70 Chicago Personal Brands

June 2012

Name dropping the who's who of Chicago

They’re known by name. Many of them are known simply by first or last name. These women and men are true personal brands: individuals who are recognized and have built their brand far beyond a single product or deed. Rather, they’re known for what they represent and are endemic to Chicago parlance.

In compiling this list, we eliminated two professions from the mix. Politicians, for obvious reasons, and athletes, save for one notable exception, Michael Jordan, who has extended his brand far beyond his basketball legacy. Also not eligible: Those whose businesses are no longer based in Chicago. Sorry, Oprah.

A note: if you read through this list and are unable to place more than a few of these familiar monikers, it might be time to brush up on your reading.

TCW compiled this list with the intent of limiting the number to 70. We are only too aware that some names were overlooked, but it certainly was not our intent.

Copyright © 2012 Today's Chicago Woman