Madison+Main

You’ve Got Mail (Problems) | Weekly Report for June 5, 2026

Dave Saunders — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 19:35:01 +0000

You’ve Got Mail Problems

I got a piece of mail last week that was sent in November. Yes, it’s seven months late, but I was a bit grateful because sometimes mail never gets delivered at all. This is especially true if you live or work in Richmond. Estimates range between 1-3% of mail is lost, stolen or trashed.

The new multi-million dollar USPS sorting facility in Sandston is a mess and a recent audit says only 65% of mail arrives on time. Richmond dropped to the bottom of on-time delivery in the nation. Why? 1) One-third of staff just don’t show up. 2) Nobody bothered learning the new multi-million dollar system before it was installed. 3) The Union – National Postal Mail Handlers Union, Local 305. (They fought for higher pay and unlimited leave, but did not promise to work harder, faster or more efficiently….or actually show up to work.)

The new Postmaster General David Steiner testified before Congress two weeks ago and said the USPS will run out of cash in early 2027. But that’s always the case…every year or two, the Postal Service asks for more money and Congress gives it to them and then they charge us more for stamps and postage.

The modern Postal Service is a complete disaster. Gone is the dashing hero postal carrier, who fights snow, sleet, freezing rain and other natural calamities to deliver your letters and packages. Today, you’re more likely to get a stoned, card-carrying Union member that leaves a mail truck full of mail sitting in a parking lot for over 2 months. #truestory

It’s easy to blame the post office, but what’s the real problem? 70% of US mail services are dictated by Congress. Do we need mail six days a week? Should a package that costs $7 to send across town, costs the same if I send it to Chitina, Alaska? Does the USPS need unions? Why can’t it outsource some deliveries to Amazon? (They used to, but USPS walked out on negotiations with Amazon in March)

The postal service needs a 100% overhaul, but Congress doesn’t have the cajones to fix it. Private companies can deliver stuff coast-to-coast in one day or less. So why does it take the US Mail a week to get a letter from Short Pump to Innsbrook?

Your Mailman and your Congressman are similar. You know them and you like them as individuals. However, as an institution, the USPS is a lot like Congress; bloated, slow, inefficient and problematic.

Do me a favor. Find out the name and address of your beloved local Representative in Congress here. Then send them a first class letter asking them to reform the USPS. Hopefully, the letter arrives.

MONDAY:

SUCK IT UP, BUCKLE UP.

If you’re driving – safely buckled – this week, you may see some of our recent work on your commute! We partnered with the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety and our friends at Drive Smart Virginia to get local about an imperative message: buckling up saves lives. And we did it with a nod to an iconic Richmond staple – our street art and murals. Let us know if you see one of our creations out in the wild!

TUESDAY:

FUN IS ON THE MENU

Picking the perfect pie at Zorch just got even more delicious – with menus we’ve updated and designed to match their vintage arcade feel, while highlighting their incredible lineup of handmade pizza. If these don’t make you hungry, we don’t know what will – take a peek, and then take the fam to Zorch for dinner.

WEDNESDAY:

RUN FOR THE BUNS

It’s time to run for a cause! We’re proud to support our friends at Hitting Cancer Below the Belt, this weekend at City Stadium for the 14th Annual Boxer Brief 5K. This high-energy event will feature music, costumes, vendors, family-friendly races, and plenty of fun—all while supporting the fight against colorectal cancer. Whether you run in Richmond or participate virtually from anywhere in the country, every step helps save lives and raise awareness. Get registered, and we will see you this weekend.

THURSDAY:

THAT’S A WRAP

On Thursday afternoon, we met with our friends at Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP) to pitch several new creative ideas for this year’s drunk driving prevention campaign. There were some a-ha moments, a few well-earned pats on the back, and a whole lot of excitement about what’s ahead. Big things in the works—be sure to keep an eye out.

FRIDAY:

DAVE RIDES THE (AIR)WAVES

I was back to chat with my friend Rich Herrera on WRVA Richmond Morning News, talking about this weekend’s upcoming events and what to do in the River City during the heat. ICYMI, check it out here!

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS

Hitting Cancer Below the Belt: Boxer Brief 5K

June 6th & 7th, 2026

3201 Maplewood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221

The 14th Annual Boxer Brief 5K will be held at City Stadium, home to the Richmond Kickers. Start time is 8:15 a.m. and the course begins and ends within the complex. A high-energy event which includes music, costumes, vendors, games, and awards.

If you live outside the Richmond, Virginia area and do not plan to travel to the onsite event, consider joining us through the Virtual Challenge. Join the cross-country movement and help to save buns anywhere under the sun.

Come early to have your children participate in the Caped Colon Crusader fun run for children six and under, or the Toddler Trot for our new running toddlers, or the Diaper Dash for our smallest competitors. Register online today!

“The government can’t even do a good job of something as simple as running the Post Office.” – Ronald Reagan

The post You’ve Got Mail (Problems) | Weekly Report for June 5, 2026 appeared first on Madison+Main.

Mall Cop Syndrome | Weekly Report for May 29, 2026

Dave Saunders — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 13:53:10 +0000

Mall Cop Syndrome

We all know the type. Someone is put in a position of limited power, and then they immediately become a little tyrant. I call it Mall Cop Syndrome. The real name is Little Authority Complex.

The “little authority complex”—sometimes referred to as “Little Power Syndrome”—is a psychological dynamic where someone given a minor amount of power uses it aggressively or rigidly to overcompensate for underlying feelings of insecurity, often bullying others to feel important.

Lord Acton famously said, “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” When authority is handed to people who have never had any authority, sometimes bad things happen. Instead of approaching the position with grace and understanding, they feel suddenly imbued and emboldened. They embark on a power trip and tend to make up arbitrary and capricious rules or belittle others they have power over. We see “Mall Cops” everywhere. The front desk clerk. The maitre d’ at a fancy restaurant. The bouncer at a nightclub. The meter maid. And don’t get me started about HOA people. I have several run-ins with HOA tyrants.

But what happens if you find yourself under a supervisor or mid-level manager at work?

Rich Salon, an HR expert and fellow Rotarian, wrote a book last year called the One-Minute Jerk at Work, and there are some good tips in the book on how to handle “Mall Cops” you find at work, such as Micro-Managing Maria and Bullying Betty. Rich asked me to write the foreword on a book about jerks. Imagine that.

