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Dogs, Crabs, & Cleaning Geniuses — Ads That Stick

Dogs, Crabs, & Cleaning Geniuses — Ads That Stick

From Panasonic’s breeze-blown pup to Ariel’s spotless wordplay, these ads prove wit really does sell.

The Swipe
November 14, 2025

Welcome back to your daily marketing swipe file. The best ads, served fresh daily, and as tasty as your favorite slice of pepperoni pizza. 🍕 Let’s dig in.

H-1B got pricey? Go global instead.

The new $100k visa fee is shaking up U.S. hiring.

For enterprises relying on global talent, it means higher costs, slower hiring, and growing skill gaps. The smartest teams are adapting fast, building distributed squads across Latin America that match U.S. quality, align on time zones, and skip visa friction.

The H-1B Talent Crunch 2025 report breaks down what’s changing, who’s most affected, and how to stay ahead with smarter global hiring.

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‘Fresh Air, Fetching Folds’ — Panasonic

What’s happening: A jubilant, jowly dog leans out a car window, its skin comically rippling in the wind. The ad promises "fresher air" from Panasonic Nanoe automotive air conditioning.

Why it’s awesome: This ad uses the dog's hilariously wind-sculpted face to perfectly visualize the sheer joy of fresh, clean air. It’s a literal breath of fresh air in car advertising.

‘Un-Shell Your Inner Cyclist’ — MTB Mauritius Tour

What’s happening: A hermit crab trades its shell for a snazzy cycling helmet, urging adventure-seekers to break free for the MTB Mauritius Tour. Get ready to ride from May 17-19!

Why it’s awesome: This ad’s genius lies in the hermit crab's helmet, a witty visual pun for 'getting out of your shell.' It cleverly links beach comfort with adventure, making it unforgettable.

Explore the Essential Startup Reading Database.

We've diligently curated a list of top-notch articles, blogs, and readings that are pivotal for startup founders. These resources come from reputable platforms and are geared towards fueling your entrepreneurial journey.

And here's the kicker: we've organized it all in a user-friendly Notion database for easy access and tracking. Double win!

Learning from the best is how you become the best. As aspiring leaders and innovators, this curated list serves as a bridge to absorbing the knowledge that has propelled others to success.

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‘Undressing the Stain’ — Ariel

What’s happening: Ariel shows us how it works by visually removing the "ing" (a messy yellow stain) from the word "dressing," cleverly leaving behind just "dress."

Why it’s awesome: This ad is pure wordplay genius! It’s a simple, witty visual pun that instantly communicates Ariel's power to clean clothes and banish the very essence of a stain.

‘Ditch The Hedgehog. Get Gillette’ — Gillette

What’s happening: A man's beard is literally a prickly hedgehog, preventing any romantic closeness. Gillette wants him and his partner to embrace smooth skin, not quills, by shaving.

Why it’s awesome: This ad hilariously transforms rough facial hair into an actual hedgehog, creating an unforgettable and relatable visual metaphor. It perfectly articulates the uncomfortable barrier that unshaven stubble can pose to intimacy.

Roko’s Basilisk skips the buzz words and cuts straight to what moves markets, products, and careers. Read it over coffee and sound brilliant on your next call.