We are Eicoff.
Chairman
46 years in advertising · 42 years at EicoffLives in Highland Park IL · Born in Corapolis PA
University of Arizona (Harvard of the West), Institute of Advanced Advertising Studies, Northwestern University
Career Highlights
Mentored by Alvin Eicoff, Ron took the reins of the agency in 1981 and has never looked back; upon purchasing the agency in 1982, David Ogilvy called Eicoff "his secret weapon." Ron continued to raise the bar, improve media measurability, attract the attention of Fortune 500 companies, and improve the creative output of the agency. Ron was elected into the DMA Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2007, Ron's "The C Student’s Guide to Success," was published in four languages, including Chinese.
Notable Success
Over half our people have been with Eicoff for more than 10 years. Show me one other agency that can say that.
The most important thing clients should know about Eicoff
We don't succeed unless they do. Simple as that.Nostalgic television memory
Appearing on 60 Minutes with Mike Wallace, who referred to us as the largest, most successful direct response agency in the world.When it's winter in Chicago...
I try to be away as much as possible.Sox or Cubs
Absolutely.
President | CEO
27 years in advertising · 25 years at EicoffLives in Glenview IL · Born in Flossmoor IL
University of Illinois
Career Highlights
Bill began his career in the Eicoff media department, learning the ins and outs of negotiating, results optimization, etc. When Bill's path led him to client service, the media department stopped inviting him to their happy hours. Except for a two-year stint at an agency whose name we shall not speak (a move he has yet to live down) Bill has played a key role in building the agency into the leader it is today – bringing in powerhouse clients, embracing innovation, and sticking to core values.
Key Challenge
Keeping the momentum going in a "what have you done for me lately" industry.
Why I've been at Eicoff so long?
We’re the best at what we do. (Okay, I’m competitive.)The best thing a client has ever said to me
Your fly is open.The future of DRTV
Technology is only going to increase the number of companies that will be able to use TV to drive sales.No. 1 Chicago restaurant
Billy GoatSox or Cubs
The one who has won a World Series in the past 100 years.
Sr VP | Media Director
30+ years in advertising · 30+ years at EicoffLives in Chicago IL · Born in Minneapolis MN
University of Wisconsin (Yea Ra Ra!)
Career Highlights
Francie has seen all sides of our business, starting at a national rep firm followed by a stint in sales at a local Mpls TV station. It was valuable experience, contributing to a breadth of knowledge that's been instrumental in molding the Eicoff media operation into the leader in DRTV and measured-response media. The industry has evolved and reinvented itself numerous times, often led by Eicoff. Francie sat on the board of the Electronic Media and Marketing Association and is a featured analyst for industry trade publications and websites.
Notable Success
There are many – the best ones involve clients who are skeptical about DRTV and become ardent advocates.
The best thing a client has ever said to me
Thank you.The most important thing clients should know about Eicoff
We're the best at what we do. We’ve got more experience than any other DRTV shop out there.What most people don’t know about DRTV
DRTV runs at all times of the day and is able to target any and all audience demos, no matter how narrow.Favorite vacation destination
ItalySox or Cubs
Neither. Twins all the way!
SVP/Director of Marketing Services
33 years in advertising · 27 years at EicoffLives in Glenview IL · Born in Detroit MI
Michigan State University
Career Highlights
Steve began his career at Ogilvy & Mather in Chicago, and came to Eicoff (for a temporary stint, he thought) during a period known as “The Wild West.” Although Steve thought he had mistakenly stepped into an alternative universe, he quickly settled in and became a leader of the agency. Steve brought in new business and helped the agency evolve into a more sophisticated operation, which attracted the likes of Kimberly-Clark, Procter & Gamble and Chase. Steve is one of the true believers in DRTV. And he’s got some killer stories.
Notable Success
Introducing Kimberly-Clark to DRTV as a new product sampling tactic
What most people don't know about DRTV
This isn't your grandfather’s DRTV.The most important thing clients should know about Eicoff
Our strategies and execution get results!Favorite vacation destination
Park City, UtahNostalgic television memory
Watching Uncle Miltie with my family on our 12" MagnavoxSox or Cubs
Tigers! Lions! Red Wings!
