Introduction
Ottawa Fastener Supply (OFS), affectionately known as “The Tool and Equipment Store,” has been a staple in the Ottawa community for decades. One of the critical factors behind its enduring success is its strategic use of radio advertising, anchored by a memorable jingle and the trusted voice of Gord Wilson, a beloved Ottawa sportscaster best known as the TSN commentator for the Ottawa Senators Hockey Team. This has been a winning combination effectively driving traffic to OFS’s two locations.
The Jingle: Creating a Lasting Impression
For 20 years, OFS has utilized a consistent and familiar jingle in all its radio ads. Regardless of the promotion, event, or sale, the jingle remains a constant element, creating a sense of continuity and reliability for the listeners. The power of a jingle lies in its ability to:
- Enhance Recall: A catchy and well-crafted jingle helps listeners quickly recall the brand. Over time, the repetition of the jingle reinforces brand recognition and makes OFS top-of-mind for customers in need of tools and equipment.
- Foster Emotional Connection: Music has a unique way of evoking emotions. The OFS jingle, with its upbeat and friendly tone, creates a positive association with the brand, making customers feel good about choosing OFS for their needs.
- Build Brand Identity: Consistency in using the same jingle helps establish a strong brand identity. It differentiates OFS from competitors and creates a recognizable brand image that customers trust.
The Voice: Trust and Familiarity with Gord
Gord Wilson, a well-known Ottawa sportscaster for the Ottawa Senators and a long-time broadcaster, has been the voice of OFS for 20 years. His involvement brings several advantages:
- Credibility and Trust: Gord’s reputation as a respected sportscaster lends credibility to OFS. Listeners trust his endorsements, which enhances the perceived reliability of OFS.
- Consistency: Having the same voice for two decades ensures a consistent brand message. Listeners become familiar with Gord’s voice, which reinforces the connection to OFS and creates a sense of familiarity and comfort.
- Emotional Connection: Gord’s long-standing presence in the community means many listeners have grown up hearing his voice. This emotional connection strengthens their loyalty to OFS, as they associate the brand with a trusted and familiar figure.
The Legacy: A Winning Combination
The combination of a memorable jingle and Gord’s trusted voice has created a lasting legacy for OFS. This powerful duo has helped OFS achieve:
- Increased Brand Awareness: The jingle and Gord’s voice work together to ensure that OFS remains a recognizable and memorable brand in the minds of consumers.
- Effective Audience Reach: Radio advertising, with its broad reach, combined with the familiar elements of the jingle and Gord’s voice, effectively captures the attention of a wide audience, driving traffic to OFS’s locations.
- Enhanced Advertising Impact: The consistency and emotional connection provided by the jingle and Gord’s voice amplify the impact of each radio ad, making them more effective in promoting various sales, events, and promotions.
Digital Advertising Synergy
While radio has been a cornerstone of OFS’s advertising strategy, the integration of effective digital advertising has further enhanced their success. By combining the reach and emotional connection of radio with the targeted precision of digital ads, OFS has created a comprehensive marketing approach that drives significant traffic to their two locations. This synergy ensures that the brand message is consistently reinforced across multiple platforms, maximizing the return on their advertising investment.
Conclusion
Ottawa Fastener Supply’s long-standing success is a testament to the power of a well-crafted jingle and the trusted voice of a local icon. This winning combination has created a legacy of brand recognition, trust, and emotional connection that continues to drive traffic and bolster OFS’s reputation as “The Tool and Equipment Store.” By integrating these traditional elements with modern digital advertising, OFS has established a robust and effective marketing strategy that will undoubtedly continue to serve them well into the future.


