Paul Isakson is one of my "go to" thinkers about brand building and the "future of _____". His presentation from July 2009 (!) is just as relevant today as it was phrophetic then. Worth checking out.
(This is one more reminder of how good the brand building talent is in MPLS/St. Paul. I feel fortunate to get to work with guys like this. And, i recently heard Paul was again working with clients directly, so give him a shout if your brand needs a kick in the pants)
Jim Cuene 
Very kind of you, Jim. The feelings and respect are mutual. Thank you.