Doner Media

Three years ago I created a vision of how the Agency should evolve so it would continue to compete successfully and grow in the coming decade.  It was a vision based on our long history of changing the destiny of brands through creativity. It meant bringing on new capabilities, new strengths, and investing in new tools. Most importantly, it meant establishing the right leadership team.

Today, we have that team in David DeMuth, Rob Strasberg, and Tim Blett. Each of them has been focusing his energy, intelligence, and creativity on re-imagining the Agency.

Today, we are living the vision from three years ago. We truly create ideas, not just advertising. Ideas that live in all media forms: traditional, digital, and social. Ideas that excite and incite as never before.

Today, the Agency has the strongest team in my memory of Doner, which spans 43 years.

The next chapter is ready to be written.

David, Rob, and Tim are purchasing the Agency. They are committed to continuing our heritage of creativity, our culture of independence, and our entrepreneurial spirit.

While I am moving on from the Agency this month, I am staying in Ann Arbor. I will continue to lead our very successful pro bono efforts for the Detroit Zoo and the American Kennel Club. Of course, I will always be available as a sounding board, consultant, or Agency historian for David, Rob, and Tim.

This is a very exciting time for all of us. I’ll cherish the friends I made at Doner and at our clients. I was always very fortunate to be surrounded by people I liked, respected, and thankfully, made me look good. I leave the Agency knowing it has never been in better hands, never been more capable, never been more creative, and never been more driven to succeed.

Thank you for everything you have done to make the Agency what it is and what it will be. I will miss all of you.

In the next two weeks we’ll ring in a new year, a new decade and a new era for Doner as we assume ownership, and more importantly, leadership of the Agency.

We couldn’t be more optimistic about the promise of what 2010 and beyond holds for the Agency. For us, it is the beginning of Doner’s next chapter and we are eager to share with you our vision for the future.

As your new Executive Committee, David will be co-CEO/president, Rob will be co-CEO/chief creative officer and Tim will continue as senior partner/president of our Newport Beach, Calif., office.

While Doner has been in business for more than 70 years, we will lead the Agency inspired by the mission that our founder Brod Doner created and that Alan and others brought to life so passionately every day. Together, we’ll keep it fresh, we’ll keep it exciting, and we’ll keep it moving forward. And, we’ll have some fun doing it. 

Soon, we’ll be sharing more about our plans for Doner and the re-imaging of the Agency: a new Web site; an even more aggressive business development initiative; enhanced strategic tools; new opportunities and learning experiences for our employees; and a deep commitment to making Doner a great place to work. Of course, this all will be in the service of bringing our clients ideas that have a demonstrable impact on their business and their brand.

Finally, we want to extend our sincere thanks and heartfelt gratitude to Alan for all that he has done for Doner. We would also like to personally thank him for his insight, creativity, support and mentorship. Without it, none of this would be possible.

This is, indeed, a very exciting time for all of us. Let’s make the most of this incredible opportunity.

We look forward to telling you more in the New Year. Have a wonderful holiday.

Welcome to the new Doner.

David, Rob and Tim