What happens if you happen to be confronted by a Mall Cop in real life?

Most “Mall Cops” tend to be a minor nuisance if you know how to deal with them. My advice? If you find yourself being bullied, you can bully back. No, I’m not saying resort to the same behaviors, but I do think most Mall Cops shrink when you call them out on the behavior and become assertive. Stand up for yourself calmly and confidently. Use clear and direct language to express that their behavior is unacceptable.

MONDAY:

MEMORIAL DAY

On Monday, we remembered the fallen. Freedom isn’t free, and this Memorial Day, we honored those who died serving our nation.

Last Friday, I was able to thank some veterans personally at the Tech For Troops inaugural Bourbon & Cigar event. It was a great time. Cigars, Bourbon, wild game, auction items, and good company. I’m already looking forward to next year’s fundraiser. Check out some of the pics on their Facebook page.

TUESDAY:

AD-ING TO THE MIX

Unique marketing plans for unique clients call for unique ad placements—and that means learning & development opportunities! On Tuesday, the Accounts Team gathered ‘round to learn about the latest and greatest in the world of digital advertising. What’s to come, you ask? Google’s search bar might be getting smarter.

WEDNESDAY:

A SHELL OF A DAY

Mother’s Day was earlier this month, but Mother Nature brought Account Manager Leigh Ann Kiebler and Copywriter Robyn Quarles a belated gift—turtle babies?! Although on opposite sides of the river, the two announced via Slack that a couple of turtle mamas deemed their respective properties a safe place to lay their eggs. Tune back in 70-90 days to see when they hatch! And, no, Robyn, don’t even think about bringing the baby snappers into the office.

THURSDAY:

FATHERHOOD

Special thanks to my friend Jeff Katz, who invited me as his guest to the Fatherhood Foundation breakfast on Thursday morning at the Westin Hotel. It was a great event, and it was good to see so many great Dads: TJ & Tom Leonard, Todd Mawyer of TK Promotions, Stan Andrewski (Certified Auto Repair and co-host of In The Garage on WRVA), and Richmond Mayor Danny Avula.

But it was former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares who stole the show, delivering a highly personal speech about the importance of fatherhood. I highly recommend checking out what Chris Beach and his team are doing at The Fatherhood Foundation. Yes, they do good work for a good cause, but it’s IMPORTANT work.

FRIDAY:

BABY, LOVE ME ‘CAUSE I’M PLAYING ON THE RADIO

Friday’s on our minds, and I’m on the airwaves! Spent this morning with my dear friend Rich Herrera on WRVA Richmond Morning News, talking about all the fun things to do in good ol’ RVA. ICYMI, check it out here!

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS

Hitting Cancer Below the Belt: Boxer Brief 5K

June 6th & 7th, 2026

3201 Maplewood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221

“If you’re horrible to me, I’m going to write a song about it, and you won’t like it. That’s how I operate.” – Taylor Swift

The post Mall Cop Syndrome | Weekly Report for May 29, 2026 appeared first on Madison+Main.

GOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL! | Weekly Report for May 22, 2026

Dave Saunders — Tue, 26 May 2026 04:14:49 +0000

GOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL!

There are two kinds of Americans: those who don’t like soccer and those who play it.

Soccer, or “football” if you have your own passport, has been trying to break through in the U.S. for decades. Despite building soccer fields in every single town in America, creating hundreds of leagues and youth programs, and handing out approximately 11 billion orange slices, soccer still lags behind most other sports in popularity. It’s the most popular game in the world, but not here.

Soccer’s TV numbers are increasing, but how long will it take to become a top-tier pro sport? The NFL gives you raw violence and excitement in 7-10 second bursts. NBA games give you a score that climbs like it’s chasing a bonus. Major League Baseball gives you timeless innings and statistics so detailed that you can learn what a player had for breakfast in 2007.

Soccer gives you…a lot of running around, low scoring, and frequent 0-0 finals that feel like someone forgot to finish the PowerPoint presentation. At the end, no one claps, and they just walk out.

“It’s like hockey,” someone once told me. Sure. The only way soccer is like hockey is if you removed the ice, sticks, and 99.3% of the violence.

The clock doesn’t help. It counts up, not down, like it’s daring you to keep watching. Then, just when you think you’ve reached the end, the referee adds extra time based on what appears to be intuition and sensibilities. In America, we prefer our game time to be exact. If a game ends at zero, it ends at zero. There’s comfort in that. Closure. A clean break. Soccer says, “Let’s explore our feelings for a few more minutes.”

But the real sticking point, the one Americans can’t quite square, is the drama. Soccer players react to the slightest contact with the emotional range of a daytime soap opera. It’s hysterically bad acting. Soccer players flop more than LeBron James.

And yet, every four years, something magical happens—the World Cup. We wear the colors. We wear scarves in climates that don’t require scarves. We shout “GOAL” like we’ve been saying it our whole lives.

For a brief, shining moment, we understand just enough about soccer to be dangerous.

Americans may never fully understand soccer, but we’re pros at showing up, making noise, and acting like we’re supposed to be there all along.

In business, we call this confidence. In soccer, apparently, that’s enough to get you through extra time.

If Team USA makes a deep run this year, on our home turf, then Soccer may have a future here after all.

MONDAY:

IT’S T-SHIRT TIME!

T-Room fam: you asked, we listened. New merch! And the best part? YOU get to choose! Visit the Texas Inn Facebook page to cast your vote for your favorite shirt design—the winner will be announced on Monday (Memorial Day)!

TUESDAY:

PURE CORE STRENGTH

When the Accounts and Creative teams join forces, there’s nothing that they can’t do. The team dazzled not one, but two potential new brands during what we call CORE, a simple yet in-depth report on a brand, and how M+M’s bold approach to marketing can help take them to the next level.

If you’re interested in taking your brand to the bold side, reach out to us! #BoldBrandsWin

WEDNESDAY:

CEOs OF THE ROUNDTABLE

I enjoy being a member of VACEOs, especially the fine folks in my Roundtable. On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of meeting up with my crew, where we talked business about our businesses, with a healthy serving of quality time.

If you own a business and would like to know more about how to get involved with the Council, let me know. Email me here.

