These two designers meet again at IRDC’s hands-on visual merchandising contest, where the creativity flows as freely as the trash talk. Bevan Bloemendaal’s team won in 2006; David Kepron’s in 2007. Will one of them be victorious again? Or will a new contender rise to the top?
As the reigning champion of Iron Merchant from last year’s IRDC, what do you think it’s going to take for you to claim the title again?
Would Lance Armstrong have worried about making his way from last place to the front during the Tour de France? No, he’d have led the pack from the start. So what are you really asking?
Bevan Bloemendaal won the year before. What’s his super power?
Courage to take on the hopeless task.
What’s his kryptonite?
Knowing defeat is a foregone conclusion.
If you could pick one person to be your team member, who would it be?
Elvis.
What’s the secret to being a good team leader?
The ability to promote “followship” in others.
Pretend it’s an hour before Iron Merchant begins. What’s going through your mind?
Where is the bathroom and why didn’t I use it before?
What’s your dream secret ingredient?
Giada De Laurentiis.
How will you celebrate a victory?
Split the pillage between the marauding tribes, giving an earldom to the knights who most distinguished themselves in battle.
Finish this sentence: Winning isn’t everything…
…are you sure it isn’t?
Kepron took the win in Atlanta. You won two years ago in San Francisco. What do you think it’s going to take for you to claim the Iron Merchant title again in Seattle?
Come on, do you really think David has it in him for a second term? I think not. I’ll need a clear brief, focused mind, strategic team and Starbucks coffee. Then it’s in the bag.
What’s David’s super power?
His funky glasses. I don’t think he should be allowed to wear them this year.
What’s the secret to being a good team leader?
Being a really great listener, being present in the moment, assessing the strengths of the team, ensuring they all know they’re part of a winning team and then telling them they’re going to do it my way.
Pretend it’s an hour before Iron Merchant begins. What’s going through your mind?
What crazy thing do they have up their sleeve this year? And can’t they take a better picture of me this time?
What’s your dream secret ingredient?
More glue sticks.
How will you celebrate a victory?
Take the team to dinner and charge it to Steve Kaufman.
Why is the Iron Merchant winner the King of the World?
Because you can wear that Miss America sash and still feel like a manly man’s king.
Finish this sentence: Winning isn’t everything…
…but it sure beats the hell out of losing.