He has no email. He has no agent. He has no cell phone. So, how in the world did Jeep succeed in contacting Bill Murray and, more importantly, convincing him to participate in a Super Bowl ad . . . only a few months away? It's a task that is nearly as impossible as catching an elusive dingo hiding amidst the Melaleuca trees.

It's a well-known fact among Hollywood folks that Bill Murray is notoriously difficult to track down. Some say "nearly impossible" to contact. This trait, if exhibited by most of us would be viewed as a frustrating weakness. However, with Bill Murray, it's part of his brand, and in a way, an endearing quality that sets him apart from the rest of the movie-making community.

When Jeep's chief marketing officer, Oivier Francois, realized that the Super Bowl would fall on Groundhog Day, he came up with the brilliant idea to produce a Jeep Super Bowl ad incorporating themes from the 1993 cinematic hit Groundhog Day, which featured Bill Murray. There was just one major problem: They would have to convince Bill to agree to the project, and that's if they were to be successful in even contacting him--a process that, by others who've tried, can take up to a year!

Francois didn't have a year. He had weeks.

Luckily, Francois and Murray shared a mutual friend who was able to get the request in front of Murray for his review.

In what many see as a miracle (because Murray had never done a national commercial before) Murray agreed to the project.

What resulted was a hilarious and nostalgic Super Bowl ad bringing back one of America's favorite actors with one of America's most iconic brands in the setting of one of America's most beloved movies. The 60-second spot was meticulously staged to reflect the 1993 set in an impressive and convincing way. Not only was Jeep able to bring back Murray, but other characters from the original movie joined the commercial including Ned Ryerson and Bill's brother, Doyle Murray who played the mayor.

A lesson in perseverance

There are a few wonderful things demonstrated by this production, not the least of which is the power of tenacity and perseverance. Bravo to Francois and his team.