THURSDAY:

Rx FOR SUCCESS

EPIC Rx is gearing up for a westward adventure to the 2026 McKesson ideaShare in Denver, CO, next month! An event for empowering current and future independent pharmacists, the ideaShare is the perfect place to learn more about how EPIC Rx guides its members to success with tools designed to keep your independent pharmacy ahead of the competition. Plus, I hear they have some pretty amazing giveaways!

FRIDAY:

EVENTS

This morning, I jumped on WRVA to give my weekly report on all things fun to see and do in RVA. I am happy to highlight once again the BIG event with Tech For Troops. Tonight is the night of the Inaugural Cigar & Bourbon Event at American Legion Post 354. You can still get a ticket and join us. The VIP experience is sold out, but you can find a few tickets here. Click here >>>

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS

Hitting Cancer Below the Belt: Boxer Brief 5K

June 6th & 7th, 2026

3201 Maplewood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221

Tech For Troops Inaugural Bourbon & Cigars Event

Friday, May 22, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

American Legion Post 354 | 4800 Welby Turn, Midlothian, VA 23113

Tech For Troops invites you to an outdoor evening along the James River featuring premium bourbon tastings from Four Branches Bourbon and handcrafted cigars from Exitoso Cigars, alongside a strong community of Veteran supporters, business leaders, and local partners.

The evening begins with a VIP Hour from 5:00–6:00 p.m., followed by general admission with vendors, networking, and live music. Guests can enjoy a relaxed but upscale atmosphere with fire pits, curated selections, and silent and live auctions throughout the event.

Proceeds support Tech For Troops’ mission to provide Veterans with access to technology, digital skills training, and meaningful career pathways.

Tickets and sponsorships are now available. Join us and support a mission that creates real impact.

Tickets: https://techtroops.betterworld.org/events/2026-bourbon-cigar

Sponsorships: https://techtroops.betterworld.org/campaigns/bourbon-cigar-sponsonsorships

“All soccer players and kids need is a little help, a little hope, and somebody who believes in them.” – Magic Johnson

The post GOOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL! | Weekly Report for May 22, 2026 appeared first on Madison+Main.

Thank You, Captain Outrageous | Weekly Report for May 15, 2026

Dave Saunders — Mon, 18 May 2026 21:15:41 +0000

Thank You, Captain Outrageous

Ted Turner was a businessman and a bon vivant. He was a TV pioneer and sports team owner. He was a yachtsman, winning the America’s Cup in 1977. He was a rancher and restaurateur. He was a philanthropist. He was a lot of things, and he also married a lot, including once to Jane Fonda. He had a lot of nicknames: “Mouth of the South,” “Terrible Ted,” and “Captain Outrageous.” (They were usually bestowed on him by jealous rivals.)

Turner was born in Ohio and educated in Tennessee. He spent the majority of his life in Georgia, but most of his retirement in Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Florida. The accent he possessed had a bit of both midwestern nasal resonance and southern drawl. He was kicked out of prestigious Brown University for having a woman in his dorm room, mere days before graduation.

Yes, he founded TBS and CNN, The Cartoon Network, and a dozen other cable channels. He took the profits from those and bought MGM. He took MGM’s film library and sold the rest off five months later. TCM (Turner Classic Movies) came next. (Amazon bought the movie collection in 2022 for $8.45 Billion). Through merger after merger, Ted became one of the biggest media moguls on earth. He was a bigshot, and he let everyone know it. He knew how to command attention from all the news outlets, including his own. He took his father’s failing $2 million billboard company and turned it into a $2 billion media company. Mr. Turner was named Time Magazine’s “Man of the Year” in 1991 – five years before becoming their majority stock owner.

Ted is the reason I am still an Atlanta Braves fan. I grew up watching baseball on TBS. Why? Because it was the only game in town (Ted ruled cable). He also owned the Atlanta Hawks and Thrashers and founded WCW – World Championship Wrestling. He started the Goodwill Games after the US and USSR boycotted each other. He donated over $2 billion to charity. Later in life, he founded Ted’s Montana Grill. It’s awesome. There’s one in Alexandria. You should go.

Just like taking movies from MGM and running them on TCM, he used buffalo from his ranches and served them as burgers in the restaurants. He was a master of vertical integration. I learned a lot about business from him.

I’ll never forget the advice he gave young entrepreneurs on CBS’s 60 Minutes in 2003 – “Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell and advertise.” I wrote that quote on a piece of paper and stuck it on the wall next to my desk.

Memories of the man will fade over time….probably a long time, because he was larger than life. Yet his legacy will be one of bold, brash business and philanthropic moves that captured our imaginations. He fundamentally changed news coverage, the way we look at politics and the world, and put actionable conservation on the map. He managed to conserve over 2 million acres of ranch land. Upon his death, he was the 4th largest land owner in the US, and 99% is open to you and me.

And yes, Ted was flawed. He made mistakes, and some of his political leanings were at odds with my own. He said several things that got him into trouble. But I still admired the guy.

Ted Turner died May 6th after a long bout with dementia at 87. There will never be another like him. Thank you, Captain Outrageous, for the inspo.

MONDAY:

MANIC MONDAY

Case of the Mondays? Not around here! We had double the fun celebrating Art Director AJ Stuit’s 5th anniversary at Madison+Main, AND Account Executive/PR Guru Anne Bowers’ birthday! M+M wouldn’t be the same without these two, and we look forward to celebrating many more milestones and achievements ahead. Cue the fanfare!

TUESDAY:

VISIT FROM SALLY; BAGELS FROM NATE

Our good friend Sally Furlong at Digital Remedy stopped by the office on Tuesday morning to talk all things programming. We had a lovely visit with a lovely gal, and we especially appreciate the delicious treats she brought over from Nate’s Bagels. Thanks so much for everything, Sally!

WEDNESDAY:

HI-IHS

Richmond is famous for her incredible murals and street art – and we took inspiration from them for our new campaign, in collaboration with our partners at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and Drive Smart Virginia (DSV), which rolls out this weekend across the city! We’re reminding Richmonders to save lives and get where they’re going safely by buckling up before heading out. Keep an eye out for the new creative while you enjoy the weather this weekend, and be safe!

THURSDAY:

STRAIGHT UP ZORCH-IN IT

No plans for Saturday? Now you’ve got ’em! Zorch Pizza (Forest Hill location) is hosting the Spring Artisan Market in their backyard from 1-5 p.m. Grab a legendary Zorch Pizza slice and a drink from their full bar. This is a full-family affair—be sure to bring the kids and the pups.

