Devotion - Creative Direct Marketing Group

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Company: Creative Direct Marketing Group
Owners: Craig Huey
Year Started: 1985
Employees: 26-50 (Medium)

Welcome to An Agency Story podcast, I’m your host Russel.

In this episode, we're joined by Craig Huey, the founder of Creative Direct Marketing Group, based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Craig shares his incredible journey from a teaching career to establishing a direct response ad agency. Discover how his passion for accountable advertising and scientific marketing set CDMG apart in a competitive industry.

Listen in as Craig recounts significant turning points, like his bold move of purchasing his first company with a briefcase full of cash and his humorous experience pitching to football legends without knowing the sport.

Tune in to hear Craig's story of innovation, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that drives his agency's success.

Enjoy the story.

Show Notes Insights

Adaptability and Innovation: Craig emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of industry trends and technology. From early adoption of tools like the electric typewriter and fax machines to utilizing AI for research and creative tasks, his agency's success is rooted in its ability to quickly adapt and innovate. This highlights the need for agencies to continuously seek out and implement new technologies and methodologies to maintain a competitive edge.

Resilience and Perseverance: Craig shares multiple stories of overcoming significant challenges, such as financial setbacks due to unpaid client bills and regulatory issues with sales tax. His persistence in navigating these obstacles and his refusal to let circumstances dictate his success serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience. Agency owners should be prepared for setbacks and remain steadfast in their pursuit of long-term goals.