James Nieman, Author at DiGo - DiMassimo Goldstein

The A-List Podcast: Episode 008 with Rob Schwartz

By James Nieman | 05/17/2017 | in

A-List podcast

“Everything is interesting. If you find something boring, then you’re boring”

This week on “The A-List” podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein Chief Creative Officer Tom Christmann is joined in the studio by Rob Schwartz, the Chief Executive Officer at TBWA\CHIAT\DAY New York. Before becoming CEO, Schwartz enjoyed a long and very successful career as a creative, winning nearly every advertising award under the sun and spearheading the creative behind some of the world’s most recognized brands such as Nissan, McDonald’s, VISA, and Thomson Reuters, among others. Rob is also the host of his own podcast titled “The Disruptor Series,” for which he interviews people who are disrupting business culture and life.

In this episode, Tom and Schwartz break down the differences and similarities between agencies in LA and New York, discuss the managerial prowess of pirates, and talk about how the position of CEO is still very much a creative role. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes:

[0:00 – 1:02] Intro
[1:03 – 4:12] Rob’s childhood in New York and aspirations of becoming a writer
[4:13 – 9:30] Rob’s story of tearing up his LSAT during the test
[9:31 – 11:20] Rob’s experience in a leadership training school
[11:21 – 15:50] The epiphany that ultimately launched Rob’s advertising career
[15:51 – 20:43] Becoming an ad geek historian
[20:44 – 26:50] Mentorship and the value of work ethic
[26:51 – 28:59] The fear of failure
[29:00 – 34:20] The difference between agencies in LA and New York
[34:21 – 36:27] Working with supreme talent at Team One
[36:28 – 39:20] Catching the eye of Chiat
[39:21 – 47:20] The transition from a creative to a CEO and why it’s cooler to be the pirates than the navy
[47:21 – 50:17] Rob’s advice to young creatives
[50:18 – 52:13] The future of advertising
[52:14 – 55:52] Recommended books and “The Disruptor Series”
[55:53 – 56:56] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter. If you want to be interviewed for an upcoming episode, contact us at AdhouseNYC.com.

The A-list Podcast: Episode 007 with Gerry Graf

By James Nieman | 05/11/2017 | in

A-List podcast

“I try to be really clear at what I’m not good at and then think about how I can change that… it’s about just being honest with yourself”

This week on “The A-List” podcast, host and chief creative officer of DiMassimo Goldstein Tom Christmann chats with the one and only Gerry Graf, founder and chief creative officer of Barton F. Graf.

Before starting his own agency, Graf spent the better half of two decades making award-winning creative for some of the most well-respected agencies in the world, such as Goodby Silverstein and Partners, BBDO, TBWA/Chiat Day, and Saatchi among others. For his outstanding work, Business Insider would later label him “The Most Creative Man in Advertising”.

Tune in as Gerry tells Tom all about his time writing for the “SNL of Notre Dame”, hunting rats in Venice Beach, the importance of making your own opportunities and why creativity is valued more today than ever. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes

[0:00 – 1:42] Intro
[1:43 – 4:56] Tom and Gerry’s past at BBDO and what it was like growing up in Lexington, MA
[4:57 – 7:30] Going pre-med to Notre Dame
[7:31 – 13:07] Writing for the Keenan Revue – the SNL of Notre Dame
[13:08 – 14:23] Post Notre Dame life and hunting rats in Venice Beach for six months
[14:24 – 17:15] Hating life as a stockbroker for two years in Boston
[17:15 – 22:03] Gery’s first portfolio, getting denied from agencies, and the introduction of Ken Fitzgerald
[22:04 – 25:48] Being offered a job at Saatchi & Saatchi while on a payphone in Grand Central
[25:49 – 27:13] The walk of shame
[27:14 – 29:22] Emulating Cliff Freeman
[29:23 – 37:50] Gerry’s “pull the rug” copywriting trick and getting his big break on Snickers while at BBDO
[37:51 – 44:54] Working at Goodby and finally Reuniting with Ken Fitzgerald after over a decade
[44:55 –50:25] Making your own opportunities, asking the right questions and not giving up
[50:26 – 52:43] Selling and maintaining a good idea
[52:44 – 57: 42] Getting in the industry today and valuing creativity
[57:43 – 58:57] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter. If you want to be interviewed for an upcoming episode, contact us at AdhouseNYC.com.

The A-List Podcast: Episode 006 with Matt Ian

By James Nieman | 05/06/2017 | in

Podcast

In the sixth installment of The A-List Podcast, host and chief creative officer of DiMassimo Goldstein Tom Christmann chats with Matt Ian, Group Creative Director at Droga5. For just under an hour, Christmann and Ian talk about everything from getting fired and bouncing back in your career, to the art of the headline, and how students can succeed in the industry today. Full episode and show notes below!