FRIDAY:

EVENTS

Riverrock, performing arts, strawberries + wine, oh my! ICYMI, I rode the (air)waves this morning to chat with my good buddy Rich Herrera about the plethora of events for Richmonders to choose from this weekend. Check out this morning’s episode of Richmond Morning News here.

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS

Hitting Cancer Below the Belt: Boxer Brief 5K

June 6th & 7th, 2026

3201 Maplewood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221

Tech For Troops Inaugural Bourbon & Cigars Event

Friday, May 22, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

American Legion Post 354 | 4800 Welby Turn, Midlothian, VA 23113

Proceeds support Tech For Troops’ mission to provide Veterans with access to technology, digital skills training, and meaningful career pathways.

Tickets and sponsorships are now available. Join us and support a mission that creates real impact.

Tickets: https://techtroops.betterworld.org/events/2026-bourbon-cigar

Sponsorships: https://techtroops.betterworld.org/campaigns/bourbon-cigar-sponsonsorships

“If only I had a little humility, I’d be perfect.” – Ted Turner

The post Thank You, Captain Outrageous | Weekly Report for May 15, 2026 appeared first on Madison+Main.

Ghosted by a Spirit | Weekly Report for May 8, 2026

Dave Saunders — Mon, 11 May 2026 15:27:22 +0000

Ghosted by a Spirit

I wasn’t surprised by the announcement last weekend about Spirit Airlines failing. I had been preparing for it. Over the last year, I have bought several flights, trying to use the 139,000 points I had accumulated on the Free Spirit program.

Through the years, I had a love-hate relationship with Spirit Airlines. I love the low fares, but I hated every single aspect of the company and the consumer experience, and almost everyone who ever worked there.

During the pandemic, for example, I was able to fly back and forth from Richmond to Fort Lauderdale as low as $37 round-trip. I didn’t check a bag. I didn’t have a carry-on. I sat in the back of the plane. I didn’t buy any snacks. However, I did join the $9 Fare Club for only nine dollars. On the downside, Spirit Flight Attendants – war-weary veterans of sky violence – acted more like prison guards. Instead of asking me to put my tray table up, they’d reach over and slam it back into place.

I don’t have to dissect all of the reasons why Spirit failed. You’ve already heard a dozen analysts give you their interpretations. Whatever you’ve seen or heard, I can tell you definitively it was not about high fuel prices. Spirit failed because it never fulfilled its brand promise. Spirit ghosted us. I have often said there are brands you know and love, brands you know and don’t love, and brands you’ve never heard of. Spirit was #2.

We were all familiar with the Spirit brand. It was big, bright, and yellow. It was a price brand. It was a brand we all knew and a brand we all hated. The only reason you would fly it was to save money. It was the Walmart of the skies.

If you never flew them, let me briefly describe the Spirit experience. It started at the counter. People would walk onto a Spirit flight dressed in their pajamas or worse. Most people look like they were ready for bed and not ready for a vacation. You’ve seen the videos of the fights. I saw one in person in March of 2021, the same month people got $1,400 Covid stimulus checks. Apparently, they spent $217 on a flight to Florida.

The airline charged an extra fee for everything. Bags. A bigger seat. Snacks. Wi-Fi. Air. I’m pretty sure if they were crashing and you wanted an oxygen mask and a flotation device, they would’ve charged your Visa $39.95. (But only $29.95 if you put it on your Spirit Mastercard.) Yes, I did buy bigger seats a few times, because the normal seats were too small for my American-sized derriere. Insert 37 other jokes about Spirit here.

In the end, it’s no laughing matter. 17,000 jobs lost. Less competition means higher fares. RIC now only offers one daily non-stop to FLL, and it’s already twice the price.

MONDAY:

HOSPITALITY SPONSORS

I like to make the most out of my Rotary Club membership, especially when golf, cigars, and spending a beautiful day OOO are involved. On Monday, Brandermill Country Club hosted the Brandermill (Midlothian) Rotary Golf Tournament, where I, along with VP Leanne Pillow, Accounts Director Allison Nida, and Accounts Managers Leigh Ann Kiebler, Amanda Anderson, and Erin Brennan, caddied nutritious refreshments (Fireball shots and cigars) to those who were breaking a sweat for a good cause.

TUESDAY:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JENNA!

On Tuesday, we celebrated Sr. Graphic Designer Jenna Farley’s birthday! A tender-hearted mastermind, Jenna is an absolute joy to work with and the creative force behind many of our boldest, most eye-catching visuals. Happy birthday, Jenna! We hope this year is the best one yet!

WEDNESDAY:

SMALL BUSINESS WEEK (MAY 3-MAY 9)

The best way you can spend Small Business Week (and your money) is by supporting local businesses—we can think of a few great ones around Richmond for you to check out…

THURSDAY:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RED PEN VIRTUAL ASSISTANTS!

Four years ago, Melissa Thurston walked away from the classroom and into the business world, armed with a great idea – to create a business where teachers can make extra income working as virtual assistants. Today, Red Pen VAs has dozens of clients, mostly busy business owners like me. Melissa has grown the biz from start-up to successful business. Congrats, and we’re happy Madison+Main was able to play a small part in your success. Smart CEOs delegate. Call or email Melissa at Red Pen today and get a VA to help take some of the “stuff” off your plate.

FRIDAY:

EVENTS

Another busy weekend in good ole RVA, and I got to talk all about it with my good friend Rich Herrera on 1140 WRVA Richmond Morning News! Mother’s Day events, comedians, and more—ICYMI, check it out here!

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS

Hitting Cancer Below the Belt: Boxer Brief 5K

June 6th & 7th, 2026

3201 Maplewood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221

Tech For Troops Inaugural Bourbon & Cigars Event

Friday, May 22, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

American Legion Post 354 | 4800 Welby Turn, Midlothian, VA 23113

Proceeds support Tech For Troops’ mission to provide Veterans with access to technology, digital skills training, and meaningful career pathways.

Tickets and sponsorships are now available. Join us and support a mission that creates real impact.

Tickets: https://techtroops.betterworld.org/events/2026-bourbon-cigar

Sponsorships: https://techtroops.betterworld.org/campaigns/bourbon-cigar-sponsonsorships

“To our Guests: All flights have been cancelled, and customer service is no longer available.” – The last thing posted on Spirit’s social media at 2:00 a.m. on May 2, 2026.

