What got you into this business in the first place?
The automobile business. Advertising was the most fun and it was quantifiable. Proof! Advertising works!
Who was a big influence in your career?
John Caples, David Ogilvy and Sergio Zyman.
What was “your finest moment,” the thing you’re most proud of?
Having the Louisiana Department of Transportation request our outdoor billboard to be modified or removed due to it being too visually distracting to motorists.
Is there a great client story you’d care to share?
A client’s on-going instruction and illustrating how to create a “killer” ad for his product lead to taking a cue from a conversation Sergio Zyman, former CMO for Coca Cola, had with then CEO, Roberto C. Goizueta, about looking only at the results, not the creative, to determine whether the ad is a good one. What the client and I personally like just didn’t matter. What does the customer want? Did the ad sell the product or service? That’s all that matters, nothing else. We were all much happier with him just looking at results.
What attracted you to Santy?
Vision, Reputation, Ethics and Excellence.
Do you have a method for coming up with ideas and solutions for clients?
Listening as they describe their products and services.
What makes a great brand?
Lots of customers with strong loyal feelings.
What driving career goals do you still have?
Do marketing work for Richard Branson and Lance Armstrong Foundation.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about advertising?
Testing.
What talent do you wish you had?
Bowling.
If you had to live on a desert island, what would you miss most?
Watching Tiger Woods play golf.
What can’t you live without?
Escaping to the outdoors.
What are your plans for after advertising?
Tour the country in a Class C and make a film documentary about RVers.
Is there any food that helps you think more creatively?
Buttermilk pie.
What’s your favorite sports team?
Arizona Cardinals
What frustrates you the most?
Not being able to be in two places at once.
What’s your point of view about politics?
The same as football and religion.
Tell us about your pet?
Baby Kitty, a Siamese cat, who has elevated eating and sleeping to an art form.
What was growing up like for you?
In 1968 New Orleans was an isolated, unique, special and different place. With some guts and a little money, everything was possible.
What’s your favorite TV program?
ESPN Sports Center
Least favorite?
Any program featuring Rosie O’Donnell.
What do you do for a good time when you’re not working?
I like to train for triathlons, golf, scuba dive, backpack, and snow ski.
Do you have any kids?
Two wonderful girls: Allixandra, UA Athletics Sports Marketing Manager and Steffany, a junior at the UA pursuing Political Science.
What was college like for you?
Great social fun, freedom and imported beer.
What are your favorite Internet sites?
Research and history sites.
What is your theme song?
Twist and Shout.