[0:00 – 1:04] Intro
[1:05 – 7:05] Matt’s childhood playing music in Greenwich, Connecticut
[7:06 – 11:53] Attending the Pratt Institute
[11:54 – 22:45] Matt’s first gig at Lambesis and living in Pasadena, California
[22:46 – 27:59] Working on Airwalk and transitioning from an art director to a copywriter
[28:00 – 29:40] The art of the headline
[29:41 – 32:18] How getting fired made Matt work harder than ever
[32:19 –34:20] Matt’s time working at Chiat Day
[34:21 – 37:50] The fear of being mediocre and how words are stupid
[37:51 – 45:34]: Working at Droga5 and how to get ahead in the industry
[45:35 – 51:47] Matt and Tom talk about what they look for in new hires
[51:48 – 52:30] Outro

21 Years of Inspiring Action

By James Nieman | 04/28/2017 | in

Inspiring Action

Next Friday, May 5^th, the agency will officially turn 21 years of age.

As an agency so focused on the future – accountable for building our clients brands and driving results – we seldom have the opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the past.

But for this, our coming-of-age party, we will make an exception. We’re finally legal to drink, and there’s a lot to raise our glass to.

First and foremost, for 21 years of building truly inspiring partnerships with our clients, both old and new. Together, we’ve been able to bring so many beautiful and inspiring ideas to life. BIG ideas. Ideas that inspire people to make more inspiring decisions and form more empowering habits. These are the ideas that help change the world, and we couldn’t be more grateful to have collaborated on them with you.

To 21 years of always remaining true to our core values of love, courage, and understanding. While the industry has changed over the last two decades, our values have not. They are the pillars that this agency was founded on, and we’re proud to have never wavered from them.

To 21 years of being fully transparent and honest with our media, and using these practices to create powerful brand associations and increase acquisition efficiency. Where much of the industry has fallen short, we have not. We have and always will be completely accountable to our clients, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.

To 21 years of designing phenomenal fulfillment experiences and iconic actions. These are the experiences that emotionally connect the brand to the consumer. They take brand advocates and turn them into devotees, and they start well before most people realize. Every interaction and every touchpoint is designed with the user in mind.

All the people, relationships, hard work, innovations, creativity and undying displays of empathy have made these past 21 years so rewarding.

So with that in mind, please join us at our agency next week as we celebrate 21 years in business. You can RSVP to the event on Facebook HERE. We’d love to see you there.

Our match has been struck, and it’s burning hotter and brighter than ever. We can’t wait to see this marketing blaze grow. Here’s to the next 21.

Cheers,

The DiMassimo Goldstein Team

The A-List Podcast: Episode 005 with Jill Applebaum

By James Nieman | 04/27/2017 | in

Podcast

“You get more when you are generous… when you give credit…when you share opportunities and don’t hog the limelight for yourself.”

This week on “The A-list” podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein chief creative officer Tom Christmann is joined by Jill Applebaum, creative strategist at Facebook Creative Shop. Before joining Facebook, Applebaum made a name for herself at several different agencies including DMB&B, Ogilvy & Mather, Young & Rubicam, J. Walter Thompson and DraftFCB, where she was one of the masterminds behind Oreo’s revolutionary “Daily Twist” campaign. That year, she and her creative partner were listed No.7 on Fast Company’s “Most Creative People of 2013”.

In this episode, Jill and Tom talk about the trials and tribulations of becoming a copywriter, surrounding yourself with good people, the current state of women in the industry, and so much more. If you’re interested in learning from one of the best in the business, this episode is for you. Full episode and show notes below!

Show notes

[0:00 – 1:30] Intro
[1:31 – 12:09] Growing up in New Jersey and starting off in the industry
[12:10 – 14:54] Mentorship and collaboration
[14:55 – 17:01] Why Jill made the move from DMB&B to Ogilvy & Mather
[17:02 – 19:07] Y&R and BrandBuzz
[19:08 – 21:33] The current state of women in the industry
[21:34 – 23:56] Jill’s favorite brands to work on
[23:57 – 26:42] The importance of having a strong work ethic
[26:43 – 31:40] What it means to be a good creative partner
[31:41 – 34:14] Transitioning from being a creative to being a creative director
[34:15 – 40:48] The famous “Daily Twist” Oreo campaign
[40:49 – 43:17] Why Freelancing is against her DNA
[43:18 – 44:44] The similarities and differences between Facebook and Agencies
[44:45 – 49:55] Jill’s advice to young creatives
[49:56 – 51:12] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter. If you want to be interviewed for an upcoming episode, contact us at AdhouseNYC.com.

The A-List Podcast: Episode 004 with David Angelo

By James Nieman | 04/21/2017 | in

Podcast

“I believe that people show up in your life at the right time, and it’s really up to you to recognize what their purpose is”

For the fourth installment of “The A-List” podcast, host and chief creative officer of DiMassimo Goldstein, Tom Christmann, sits down with David Angelo, the founder and chairman of David & Goliath. Before starting his own agency in 1999, Angelo worked at several different agencies, often working alongside some of the most legendary names in the industry including Phyllis Robinson, Eric Silver, Cliff Freeman, Lee Clow and former A-list guest Ty Montague.