SVP | Executive Creative Director
27 years in advertising · 7 years at EicoffLives in Winnetka IL · Born in Columbus OH
Miami (OH)
Career Highlights
There was an open desk in media, so Mike took it. Alas, numbers didn’t agree with him, so he stowed away in the creative department, and then one day found himself with creative responsibility for all Procter & Gamble accounts, including three global brands. He brings this breadth of experience to Eicoff, but missed out on eye-witnessing the stories he’s heard.
Notable Success
Demonstrating to Clear Mobile Internet that Eicoff creative would drive their business and build their brand. At the same time.
What's special about Eicoff
The creatives know that if a spot doesn't work, it's off the air. So there isn’t the inter-discipline feuding that goes on at other agencies. We're all in it together.The most important thing clients should know about Eicoff
We challenge ourselves more than our clients do.When I'm not at work I'm probobly
Reading, writing, motorcycling (ideally to a place where I can read and write).Nostalgic television memory
Watching the Singing Nuns on the Ed Sullivan Show. (Thought I’d say the Beatles, didn’t you?)When it's winter in Chicago…
I make sure I have a supply of firewood, so as not to resort to burning furniture.
Sr VP | Associate Media Director - Retail
26 years in advertising · 26 years at EicoffLives in Chicago IL · Born in South Bend IN
THE Ohio State University
Career Highlights
Margaret began her career at Eicoff and has found no good reason to want to work anywhere else; she's got an awesome view of Michigan Ave. and carte blanche for planning all agency social functions. Not to mention the satisfaction of proving the effectiveness of Hybrid DRTV, branding campaigns, traditional DRTV and promotional radio and watching clients redirect their advertising dollars into these channels.
Notable Success
Serving an unprecedented two terms as president of the Media Advertising Club of Chicago.
The best thing a client has ever said to me
I wish I worked at Eicoff.The most important thing clients should know about Eicoff
We're so much more than just a traditional DRTV agency.When it's winter in Chicago…
I wish I was outside enjoying it.Nostalgic television memory
Best Episode Ever: WKRP in Cinncinati "Turkey Drop"Sox or Cubs
Sox
Sr VP | Associate Media Director – DR
29 years in advertising · 28 years at EicoffLives in Glenview IL · Southwest Minnesota State University
Career Highlights
Except for the single non-Eicoff year (known in Eicoff legend as "the lost year") Ken has spent his career honing his skills to razor sharpness. Ken will not only tell you, in infinitesimal detail, how the advertising is doing, he can tell you with great accuracy how the advertising will do. He’s that good. He does get out of the office, usually spending time with his wife and two sons.
What most people don't know about DRTV
It is a very affordable proposition to conduct a DRTV test.
The best thing a client has ever said to me
You did much more than expected and brought more to the table than was promised.Favorite Chicago restaurant
WildfireNostalgic television memory
The last episode of M*A*S*HSox or Cubs
Cubs
Sr. VP | Group Creative Director
25 years in advertising · 18 years at EicoffLives in Oak Park IL · Born in St. Louis MO
University of Missouri
Career Highlights
As a long termer, Terry has seen the creative output of the agency evolve. This experience means Terry is equally comfortable in the traditional DR format and the higher-concept branded DRTV format. What it means for clients is Terry can deliver advertising that works, no matter what it looks like.
Notable Success
Working with Wilford Brimley and living to tell about it.
Creative Philosophy
We can create 1) great-looking advertising, 2) with fast turnarounds, 3) very affordably. Please pick two.The nicest thing a client has ever said to me
It's nice working with you.Favorite vacation destination
I'm still compiling the list of contenders.When I'm not at work, I'm probably
CookingSox or Cubs
Cardinals
VP | Associate Media Group Director
19 years in advertising · 19 years at EicoffLives in Naperville IL · Born in Chicago IL
Western Illinois University
Career Highlights
A lifer at Eicoff, Heather has made her mark on dozens of clients; they appreciate her candor, and value her advice. In addition to making her clients successful on good old TV, Heather leads the development of new applications for measured-response media, like working with Google to construct the Google TV Ad Words platform. She was also instrumental in developing and testing CORE, the state of the art analytical tool used by DRTV agencies across the country.
