination of beautiful craftsmanship and tangible social impact made these products impossible to resist.
Jennifer Galbraith, President, Alestra Marketing, Inc.
Shipwreck Lamps Illuminate Past With Safety
I purchased a hand-made lamp in a small workshop which recreates light fixtures using parts from shipwrecks. The owner, a retired marine engineer, began to gather broken fixtures from decommissioned ships in Sydney Harbor. He cleans, rewires, and reassembles every single piece with the help of safe and modern fittings while keeping the original patina. I was interested in the backstory as it had elements of craftsmanship, sustainability, and attention to engineering details, which are important to me when working in the electrical field. Any scratch on that lamp tells you of the places it has been, and the wiring is current without losing character. It is an old product that continues to operate in modern times with safety and reliability.
Jason Rowe, Director & Founder, Hello Electrical
Patagonia Backs Environmental Values With Action
I bought a Patagonia jacket because of the story more than I did with the actual design. Patagonia's "Don't Buy This Jacket" campaign stayed with me — promoting repair, reuse, and a little thinking before buying. This wasn't a guilt trip; it was an open acknowledgement that we consume too much and that we have to start taking our environment more seriously. The localized, scrappy nature of it is something I would trust more than any influencer campaign.
What put me over the edge was that their mission corresponded to what they were doing. Patagonia gives 1 percent of its sales to environmental causes and even altered its ownership structure so all profits are dedicated to protecting the planet. As a sustainable mobility practitioner, I witnessed a company that lived out the values it preaches. Every time I wear it, I remember that business can be a positive force of change without sacrificing what's good and decent.
Rob Dillan, Founder, EVhype.com
Indian Messaging App Taps Digital Nationalism
This isn't exactly a purchase but a new service I recently started using - Arrata, a WhatsApp alternative being promoted by India's Information Technology Minister.
What caught my attention was the story behind it. The idea of a homegrown messaging platform built and supported in India felt both credible and timely. The minister's endorsement gave it legitimacy, and it aligned with our desire to de-risk communication from non-Indian platforms.
Honestly, it takes a lot to switch from an app you use every day, especially to something that offers almost the same features. There's no major differentiation. The only compelling reason is the story itself: a local, secure, Indian-built alternative.
There's also a new wave of digital nationalism in India, a sense of pride in supporting local technology. That, combined with seeing several people I know already on the platform, pushed me to download it and give it a try.
For me, the backstory - not the product - was the real reason I made the switch.
Chaitanya Sagar, Founder & CEO, Perceptive Analytics