It's a two-sided sword: When things go well, everyone does well. When things are bad, you need to support [sister agencies] and know they're there to support you.

support Jay Walker 100 percent. The final story hasn't been written yet.

We support a vigorous program of enforcement by state and federal officials to ensure that our products are used safely. Today's actions by the state of Florida demonstrate that regulatory officials continue to monitor and enforce the nation's rigorous pesticide laws. By following EPA's rules, we are confident that both public health and the environment are protected. This is proof that the regulatory system works and violators will not be tolerated.

If we're reduced to being tacticians, we'll never be able to build brands. We need to get to a higher point, like with the CEO. But it's tough to find heroes willing to say 'I believe in long-term brands' and stay the course.

The idea that the brand essence can come from anywhere brought a lot of energy to us. It made advertising a practice, not the be-all and end-all, and it gave credibility to our strategic planning people as more than tacticians.

I still think a worldwide marketing services group could work. It brings something very different than integrated agencies that started with advertising.