Notable Success
Helping Liberty Medical grow from a small company with 20 people to an enterprise with more than 2,000 employees and over a million patients.
The future of DRTV
These days, every marketing dollar spent is scrutinized. Clients love the accountability of DRTV. It's not going anywhere.The most important thing clients should know about Eicoff
We spend our clients money as if it's our own.What most people don’t know about DRTV
DRTV isn't just for upstart, entrepreneurial clients. DRTV is in use up and down the Fortune 500.Nostalgic television memory
I've seen every Brady Bunch episode. "Mom said don't play ball in the house!" (season 2, episode 39)No. 1 Chicago restaurant
Mastro's
Sr VP | Group Creative Director
14 years in advertising · 12 years at EicoffLives in Chicago IL · Born in Chicago IL
Boston College
Career Highlights
The opportunity to work on TV accounts attracted Tim to Eicoff in 1998. Well, mission accomplished. Since then Tim has been involved in nearly 100 television productions. As Group Creative Director, Tim takes pride in immersing himself not just in his clients’ advertising, but in their business. Tim is an active blogger on the subject of breakthrough creative.
Notable Success
Putting the CEO of a start-up identity theft prevention company on TV giving out his real social security number. A crazy idea that worked like crazy.
Why do people stay at Eicoff for so long?
The variety of clients keeps life interesting; I’m always learning something new. And if I can make it 8 more years, the omelet-maker guy will come for my 20-year breakfast.The most important thing clients should know about Eicoff
We walk the walk.Nostalgic television memory
Professional Wrestling. Are you kidding me? Hulk Hogan, Randy "Macho Man" Savage, Andre the Giant.Favorite vacation destination
Ireland
Sr VP | Media Group Director
23 years in advertising · 23 years at EicoffLives in Chicago IL · Born in Long Beach CA
University of Illinois
Career Highlights
Kelly’s a lifer at Eicoff, and over the years has been a part of some of the agency’s most impressive successes. The brands she works on tend to stay at the agency for a very long time and/or become hugely successful. She has agreed to share the credit for this.
The most important thing people should know about Eicoff
The tenure of the media staff translates directly to pricing and clearance advantages. This is something that comes with time and experience.
What most people don’t know about DRTV
It's everywhere. People think they know what a DRTV commercial "is" and probably don’t recognize how many commercials have a call-to-action in them.Notable Success
Collecting the name plates of every employee who has worked at Eicoff since 1988.The best thing a client has ever said to me
Retaining clients for years, and sometimes decades, is the biggest compliment we can receive.When it's winter in Chicago I wish I were ...
Driving a car bigger than my MINI.
VP | Management Supervisor
9 years in advertising · 7 years at EicoffLives in Chicago, IL · Born in Evanston, IL
Marquette University
Career Highlights
After a few years in publishing and a couple stints at other Chicago agencies, Delia joined the Eicoff team and hit the ground running, as they say. Soon, with leadership from Delia, some of the agency’s key clients had grown DRTV into the most significant channel in their marketing mix. And she still found time to become a go-to resource for the best client dinner recos.
The most important thing clients should know about Eicoff
Unlike most agencies, there is very little turnover here. What that means for clients is continuity on their business. There are situations where the agency people actually have more history than the client does. That’s invaluable.
What most people don't know about DRTV
DRTV doesn't operate in a vacuum; it improves the performance of other direct channels – agents' sales, direct mail, online, print, search. And we have the case study to prove it.When it's winter in Chicago I ...
Wish I had more lawn furniture to save parking spots.Nostalgic television memory
Beverly Hills 90210, the high school years, when Brenda & Dylan were still together. Sigh.When I'm not at work, I'm probably
Trying out new Chicago restaurants. Or knitting. But never at the same time.
