Brett Banter

We at Brett have a long and colorful history with Bibendum aka the Michelin Man. Tim, of course, worked at Michelin in the late 1980s and early 1990s before forming our firm. Tim's job was to handle corporate and government relations, which often included sending Bib (it's what his pals call him) out to events. Our firm also handled the Michelin golf tournament for years so Elaine often dealt with the man in white.

And John has a story as well. Back when he was a reporter, he covered the bizarre theft of the Michelin Man suit from an event. It was later found in a dumpster in downtown Greenville.

So today we are excited to learn and pass along that Bibendum, who just turned 113, has been named to the Advertising Walk of Fame. Here is his story.

"In 1894, the two founding brothers, Andre and Edouard Michelin, saw a stack of tires and noted that with arms "it would make a man." Four years later, in 1898, The Michelin Man's character was born, appearing in Michelin posters and representing the company. Today, The Michelin Man — sometimes called "Bibendum" — is regarded as one of the most iconic symbols in the world.

"The Michelin Man is much more than an advertising icon," says Don Byrd, vice president of marketing at Michelin North America Inc. "He has become a global symbol of safety because of his longevity, his visibility among different audiences and the values he represents.""

Hurray for Bib!