What's in a Name

As the old Shakespearean quote goes, "What's in a Name?". Corporations pay millions upon millions for the naming rights on professional sports stadiums, buildings, amphitheaters, etc. Here's a couple of new ones. DreamWorks Animation recently paid an undisclosed amount to Zoo Atlanta for the naming rights for their youngest panda bear. No, I'm not kidding. Also, the City of Chicago has plans to sell the naming rights to the city's bus routes and train routes. Wow! Obviously, a lot goes into a name.

I remember when I was a young boy, probably 5 or 6 years old, my sister and I had a disagreement over a wooden toy box. I said it was mine and she insisted it was hers. So what's a little boy to do? I'll tell you. Take a permanent black marker and write your name (to the best of you ability) right on the side. FYI, that toy box now resides in my 5 year old's bedroom. Again, a lot goes into a name.

Nearly 9 years ago, when I first had the idea to start my own custom home building business, one of the first items on my list of things to complete was to finalize a company name. I knew the name of my company would stick with me forever. My first thought was to name it something catchy and trendy. Then I thought about the obvious...Quality Builders, Inc., Carolina Builders, Inc., etc. Then I began to think about my name and what it meant to me personally. I thought about my last name and how much it meant to me and my family, my uncles, aunts, and cousins. And then I thought about my full name...Brad D. Cummings...and the obvious meaning that it has to me personally. I knew that if I attached my name to my product, it better be among the very best products capable of being produced. I knew that it would place a lot of pressure on me, but I knew that it was the right thing to do. From the very beginning, I have always been proud to place my job signs in front of my projects and to attach my name to my work.

So, "What's in a Name"? For me it's simple. It's pride, reputation, it's family.