Bentley, Lamborghini, Rolls-Royce and Maserati all set sales records in 2014. Demand for those brands as well as for Ferrari and Aston Martin has forecasters predicting a nearly 40% growth in global sales of the super-elite auto brands over the next five years. New models, improved economic conditions Europe, and a rising number of super-wealthy car buyers.

Steve Easterbrook has taken over from Don Thompson as president and CEO of McDonald's Corp. He has a lot of challenges, based on the 10-K annual report the corporation filed with the SEC this week. The company is looking at dark clouds rolling in from every direction: sales, customers and global market share. At the link, a review of all of the problems and some of the company's solutions, including a new national brand campaign and a focus on core menu items.

Living legends like Muhammad Ali, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Pel and Kareem Abdbul-Jabbar all appear in ads, market products and are in demand among brands and companies. "Living legends often bring in a large demographic appeal, and in the marketing era of 'retro,' a living legend can be 'cool' again," according to David Schwab, SVP/Managing Director For Octagon First Call.