Management Supervisor
15 years in advertising · 10 years at EicoffLives in Wilmette IL · Born in Los Angeles CA
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Career Highlights
Scott shopped around for a few years at various DR shops. Then he came to Eicoff and decided to put down roots. During his decade-long tenure, Scott has demonstrated his ability to build businesses, turning small, specialty companies into household names, and leading established brands to become leaders in DRTV.
Notable Success
You know you’re doing something right when Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show both name check your clients in their programs.
The most important thing clients should know about Eicoff
Eicoff is an organization that is unlike any other. It’s guided by values – unique in the ad world.The best thing a client has ever said to me
We're renewing our contract. Gets me every time.When it’s winter in Chicago I wish ...
I'd never left Los Angeles.Nostalgic television memory
Touring the set of The Price Is Right with the man himself, Bob Barker.
Account Supervisor
16 years in advertising · 2 years at EicoffLives in Chicago IL · Born in Floral Park NY
University of Pittsburgh
Career Highlights
Rob came to Eicoff after developing his DRTV chops at competitive agencies in the neighborhood. His success has come from demonstrating to a client the value of DRTV through the results of their own tests. Yeah, he's a bit of a data geek.
What most people don’t know about DRTV
It merges the best of both worlds by harnessing the power of TV to efficiently reach a mass audience while also providing the accountability of below-the-line media.
The most important thing clients should know about Eicoff
A client once said to us, "you put the old in old school." In fact, there's some truth to that. We are a throwback to the days when agencies put the clients' needs first.When I'm not at work
I play with the kids. It's the most rewarding means of exercise.When it's winter in Chicago…
I wish I could figure out how, no matter which direction I'm walking, the wind is always in my face.Sox or Cubs
Yeah…Mets.
Sr VP | Media Group Director
28 years in advertising · 25 years at EicoffLives in Bloomingdale IL · Born in Chicago IL
Northern Illinois University
Career Highlights
Eileen sharpened her media skills on good old traditional DRTV. As the industry evolved, Elieen kept pace, applying direct response fundamentals to traditional brand clients like Reynolds Products and Nature Made. These days, she's as likely to be securing added value and evaluating TRP delivery as analyzing spot by spot response.
Why I've stayed at Eicoff for so long
It’s rewarding to be able to see the results of what we do for our clients.
The future of DRTV
The success of DRTV is always a reflection of how we interact with consumers. As media usage continues to evolve, so will we. But it’s definitely not going away.Notable Success
Making the DRTV model work for traditional clients. They love it!When it's winter in Chicago…
I try to enjoy it, but seriously, I don't.Favorite vacation destination
Anywhere tropical.
Director of Video Innovation
16 years in advertising · 16 years at EicoffLives in Oak Park IL · Born in Oak Park IL
Iowa State University
Career Highlights
16 years ago, Matt began his career at Eicoff in account management. Back when TV was TV, time shifting was what happened when you changed your clocks twice a year, and the internet was a novelty. Over the course of those 16 years, as digital communication exploded, Matt found himself leading the agency in applying DRTV fundamentals to this brave new world. It was a logical step for Matt to initiate and build a department devoted to video innovation within the hallowed halls of Eicoff.
Why I've been at Eicoff so long
Because they respect phenomenal talent (smiley-face emoticon)
The future of DRTV
Big changes ahead! But the core principles will remain.The best thing a client has ever said to me
You know more about our company than we do.When I'm not at work, I'm probably
Hunting down the next breakout Chicago restaurant.Favorite Chicago restaurant?
Publican or Longman and Eagle. Actually, brunch at Publican and then dinner at Longman and Eagle.
Director of Analytics
8 years in advertising · 2 years at EicoffLives in Chicago IL · Born in Boston MA
Dartmouth College (and as if that weren’t enough), Graduate Degree in Engineering, Northwestern University
Career Highlights
Jeff was a student of engineering and statistics. There are few things more diametrically opposed to engineering than advertising. So what the heck happened? Following a short stint at Orbitz developing their CRM capabilities, Jeff discovered the opportunities in using data to measure results and inform media buying and planning decisions. He immersed himself in narrowing the breach between data and advertising. He believes that’s where the world is headed. And Jeff will probably get there first.
Notable Success
Spending a week in Paris training his client’s French team on dashboard development.
