Masonry Blog

with two columns
    What’s Really Going On With TikTok’s Latest Legal Troubles?
    1024 576 Michael Kraabel

    Let’s talk TikTok. The latest legal battles surrounding the platform have been setting off alarms across industries—privacy concerns, geopolitical drama, and even some whispers of good old-fashioned overreach. If you know me, you know I love a good conspiracy theory…

    read more
    Welcome to the Brandverse
    1024 574 Michael Kraabel

    Great brands don’t just sell products or services—they build worlds. These worlds are immersive spaces where customers not only feel seen and understood but experience a visceral connection that pulls them in, allowing them to escape the noise of daily…

    read more
    The Birth of Catiki Originals
    1024 574 Michael Kraabel

    It all started with an idea that combined two of my passions: creative experimentation and Tiki art. I’ve always believed that you don’t wait for the right opportunity—you create it. That’s how Catiki Originals was born. I wanted to build…

    read more
    Why Political Science Majors Excel at Marketing
    1024 576 Michael Kraabel

    Marketing isn’t just about selling products or services; it’s about building trust and moving people to act. As a political science major turned brand marketer, I see the connection every day. Political science is a training ground for persuasion, storytelling,…

    read more
    Giving Back Through Brand Building
    1024 574 Michael Kraabel

    In 2025, I’m reviving one of my favorite passion projects: helping local companies build strong, memorable brands. Once each quarter, I’m dedicating time to work with a small business or entrepreneur to craft their brand story, refine their marketing strategies,…

    read more
    Jaguar Release Day
    1024 574 Michael Kraabel

    Today isn’t just another day for Jaguar—it’s potentially the day. The iconic carmaker is poised at a crossroads: one path could redefine their legacy, and the other might cement the idea that they’ve missed their moment. I’ll be live-blogging the…

    read more
    Why I Love Conspiracy Theories (Even If I Don’t Believe Them)
    1024 576 Michael Kraabel

    Let me start by saying this: I don’t actually believe most conspiracy theories. That’s not what draws me in. What I find fascinating about them is the sheer creativity—the way they challenge the obvious and spin alternate realities that feel…

    read more
    The Story Behind My Favorite Photo: Mia Gonzalez and the Power of 3D Printing
    1024 683 Michael Kraabel

    Sometimes, a photo becomes more than just an image—it becomes a story, a moment of triumph, and a symbol of what’s possible when technology and humanity come together. One of my favorite photos is of Mia Gonzalez, a young girl…

    read more
    Building AVIV Vodka: A Decade of Purpose and Partnership
    1024 576 Michael Kraabel

    A little over a decade ago, I began working on AVIV 613 Vodka. At the time, it wasn’t clear what the journey would look like, but one thing was certain—we weren’t creating just another vodka. This was something different: a…

    read more
    Jaguar Rebrand: Still Angry, But At Least I’m Not Alone
    1024 576 Michael Kraabel

    After spending the night tossing and turning over Jaguar’s new branding campaign, I did what any frustrated car lover would do: I dove into the online discussions. What I found didn’t ease my frustration, but it did make me feel…

    read more