I've watched OCC on and off since they were first assembling their much sought after hardware on TV. I really enjoyed the show its first couple of years, but always wondered how long they would be able to sustain their brand. First, congratulations to the boys for having survived this long and more importantly they've thrived. They've managed their brand masterfully and have only sharpened their saw as time has gone forth. Beyond that, I have always marveled at the analagous scenario between their creative process and one that goes on inside of an ad/marketing agency. I've attempted to draw some parallels here:
1. Get To Know The Clients: While the OCC boys definitely have their process, they do begin with understanding their client's brand, needs and desires. Their insight process does inform their creative process and that's always a good thing - even if you're getting paid hundreds of thousands to build a motorcycle.
2. Search For Inspiration: We have CA and Archive, these boys search the web and other forms of art for inspiration. They go through a mood board process, like us, and strive to capture the essence of the brand or person's personality through their design.
3. Mental Block: Usually, they go through a period of designers-block. Not unlike people on the agency side, there are moments of "My god, they are going to figure me out on this one!". However, the boys always pull through with a killer design - like most great agencies and creatives.
4. Fight Like Dogs: The creative process and deadline-driven production always has tempers on edge. One of the main reasons people keep tuning in to the show is watching Paul Sr., rip Jr and Mikey a new one. We could put a camera inside of any agency at 6pm on a Friday and you would most likely see the same thing.
5. Last-second Hiccup: Something always goes wrong, whether real or scripted. The pipe isn't the right cut, the seat doesn't fit or the handlebars are on backwards. Kinda like when we find a typo and the boards are already in the mount room.
6. By The Skin Of The Teeth: Somehow the boys always come through. I'd like to think we do as well.
[wire] stone is uniquely ranked on both Top 50 lists for BtoB and Advertising Age's Integrated Marketing and Interactive Agencies. We're also in the top 2% of marketing services agencies in the United States ranked by billings. 
