In the summer of 1981, about the time MTV was debuting
"Video Killed the Radio Star" by The Buggles, two teenage boys,
Danny Rosin and Robert Fiveash, from Norfolk, Virginia were
introduced to each other. Their first encounter involved simple pyrotechnic stunts in the back woods behind Robert’s home.
Although no one recalls exactly what substance was used to blow
up countless oyster shells and hermit crab holes, consensus is
that fuel was involved.

In looking back, many would say that serendipity occurred that day because a friendship was born that would become the foundation on which Brand Fuel has built much of its corporate culture and ideals today.

Robert and Danny grew to be best friends during their school days at Norfolk Academy through the early to mid 80’s. Together, they lettered in football, wrestling, and lacrosse. Robert was there when Danny, a State Champion wrestler, was humbled and pinned in 28 seconds outside of a restaurant by a local bully. Danny was there that night Robert aimed for the fence, booted a cannonball that had been painted like a soccer ball, and broke his foot.

High school faded into college, where only a state line separated them. They fine-tuned the concept of “road tripping”. After college, Danny and Robert took separate paths in business, Danny in The Research Triangle area and Robert in Norfolk.

In early 1998, Danny had an entrepreneurial seizure and began planning to open a promotional advertising company. Naturally, he went to Robert, one of the most trusted and respected people he knew, for advice. The eureka moment came when they realized that they both brought an equal amount of experience and knowledge to the table to be able to form a business partnership. Ultimately, Danny’s 12 years in the screenprinting, embroidery, and ASI industry and Robert’s freshly-minted MBA would suggest a solid foundation for success.

When they sought business start up advice, however, they were shown that 1st year company failure rates were extremely high and partnerships that involved friends or family were typically doomed.

Danny and Robert pledged to make their long-standing friendship the basis for their shared career vision. Over 25 years as friends and almost a decade in business together has passed and they continue to beat the odds, winning numerous industry awards, climbing to the top 3% of the industry in sales volume, and making a difference in the communities in which they serve.

One of the most important philosophical decisions they made to was to ensure a true sense of partnership equality by switching the title of President and Vice President with every passing year.

They are, however, not without disagreements. Thankfully, the industry serves up a product that acts as Brand Fuel’s difficult decision tiebreaker. Enter the ever trendy, but always functional 8-ball. A good sense of humor has kept these two in check.

Together, they have united an incredibly talented staff that continues to build a hard working, ethical, and imaginative entity they are proud to call Brand Fuel.