During what was the program’s first ever in-person interview, the two discuss everything from working the graveyard shift as a teamster in San Francisco to chasing your mentors and conquering your fears. Angelo’s story is one of inspiration and bravery – you won’t want to miss it. Full episode and show notes below:

Show Notes

[0:00 – 1:35] Intro
[1:36 – 8:45] Cliff Freeman, the Willy Wonka of advertising
[8:46 – 11:53] Angelo talks about growing up outside of Oakland
[11:54 – 13:00] Working the graveyard shift as a teamster
[13:01 – 17:00] The Eddie Lopez Story
[17:01 –19:12] Moving to New York City and living in Roosevelt Island
[19:13 – 26:05] DDB and working with the original Peggy Olsen (Phyllis Robinson)
[26:06 – 30:29] The history behind the New York Lotto tagline “Hey, you never know”
[30:30 – 32:10] Working on the Clinton/Gore campaign in 1992
[32:12 – 34:57] Working at Chiat Day with Ty Montague
[34:58 – 41:40] Chasing your mentors and living your truth
[41:40 – 48:00] Starting his own agency, Kia’s challenger story
[48:01 – 51:15] The brave mindset of David & Goliath
[51:16 – 58:45] How meditation inspired his not-for-profit
[58:46 – 59:33] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter. If you want to be interviewed for an upcoming episode, contact us at AdhouseNYC.com.

The A-List Podcast: Episode 003 with Greg Hahn

By James Nieman | 04/20/2017 | in

Podcast

“Before I knew anything about advertising I was trying to find books… business and self-help books to get lost in. I found one that looked pretty easy to read and it had one piece of advice in it… it was the simplest piece of advice you’ll ever get but super important and has led to my career path more than any one sentence in the world.”

In this episode of “The A-List” podcast, host and chief creative officer of DiMassimo Goldstein, Tom Christmann, chats with Greg Hahn, the chief creative officer of BBDO New York, where he helps brands like HBO and FedEx make award-winning work that works. For a little over 40 minutes, the two talk about what it’s like to be a musician, the magic of David Lubars, hacking technology, and the benefits of eavesdropping. Be sure to listen all the way to the end to hear one piece of magic advice that every young creative needs to hear. Check out full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes:

[0:00 – 1:20] Into
[1:21 – 7:04] Greg’s early life and aspirations
[7:05 – 11:00] The two different paths in advertising
[11:01 – 13:33] Being a musician
[13:34 – 21:24] Attitude and curiosity
[21:25 – 23:11] The magic of David Lubars
[23:12 – 29:04] Working with Spike Jonze, the benefits of eavesdropping, and the endless creativity around New York City
[29:05 – 32:35] How creativity has change, hacking technology
[32:36 – 35: 13] Luke Sullivan’s “Hey Whipple, Squeeze This” and other must-reads for young creatives
[35:14 – 36:25] Hahn’s alter ego, Maxcatt
[36:26 – 38:40] BBDO the global boutique
[38:41 – 40:55] The most important advice Hahn ever received
[40:56– 41:37] Outro

The A-List Podcast: Episode 002 with Ty Montague

By James Nieman | 04/19/2017 | in

Podcast

“I will bet on passion over genius every time.”

In this very special episode of “The A-List”, host Tom Christmann chats with Ty Montague, the founder of co:collective, a growth and innovation accelerator that helps clients develop their business strategy and execute their brand story using the principles of Storydoing™. Over the course of 45 minutes, Tom and Ty relive their experience together at J. Walter Thompson, obsess over creative troublemakers, and ask the questions that really matter in life, like whether or not we are living in a computer simulation. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes

[0:00 – 1:28] Intro
[1:29 – 7:43] Ty’s background and the unique story of how he got into the industry
[7:44 – 9:40] The importance of networking, passion, and motivation
[9:41 – 13:50] Tom and Ty talk big agencies and their experience at JWT
[13:51 – 17:22] Turning ideas into something real and working with others
[17:23 – 21:30] Creative troublemakers and breaking barriers
[21:31 – 26:30] How co:collective is different than an advertising agency
[26:31 – 29:45] Millennials, creative opportunities, and making an impact in the world
[29:46 – 32:30] The traditional agency model vs. internal creative teams
[32:31 – 36:09] Amazon, Jeff Bezos, and innovation
[36:23 – 42:50] The life and work of Howard Gossage and other recommended books for students
[42:53 – 44:15] Are we living in a computer simulation?
[44:30 – 45:10] Outro

To follow Ty Montague on Twitter, click here.

“The A-List” is brought to you by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on Soundcloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter. If you want to be interviewed for an upcoming episode, contact us at AdhouseNYC.com.