AD vertising AD nauseum

I'm not entirely sure that companies or individuals need to create an image for themselves in order to be "acceptable" in the marketplace, but it seems that there isn't a brand in existence that doesn't attempt to warp itself into the minds of every human being who encounters their message.  From Apple to Old Spice, it seems to be all about projecting an image and increasing sales.  Never mind that consumerism is taking a beating in the real world...lets leave that to a later discussion.  How about these people who insist on fabricating products and then fabricate campaigns to introduce those products to the public?  What drives these people besides profit?