Schafer Condon Carter Launches New National Campaigns for SOLO and GUM

Chicago-based independent creative agency Schafer Condon Carter (SCC) is helping two household names stand out in bold new ways with the launch of national campaigns for GUM^Ⓡ, a Sunstar^Ⓡ brand, and SOLO^Ⓡ. The new work showcases SCC’s expertise in elevating challenger brands — transforming strategic insights and everyday truths into creative that cuts through the noise and connects with consumers.

A Healthy Body Needs GUM™
The new creative work for GUM^Ⓡ leans into the brand’s central message, “A Healthy Body Needs GUM™.” It taps into a simple but powerful truth: whole-body health starts with oral health. Launched in May across digital, social, OLV and CTV, the campaign features three impressive female athletes performing high-intensity workouts while reminding viewers that oral care is foundational. Designed for wellness-minded consumers, the campaign positions GUM^Ⓡ as a daily essential for those who take their health seriously.

View the GUM campaign here

“At SCC, we turn everyday insights into ideas that resonate with consumers,” said Craig Miller, Chief Creative Officer at SCC. “We took a bold step with this GUM^Ⓡ campaign, challenging category conventions that focus solely on cosmetic benefits, like white teeth, with a more important message about total body wellness. It’s a compelling shift in perspective, and we brought it to life in a way that’s dynamic, smart and true to the brand’s ambition.”

“Our new campaign reframes the conversation around oral care and underscores its connection to overall wellness,” said Matt Maurer, General Manager, U.S. Market. “SCC brought a thoughtful strategic lens and fresh creative vision that’s helping us tell this story in a powerful way.”

SOLO^Ⓡ or Nothing
The iconic SOLO^Ⓡ brand returns to center stage with “SOLO^Ⓡ or Nothing,” a campaign built around an undeniable fact: if you don’t have SOLO, you might as well have nothing at all. The new work, which launched in May across digital and social, demonstrates how SOLO^Ⓡ products play a key role in life’s most memorable moments — whether it’s a lemonade stand, a cookout or a family dinner with an unexpected canine guest at the table (played perfectly by Monty, a very professional yellow labrador). The tone is confident and witty, paired with clean visuals that let SOLO’s classic red cup do the talking.

View the SOLO campaign here

“The strategy was to let the strength of the SOLO^Ⓡ brand take the lead,” said Miller. “There’s no substitute for a category leader, and this campaign brings that to life in a fresh, memorable way. If you’re not serving SOLO at your next get-together, don’t be surprised when guests start drinking from the punch bowl or eating off the table.”

“SOLO^Ⓡ has always played a role in everyday moments and celebrations,” said Kim Healy, GM/SVP, Consumer Products Business Unit, SOLO^Ⓡ. “This campaign brings the brand’s legacy and relevance into sharp focus. SCC helped us strike that balance in a way that feels modern and unmistakably SOLO.”

The launch of both campaigns follows a strong start to the year for SCC, which recently took home both a regional ADDY and the People’s Choice ADDY at the 2025 Chicago American Advertising Awards for its work on Old National Bank’s permanent billboard along Chicago’s Kennedy Expressway. The long-running board has become a local fixture known for its timely, witty copy — offering commuters a rotating dose of humor and ONB brand personality during some of the city’s slowest traffic. Most recently, the board marked the election of Pope Leo XIV with the headlines—“Deep Dish. Now available in Rome.” and “Congratulations Pope Leo XIV. Chicago is so proud!”— putting a Chicago twist on a global moment. SCC also earned three 2025 Telly Awards: a Silver for Fusion Academy’s Her Day spot, and two Bronze awards for Illinois Central Management Services’ Really Great Careers and Old National Bank’s Brace Yourself.

CREDITS – SOLO^Ⓡ

• Client – SOLO^Ⓡ
  • Kim Healy – GM/SVP, Consumer Products Business Unit
  • Patty Vega – Senior Brand Strategy & Communications Manager
  • Coe Roberts – Digital Strategy, SOLO Brand
  • Patrick Hodgman – Associate Brand Manager
• Agency – SCC
  • Craig Miller – Chief Creative Officer
  • Matt Olson – Creative Director
  • Sam Blanc – Senior Copywriter
  • Alison Quagliato – Senior Art Director
  • Dennis Bannon – Executive Director, Production
  • Liat Ebersohl – Senior Producer
  • Amy Cesta – Chief Client Officer
  • Maddie Marret Wirth – Account Director
  • Daniela Echiveste – Senior Account Executive
• Production – Natural Selection
  • John Suits – Director
  • Nicole Flores – Executive Producer
  • Amanda Mortimer – Executive Producer
  • John Barr – Director of Photography
  • 5th Street Studios – Casting

CREDITS – GUM^Ⓡ

Stills Photographer – G L Askew II

Agency – SCC

Chief Creative Officer – Craig Miller

Creative Director – Ron Sone

Creative Director – Cristen Young

Creative Director – Barry Burdiak

Senior Art Director – Alison Quagliato

Executive Director, Production – Dennis Bannon

Chief Client Officer – Amy Cesta

Account Director – Maddie Marret Wirth

Senior Account Executive – Daniela Echiveste

Production – Undertone

Director – Jillian Martin

DP – Nyk Allen

Co-founder/President – Kristin Evans

Co-founder/Executive Producer – Jim Evans

Executive Producer/HOP – Geoffrey Campbell

Line Producer – Denny Kennedy

Production Supervisor – Erika Feldstein

Asst. Production Supervisor – Phoebe Edwards

Editorial – Utopic

Editor – Craig Lewandowski

Producer – Heather Mitchell

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