MPR: Whiplash is a 19-year-old Capuchin monkey from Texas. He saddles up on a border collie, wears a sombrero, and rides to the rescue bearing Mexican fast-food.
Of course, there’s a decent chance you already know this. For the Minneapolis-based Kerker ad agency, Whiplash is that holy grail of television advertising: A repeat character that clicks with the public. He’s been a ticket to financial success and industry honors since Kerker cast him in his first commercial for them early last year.
The 10th and 11th ads in the Whiplash series began airing this week. Despite all the sequels, Kerker sees no need to retire the monkey any time soon, nor does Taco John’s. The Wyoming-based company says its 11 percent sales growth in the past year is the best in its 30-year history.
