In this week’s “you’ve got to be kidding me” marketing news, 88-year-old Stan Richards, founder of the storied Richards Group agency in Dallas, Texas, resigned after making a racially incentive remark that led to multiple clients firing the 650-person agency. Motel 6 started the stampede, followed by Home Depot, Keurig Dr Pepper and the grocery store chain H-E-B.
He probably should have turned over the reins years ago. Not only has he offended countless people, but he’s put the livelihoods of everyone who worked there in jeopardy.
It’s sad and simply inexcusable.