We live in a whole new world of branding, friends. Not that there wasn't much that a company wouldn't try to stick an ad on back in the 20th century, but companies are more savvy about it than ever.
Brands aren't content to get customers on a hook and let them wriggle anymore. Now, they want a whole relationship. Not only that, they've gotten pretty good at finding ways to make their fans feel like members of the family.
And honestly, when they do it as well, and as thoroughly, as Chester the Cheetah does, it's hard to deny them.
Once, Cheetos were just another crunchy, cheesy snack food. Then a janitor at Frito-Lay decided to spice them up, and everybody lost their minds. That sprinkle of spice was basically magical pixie dust for sales. How popular are Flamin' Hot Cheetos? Well, that janitor is now an executive VP in the company.