9-Nov-07 9:00 AM CST

Jordan Zimmerman, Chairman and CEO of Zimmerman Advertising, Describes His Unique Road to Success

Co-host Brad Forsythe interviews Jordan Zimmerman, Founder and Chairman of Zimmerman Advertising.

Jordan Zimmerman is Founder and Chairman of Zimmerman Advertising, headquartered in Ft. Lauderdale; it is the 15^th largest ranked advertising agency in the country, with published billings in excess of 1.5 billion. He is also President and a co-owner of the NHL hockey team, The Florida Panthers.

Since its founding in 1984, Jordan Zimmerman has led his agency from its origin as a regional automotive advertising agency into a national retail powerhouse, with more than 800 associates and 22 offices, serving clients in virtually every retail sector, including: fast food, sports, real estate, spirits, furniture, financial services, office supply retailers, travel and retail discounters. Current clients include: Crocs, Nissan , Six Flags Theme Parks, Miami Dolphins, Papa John?s, Fris Vodka, AutoNation, , ShopKo, Value City, Mattress Firm, Vitamin Shoppe, Wickes Furniture, S&K Men?s Warehouse, Lennar and Office Depot.

It is when Jordan entered the MBA program at USF, and he began his thesis work, that he first discovered a missing link between advertising and sales. He instinctively knew that many brands had relevance and awareness but lacked intenders that are needed to drive sales. Jordan?s vision was to create an innovative marketing strategy that would bridge the gap between brand and retail marketing, well known today as ?Brandtailing?.

Jordan?s ?Brandtailing? strategy consists of relevant and compelling communications through advertising mediums that would ignite brands, build long-term equity and drive next day sales. This difference would propel Zimmerman, and with Jordan?s keen business acumen, as well as an eye for a client?s bottom line, fostered a ?we grow as you grow? client relationship.

Throughout his career Jordan has been recognized for his many personal accomplishments, including the prestigious 1991 University of South Florida Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year. In 2004, he was one of ten people honored with South Florida Business Journal?s Diamond Award. Most recently, South Florida CEO Magazine honored Jordan as their ?One Hundred Most Powerful People in South Florida?.

Jordan is a firm believer in giving back to the community, and over the years has supported and led many local and national non-profit organizations and charities, including: Make a Wish Foundation, Crohn?s and Colitis Foundation and Songs for Love. He is a member of the board for Take Stock in Children, Pine Crest School of Boca Raton and the Cleveland Clinic Florida.

In 1999, Jordan sold Zimmerman to Omnicom, a leading global marketing and corporate communications company and a premier holding company for such top advertising agencies as BBDO, DDB, TBWA Chiat and others. Today, Jordan remains on as Chairman and guiding light of the agency.

Jordan resides in Boca Raton, FL with his wife Denise and has four children, Chase, Cara, Jett and Jordana.

For entertaining advice join hosts Ray Schilens and Brad Forsythe for a lively and informative discussion.