The post Ghosted by a Spirit | Weekly Report for May 8, 2026 appeared first on Madison+Main.

R.I.P. Florida Man | Weekly Report for May 1, 2026

Dave Saunders — Fri, 01 May 2026 21:00:00 +0000

R.I.P. Florida Man

Somewhere between an alligator’s yawn and a 7-Eleven hot dog that’s been rotating since the Biden administration, the legend of Florida Man quietly met its end. Not with a bang, but with a headline so perfectly on-brand it practically wrote itself: “Florida Man Dies Doing Something That Felt Like a Good Idea at the Time.” The Google search term “Florida man,” once in the top 100 globally, has now fallen off the charts. The stories are nearly gone, and all we have left are the glorious, mind-bending memories. It was death by algorithm.

Born in 2013, the Florida Man Meme peaked in popularity in 2019 and slowly faded into oblivion last year. He wasn’t one man – he was everyman. He didn’t die of Covid, because guys like him never get it. Instead, his time – and luck – simply ran out. He was a meme. He was clickbait. He was the star of a Netflix series and a source of our collective schadenfreude through some really tough years.

His passing, while tragic – in the kind of way that all preventable things are tragic – leaves a curious void. Who will test the structural integrity of a shopping cart at 40 miles per hour? Who will attempt to return a live alligator to a retail store? Who will relieve himself on a power line? Who will remind us that common sense is not common anymore?

We laugh, of course, because Florida Man gave us permission to. He was absurdity in its purest form, a walking reminder that life doesn’t always need a plan, just a pulse and questionable decision-making. But beneath the headlines and the hazy mugshots lies something oddly admirable. Florida Man showed up. Fully. Loudly. Without apology. In a world increasingly curated and filtered, he was gloriously unedited. He was real.

While the memes are all but gone and our collective attention has turned to fake AI videos of Tilly Norwood, we mourn the death of reality.

Like all great American archetypes, he was equal parts cautionary tale and folk hero. Florida Man didn’t just live on the edge. He bought a timeshare there.

So cheers to Florida Man. Let’s hold up our Natty Lights and toast the sunburned philosopher in cargo shorts and patron saint of poor decisions.

May his legend live on in grainy news clips, late-night monologues, and stories shared in backyard barbecues. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you. One time, I read a story about a guy in Florida…”

MONDAY:

FLORIDA MAN MONDAY

Inspired by the subject of this week’s Weekly Report, the team took part in discovering their own “Florida man.” No, seriously. Forget zodiac signs or enneagrams, you can really tell a lot about a person based on their specific Florida man headline. Just search your birthday + “Florida man,” and let the news stories speak for themselves.

Can’t blame a guy for prying a gator’s mouth to try to save his dog, but driving a lawnmower on the highway is where I have to draw a line. Don’t worry, although injured, both the man and his dog were expected to make a full recovery.

TUESDAY:

THERE’S A SPROCKET IN OUR OFFICE

We had a lovely visit with Patrick Bedall and Rich Bailey from Sprocket Media Works on Tuesday. The dynamic duo spoke with us about the endless possibilities (and capabilities) of their video and animation production over Sugar Shack Donuts and Fred cuddles. Let’s just say—our minds were blown. Anyone want to recreate Star Wars for $5,000? These guys can help!

WEDNESDAY:

VIRGINIA CEO CONFERENCE

While the kids at Madison+Main were working hard this week, I was working hard ON the business at the Virginia Council of CEOs Conference in Virginia Beach. I enjoy being a member of VACEOs, especially the fine folks in my Roundtable. Great speakers, excellent seminars, and some good quality time with my unofficial Board of Directors: JJ, Tim, Stephen, Kim, Stacy, and Daniel (we missed Ed and John this week, but we’ll see them soon).

If you own a business and would like to know more about how to get involved with the Council, let me know If you own a business and would like to know more about how to get involved with the Council, let me know. Email me here.

THURSDAY:

IN THE PUBLIC EYE

Accounts Director Allison Nida and Account Executive/PR Specialist Anne Bowers attended the 79th Virginia PR Awards Ceremony presented by Padilla. The pair had a wonderful time at the event and even got to see our friends from Virginia Energy Sense, Alliance Group, Virginia DMV, and WRAP. Congratulations to all of the award winners!

FRIDAY:

WELCOME BACK, RICH!

Despite the fact that my iPhone jammed from dropping it too many times, I was able to dial into 1140 WRVA Richmond Morning News this morning, albeit three minutes late, to celebrate May Day on the airwaves! I got to chatting with my good friend Rich Herrera, who just got back from Ireland, about all the outdoor festivals and events going on this weekend. ICYMI, here’s today’s episode!

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS

Hitting Cancer Below the Belt: Boxer Brief 5K

June 6th & 7th, 2026

3201 Maplewood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221

Tech For Troops Inaugural Bourbon & Cigars Event

Friday, May 22, 2026 | 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

American Legion Post 354 | 4800 Welby Turn, Midlothian, VA 23113

Proceeds support Tech For Troops’ mission to provide Veterans with access to technology, digital skills training, and meaningful career pathways.

Tickets and sponsorships are now available. Join us and support a mission that creates real impact.

Tickets: https://techtroops.betterworld.org/events/2026-bourbon-cigar

Sponsorships: https://techtroops.betterworld.org/campaigns/bourbon-cigar-sponsonsorships

“Florida isn’t so much a place where one goes to reinvent oneself, as it is a place where one goes if one no longer wished to be found.” – Douglas Coupland

The post R.I.P. Florida Man | Weekly Report for May 1, 2026 appeared first on Madison+Main.

What We Are and What We Are Not | Weekly Report for April 24, 2026

Dave Saunders — Sat, 25 Apr 2026 01:24:24 +0000

What We Are and What We Are Not

For almost 91 years, the Texas Inn has been a staple in the community. It’s a place where EVERYONE (young and old, rich and poor, black and white, democrat and republican) sits down beside each other for burgers, hot dogs, and a good, cheap breakfast. You can talk politics, but we don’t care if you’re red, blue, or purple. U.S. Senator Tim Kaine ate a Texas Burger on our 90th Birthday last October. Glenn Youngkin has been countless times. We talk about Cheesy Westerns, not politics. When both former Governors of this Commonwealth came in, we WELCOMED them. We took their pictures and posted them online, because we were honored that they came in. People called us both communists and fascists and other names. Seriously, what is wrong with people?

