Tom Bodett is the first and only spokesperson Motel 6 (motel6.com) has ever had. Starting in 1986, when the national motel chain numbered barely two hundred locations, Bodett still invites the sleepy traveler to an affordable, clean, comfortable room at any of their over eight hundred new and refurbished properties today.

"We’ll leave the light on for you"-- an ad-libbed line Bodett offered in the very first recording session -- has become the trademark promise of one of the most long-lived and successful advertising campaigns in history. The winner of over one hundred and fifty individual advertising awards -- including eight Clios and Best National Radio Campaign an unprecedented two years in a row – the Motel 6 campaign with Tom Bodett continues in its effective service to keep Motel 6 the leader in economy lodging nationwide.

The Richards Group (richards.com) advertising agency in Dallas, Texas recruited Bodett from National Public Radio’s All Things Considered where he was a regular commentator from 1984 to 1987. Bodett’s warm and friendly commentary style and his focus on the foibles of everyday life drew the attention of The Richards Group’s creative team as they searched for the right personality for the Motel 6 brand. Sincerity, good humor, and common sense were values that Bodett shared with his corporate suitors, and the relationship quickly developed into a solid and positive public face for both Motel 6 and Bodett.

Bodett works closely with the Motel 6 marketing team and the Richards Group creatives to keep the campaign fresh and to craft the message to meet the ever-changing product which Motel 6 provides its guests. Accor (accor.com) the international travel and lodging giant which purchased Motel 6 in 1991 has spent over 600 million dollars on renovating the physical properties and has added such amenities as free local calls, cable television with free HBO, ESPN and in-room movies, data ports, and free coffee in the lobby. They’ve come a long way together since those early days when Bodett’s most "spine-tingling" announcement was that Motel 6 now had telephones in all its rooms.

For more information about Motel 6 -- to make reservations, get directions to a specific property, or plan a vacation -- visit their website and tell them Tom sent you. Click above if you'd like to hear some of the latest radio spots.

If any of you advertising buffs would like to see the complete list of awards, or if you’re interested in the Richards Group's case history of the campaign please send a request to P.O. Box 268, Putney, VT 05346, and we’d happy to send that to you.

Finding advertising good fun and rewarding, Tom Bodett does lend his talents to a very limited number of other advertisers. Inquiries can be directed to Steven Arcieri (steven@arcieritalent.com) or at 212-286-1700.