Pat Grandy, corporate communications and media manager, recently retired from Zippo after 24 years of service.
Grandy was responsible for marketing and PR programs for the Americas. The Zippo archives and consumer relations departments also reported to Grandy.
He joined Zippo in 1992 as assistant advertising manager and was promoted to advertising manager in 1993. In 2000, he assumed the position of marketing communications manager, and in 2012 was promoted to corporate communications manager.
Grandy has been active in all phases of Zippo marketing, including domestic marketing (U.S. and Canada) and several international markets. In the 1990s, he was instrumental in coordinating several Zippo/Case International Swap Meets.
Grandy said his biggest achievement at Zippo was the establishment of the Zippo/Case Museum in 1993 (known as the Zippo/Case Family Store and Museum on Congress Street) and the current museum at 1932 Zippo Drive. Many of the museum exhibits were inspired by Grandy’s creativity — including two museum icons. One is the U.S. flag comprised of 3,392 red, white and blue Zippo lighters and the other is ZAC, the unique audio-kinetic ball machine featuring a Zippo lighter and a Case knife. The machine is reminiscent of a 3-D pinball machine; the name stands for Zippo And Case. The museum has become the most visited museum in northern Pennsylvania.
He also worked on the procurement of the current 1947 Zippo car and was the first manager of the car event program. He was also a key player in the development of the Planeta international lighter collection, the largest collectible program in the company’s history. Grandy managed the event programs for the company’s 65th, 70th, and 75th anniversary celebrations.
In the community, Grandy has served on the board of directors of the Bradford Creative and Performing Arts Center (BCPAC), University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Communications and Marketing Council, Bradford Area High School Marketing Council and the board of directors of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, where he created the chamber’s former slogan “Cool Town-Warm Hearts.”
In retirement, Grandy plans to do consulting work for Zippo China. He and his wife, Julie, eventually plan to move to Virginia to be closer to their grandchildren. Travel to various destinations in the U.S. and Canada is also part of their retirement plans.