At 2 p.m. or 2 a.m., we’ll feed you. We’ll chat with you. We’ll welcome you like family. For many years, the doors were open 24/7. Covid changed that, but we still keep the sign lit until midnight or later.

If you know us, you know us well…like an old friend. If you don’t know us, then please allow us to set some expectations:

First off, Texas Inn is a diner…not fine dining.

We don’t do brunch. We do a cheap two-egg breakfast with toast and your choice of bacon, ham, or sausage. You can get grits, fried apples, or “taters.”

We do not have a hostess. Instead of “how many in your party?”, you’ll get a more direct question: “Whacha havin’ to eat?”

You can sit anywhere you like…as long as it’s on a red stool. Squeeze up your neighbor. Don’t be shy.

We don’t have reservations. We’re not a hotel or a bed and breakfast. We don’t play elevator music. We don’t have a cover charge. We don’t sell brisket. (Yes, one guy on Yelp slammed us for not being a BBQ joint.)

We don’t have any vegan options. No offense to our veggie-lovin’ brethren and sistren, but we serve meat, eggs, bacon, and all the other stuff that makes life worth living. Giving us a one-star review because we don’t have enough vegan options is like giving a bad review to Disneyland because it didn’t have enough sex, gore, and violence.

We are simply the Texas Inn. Everyone is welcome….unless you’re a drunk sorority girl who refuses to give up her seat for a paying customer and assaults staff physically and verbally. Heather, your Uber is here, and you are still banned for life.

MONDAY:

PLAYERS AND LA PLAYA

Vice President Leanne Pillow and Accounts Director Allison Nida trekked over to VCU to speak on a panel at the Center for Sport Leadership. The panel spoke about hiring/interviews, influencer partnerships, sport sponsorships—basically the life of post-grad sports marketing. After the two talked about playing, they enjoyed lunch at La Playa. Awesome job, team!

TUESDAY:

PAWS. CAMERA. ACTION!

“What’s your favorite part about working at Holiday Barn?” A loaded question—we know! On Tuesday, Account Manager Amanda Anderson set off with Creative Director Carissa Ghaffari, Graphic Designer Elizabeth Newport, and Copywriter Robyn Quarles to Holiday Barn to shoot a staff testimonial video with our awesome friends at Keep it Reel. The team had a blast getting to know the wonderful people at Holiday Barn (and the guests were purrrty great, too!)

WEDNESDAY:

MNI WITH A SIDE OF TACOS

Our incredible partners at MNI popped over to the office to share their wealth of knowledge on new software, targeting capabilities, and the most delicious tacos from none other than Don’t Look Back. The sky is the limit in the new age of marketing.

THURSDAY:

IT’S T-SHIRT TIME

Not to brag, but I have an insanely talented creative team. So, to shake things up, I decided to put their creativity to the test by pairing up one copywriter with one designer to design a new t-shirt for the Texas Inn. The rules are simple: there are no rules (actually, for legal purposes, this is a joke). Will this be a friendly competition or more of a heated rivalry? Stay tuned to find out!

FRIDAY:

RVA ON THE RADAR

Wrapped the week the usual way…on the mic. I hopped on WRVA and ran through a few ideas for the weekend. If you caught it live, you’re already ahead of the game. If not, click here and tune in for my top weekend picks.

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS

Hitting Cancer Below the Belt: Boxer Brief 5K

June 6th & 7th, 2026

3201 Maplewood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221

“Good, fast, and cheap—just like your mama.” – Texas Inn

The post What We Are and What We Are Not | Weekly Report for April 24, 2026 appeared first on Madison+Main.

3% of Internet Users Ruined the Internet | Weekly Report for April 17, 2026

Dave Saunders — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:24:16 +0000

3% of Internet Users Ruined the Internet

A recent study shows that the amount of trolls is only 3% of the online audience. I don’t know about you, but that figure seems really low.

An online troll is like the guy at the party who wasn’t invited, but shows up anyway and sits in the biggest chair. Everybody else whispers, “Who invited that jaggoff?” Trolls don’t build anything. They don’t contribute. They just sit there, lobbing digital tomatoes at people who are actually trying to do something with their lives. And the strange part? We keep handing them more tomatoes.

The interactive web was supposed to be the great democratizer. A place where ideas could compete on merit, where small voices could become big ones, where creativity could outshine credentials. But social media trolls have ruined that, because we also gave megaphones to the chronically aggrieved and the recreationally offended.

Trolls, lonely guys in their 20s and 30s, operate on a simple business model: attention in, chaos out. They aren’t interested in dialogue. They’re not looking to be persuaded or even understood. Their currency is reaction, and the more emotional the response, the higher the return. Which means every time we engage, we’re not defending truth or standing up for ourselves. We’re investing in their business. And engaging a troll on your business social media accounts is bad for your business.

Social media at its best was designed to unite and connect us, but later, Twitter (now X), Facebook, Instagram, and other social media outlets had to invent a tool to disconnect us from the trolls, haters, and malcontents. The Block button.

Block them. Forever. No comment. No debate. Block, block, block. Push them into the void. Let them rant in the sunless, cold abyss. After all, most trolls are just sitting in their Mom’s basement, surrounded by Star Wars action figures and empty bags of Cool Ranch Doritos. They’re NOT your customers.

And another piece of advice…don’t use Reddit. Most trolls are on Reddit because they allow it. In many Reddit communities, a tiny minority of users (1%) produce 90% of content, meaning active, controversial, and (oftentimes rude) users can dominate discussions.

MONDAY:

ZOOMIES SEASON ACTIVATED

If your pup’s been bouncing off the walls a little more than usual, this might be their kind of month. Canine Fitness Month is a good reminder that a tired dog is usually a happy one. And honestly, our friends at Holiday Barn Pet Resorts see that every day, whether it’s dogs running off energy in daycare or picking up a few new skills in training, there’s a lot of movement (and a lot of tail wagging) built into the day. Reserve your pup’s spot for a play day.

TUESDAY:

VICTORY OVER BUREAUCRACY DAY!

Tuesday was “Victory Over Bureaucracy Day!” Since anyone can make up a holiday, I just did. I received a letter from VDH Commissioner B. Cameron Webb, MD, JD, granting a variance for Texas Inn relish. For 82 years, we made and served our famous relish at room temp. It’s cool, but not frozen. One local health inspector changed that in 2020, requiring us to serve between 33 and 40 degrees. This arbitrary bureaucratic decision changed the taste, texture, and temp of our burgers. It’s cost us thousands in product, and we’ve lost customers.

After fighting the bureaucracy for seven years (under three governors), after testing the product at Virginia Tech, after requests, appeals, conferences, and finally a variance of Virginia law…we won. You’ll never, ever be served ice-cold relish on a Cheesy again. #victoryoverbureaucracy

WEDNESDAY:

A CLEANER WAY TO SAY HELLO

We recently gave our friends at WSC Smart Home Designers something small, but mighty—a fresh set of shiny new business cards. Call it a little spring refresh. Because whether they’re smartifying (not a word, but should be) your dream home or upgrading your commercial space, WSC makes everything feel seamless…and their cards should do the same.

THURSDAY:

LANDING SOMETHING BIG

On Thursday, we spent some time with Lake Effect Decoys, sharing a few new directions for brand messaging and logos. When your whole thing is building decoys that actually work, you can’t fake the brand side of it either—it has to feel just as dialed in. Should be a fun one to roll out, so stay tuned, folks!

FRIDAY:

RVA ON THE RADAR

Wrapped the week the usual way…on the mic. I hopped on WRVA and ran through a few ideas for the weekend with Gary Hess, from low-key plans to a couple of things worth getting out of the house for, like Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k and Godfrey performing at the Richmond Funny Bone Comedy Club. If you caught it live, you’re already ahead of the game. If not, click here and tune in around the 9:05 a.m. mark for my top weekend picks.

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS

Hitting Cancer Below the Belt: Boxer Brief 5K

June 6th & 7th, 2026

3201 Maplewood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221

“The best way to handle a bully is to bully them back.” – Dave Saunders, Entrepreneur and Karaoke Champion

The post 3% of Internet Users Ruined the Internet | Weekly Report for April 17, 2026 appeared first on Madison+Main.

The New Law Stinks | Weekly Report for April 10, 2026

Dave Saunders — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 14:33:55 +0000

The New Law Stinks

I’ve always been a “live and let live” kind of guy. Whatever you do in the privacy of your own home is no concern of mine. But there are limits to my laissez-faire attitude. Don’t break the law. Don’t impede someone else’s liberty.

So when Virginia decriminalized pot in July of 2021, I was all for it. Who cares? A lot of people I know smoke a joint once in a while. And with pot being taxed, we can fund the schools, I thought. (Unlike Bill Clinton at Oxford, I actually did inhale in college. Shh, don’t tell anyone.)

In 2026, five years after decriminalization, there is currently no marijuana retail market. January 1st, 2027, is supposedly when the retail market starts. Very little tax money has been collected from medical marijuana sales. Virginia has a Cannabis Control Authority, but to me, it’s unclear if they actually do anything. Various estimates of marijuana tax revenue say Virginia got $6-8 million in 2025, and 40% of that is supposed to go to Early Childhood Education. The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority’s budget was $6.22 million. So, I guess we’re breaking even, but it’s not exactly a giant windfall for the chirren.

Decriminalization essentially meant that anyone could smoke pot anywhere at any time. Gov. Northam signed a bill into law during COVID-19, so no one really noticed it too much, because everyone was holed up in their house. In the past few years, we’ve all started to notice it—the stench of highly potent pot is essentially everywhere. Every single public space, from your local park to the 7-Eleven, carries a putrid, high-intensity skunk weed odor. I sat next to a couple of guys in a restaurant a couple of weeks ago who looked and smelled like Cheech and Chong. However, I didn’t laugh. Shopping centers, restaurants, parking lots, and the Chippenham and Powhite Parkway all smell like weed. I didn’t know it was even possible to smell pot while driving 65 mph with the windows closed. The whole state smells like weed, from Abingdon to Zuni.

So OK, I get it. Everyone is high. People can’t buy it, so they’re still selling it illegally. We’re not getting the tax revenue we were promised. Oh, the number of pot-impaired drivers has risen four years in a row, and that number is expected to increase again 10% or more, once the legal pot retail market hits Virginia next year. And car wrecks are up. States that legalized weed have 3-6% higher insurance claims and so everyone’s car insurance is higher—whether you partake or not.

The good news? Arrests for simple possession of mary jane are down 70%, so the jails aren’t full of low-level misdemeanor offenders. Dang, that’s not right either. I just looked it up, jails in Virginia are still overcrowded five years after decriminalization.

So, again, the government lied to us; empty jails, tax revenue, and public safety were big promises made in favor of decriminalization, and none of it has yet to materialize. I am a small L libertarian. I’m not in favor of Prohibition. It didn’t work out so well for Americans between 1920 and 1933. But there’s got to be a better way to decriminalize pot and protect the public and make money for the state, because this law stinks…like skunk weed.

MONDAY:

CASH, CLOUT & COLD CUTS

Last week, we teased the Madison+Madness standings. This week, the madness has officially wrapped, and the prizes have found their rightful owners. After all the bracket-busting chaos, Account Executive and PR Specialist Anne Bowers takes first place, cashing in a crisp $50 bill—fresh out of my wallet. Second place goes to Copywriter Robyn Quarles, who walks away with $25 and the eternal knowledge that she was this close to winning it all. And third place goes to Sr. Copywriting Manager Derek Fair, earning the most coveted prize of all: the legendary ham sammich. No cash value, but immeasurable respect (and probably mustard).

TUESDAY:

THINKING CAPS ACTIVATED

On Tuesday, I got the team together for an in-person session on the Six Thinking Hats method—something I’ve been wanting to bring back into the mix for a while now. If you’re not familiar, it’s a framework developed by Edward de Bono that challenges you to approach problems from six distinct angles. Different “hats,” represent different modes of thinking. It’s instinct, emotion, critique—all of it. And even our virtual crew got in on the fun.

When you give people permission to lean into those roles intentionally, the work gets better. Faster. I first came across it years ago from our friends over at The Martin Agency, and it stuck with me. Not just as a theory, but as something that actually works when you’re in the trenches trying to crack a tough brief.

WEDNESDAY:

PAVING THE WAY

On Wednesday, the team pitched a new creative campaign to our friends at Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) to help make Richmond roads safer for everyone. We’re not spilling everything just yet, but keep your eyes peeled in the coming months. There’s an official rollout on the horizon, and when it hits, you’ll know it. Bold ideas, real impact, and a campaign that actually sticks with you—just the way we like it.

THURSDAY:

MAKING SOME DIGITAL NOISE

This week, we got to hang out with HARP RVA for a hands-on digital and social media session. Account Manager Erin Brennan and Account Director Allison Nida teamed up with HARP RVA’s Chloe Pollard to walk through everything from LinkedIn tips to Squarespace tricks. We chatted content strategy, posting cadence, page setup—basically how to make the most of these platforms to reach donors, sponsors, and Richmond’s recovery community. If you’re not already following them, check ‘em out online and give ‘em a little love.

FRIDAY:

WEEKEND WARM-UP

It’s Friday, and this morning I was back on the WRVA airwaves with Rich Herrera running through the best weekend plans around Richmond—from the CARITAS Yard Sale to a Richmond Flying Squirrels game, and much more. If you didn’t catch it live, we rounded it up for you. Just click around the 9:05 a.m. mark.

Oh, and one more thing. Please support Midlothian Rotary and the 10 non-profits we support by buying a Sportman’s Raffle ticket. It’s only $50 and you get a chance to win every single weekday in May. Buy your ticket here. (PS – put my name in as the guy who sold you the ticket.)

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS

Hitting Cancer Below the Belt: Boxer Brief 5K

June 6th & 7th, 2026

3201 Maplewood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221

“When I was in England, I experimented with marijuana a time or two.” – Bill Clinton

The post The New Law Stinks | Weekly Report for April 10, 2026 appeared first on Madison+Main.

The Richmond Vampire | Weekly Report for April 3, 2026

Dave Saunders — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 21:00:00 +0000

The Richmond Vampire

A long time ago (1986) in a land not-so-far-away (Richmond), I was a wide-eyed freshman at VCU and I believed in ghosts. On a camping trip near Chancellorsville a few years earlier, I had seen what I thought was a ghost walking up the train tracks adjacent to the battlefield. The experience shook me and my friends.

The spirit I saw near Chancellorsville Crossroads was nonchalant. It wasn’t scary. Later on, I found that ghosts in that area have been cited in many stories and books.

The story I heard as a freshman about the Richmond Vampire was much more gruesome…and, quite honestly, scary. The Vampire supposedly inhabited Hollywood Cemetery, which is eerily close to the Monroe Park campus.

For those who don’t know it, here’s the short version: The legend is tied to the 1925 collapse of the Church Hill Tunnel, which trapped a train, its employees, and rescue workers. The tale says a creature with jagged teeth and skin hanging from its bones emerged from the wreckage and was chased for two miles to Hollywood Cemetery, where it entered the tomb of W. W. Pool. For those who need the complete story, here’s the Wikipedia page.

The Mausoleum of W. W. Pool and his wife has been broken into, ransacked, and spray-painted with occult symbols. The cemetery, years later, had to re-bury Mr. and Mrs. Pool because some of their body parts had been removed.

That part of the story was true. The Richmond Vampire, as it turns out, is a myth that’s been busted. When the tunnel collapse occurred, one man – a fireman who stoked the coals of the locomotive’s steam engine – was scalded to death in the wreck. Benjamin Mosby’s gruesome appearance startled rescue workers and he died at Grace Hospital shortly after the incident.

But fear not, friends, there are plenty of “real” ghosts in Richmond. The John Marshall House, the Governor’s Mansion, Byrd Park Pump House, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, the Mason’s Hall, and the Byrd Theatre are well-known for their spirits. For more, check out this curated list and maybe book a Ghost Tour.

MONDAY:

I GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP

People often ask me how I get everything done. “I have an AMAZING team” is the short answer. Running three businesses isn’t easy. But a few years ago, I realized that I could get more done if I didn’t have to do so much administrative stuff. Logging hours, cleaning email inboxes, travel plans, social media, customer service, appointment scheduling, and other tasks take about 50% of the time I work. That means I could only focus half my time on the stuff that matters. So here’s my secret…I hired a VA from Red Pen Virtual Assistants. They provide me with a virtual assistant – a teacher or former educator – to do “all the stuff” that I don’t have time to do. As they enter their 4th year in biz, I now have two Red Penners. They are a big part of my team. You should call them or at least check out the website. #TrustMe

TUESDAY:

HEAVY (WEBSITE) LIFTIN’

Exciting news! We launched a brand new website for our partners at Commercial Steel Erection, and yep, it’s built as tough as the work they do. Since 1968, they’ve been the go-to for engineered rigging, steel erection, and projects that require serious muscle. We made sure their new site does the same: strong, streamlined, and ready to perform. Go ahead, click around.

WEDNESDAY:

DO GOOD & FEEL GOOD

Got a special skill collecting dust? National Volunteer Month is your sign to put it to good use. Our friends at Hitting Cancer Below the Belt rely on volunteers at their annual events to help prevent and defeat colorectal cancer—and they could use people like you. Sound like your kind of thing? Jump in and get involved. And if your schedule’s already doing the most, no pressure, just take a moment to thank a volunteer this month. It goes a long way.

THURSDAY:

BRACKETOLOGY

In our company-wide men’s March Madness bracket showdown—a.k.a. Madison+Madness—Sr. Copywriting Manager Derek Fair is currently storming the lead with 96 points, hot on his heels is Sr. Graphic Designer AJ Stuit with 82 points, and Vice President Leanne Pillow rounds out the top three with 80 points.

Stay tuned to see who will walk away first place with a crisp Ulysses S. Grant bill from Dave, second place scoring $25, and third place snagging a ham sammich. March Madness has never been this delicious.

FRIDAY:

ON THE AIR

It’s Friday, and you know what that means, folks. Dave took over the WRVA airwaves to share the best weekend happenings around Richmond. In case you missed out, we’ve got you covered around the 9:05 a.m. mark.

A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS

Hitting Cancer Below the Belt: Boxer Brief 5K

June 6th & 7th, 2026

3201 Maplewood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23221

“Maybe all the people who say ghosts don’t exist are just afraid to admit that they do.” – Michael Ende, “The Neverending Story”

The post The Richmond Vampire | Weekly Report for April 3, 2026 appeared first on Madison+Main.