Profiles of the Powerful Advertising Exec Steve Grasse
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Business -> subcategory Advertising.
Profiles of the Powerful: Advertising Exec Steve Grasse
Word Count
1,673Summary
Spend an hour with Ed Tettemer, co-founder of the renowned agency with Steve Red, and you'll catch a glimpse of his fervent passion. Yet, even extended exposure may not fully capture its depth.Keywords
advertising, agency, software, intranet, extranetArticle Body
In just ten minutes with Ed Tettemer at the agency he founded with partner Steve Red, it becomes evident that the team's drive for excellence runs deep. After an hour, you begin to grasp Ed’s personal commitment to passion. Despite extended exposure, the complete picture might remain elusive.When you think of passion, it often seems like a complex mix of emotions and opinions. However, Ed Tettemer's dedication to his agency and clients is remarkably straightforward: he desires excellence in every aspect?"clients, coworkers, marketing solutions, creative executions, and more.
Background
"Where did you go to college, Ed?" It's a standard interviewer question, yet Ed's answer surprises: "Never went to college. Dropped out of high school and learned at the Elkman agency and Earle Palmer Brown."
Ed’s journey began in a small, parochial environment where his father served as a sheriff and his mother worked as a township secretary. Fishing with his dad, growing vegetables, and foraging for mushrooms, his childhood was uncomplicated. The Vietnam War dramatically changed this life, prompting his brother to head for Canada and turning Ed's family into social outcasts. This experience deeply influenced Ed, leading him to drop out of high school and roam the country, engaging in various jobs to make ends meet.
Eventually, returning to Bucks County, Ed landed a position as a gopher at the Doylestown Intelligencer. He quickly transitioned into helping small businesses with advertising, discovering a natural aptitude for creating effective ads. He was particularly inspired by transforming ads for Pete's Place in Ottsville, making them stand out through innovative design.
Career Growth
After gaining valuable experience with small retailers, Ed moved to Center City with his family, starting at the Elkman Agency. There, under the mentorship of Creative Director Jim Block, he blossomed into a talented copywriter.
Following his stint at Elkman, Ed joined Becker/Kanter (now Panzano & Partners), where he embraced the concept of vertical marketing, focusing on shopping center advertising. His time there shaped his early efforts at Red Tettemer, which initially concentrated on cable TV and entertainment clients.
Earle Palmer Brown was the next stop, where three significant lessons influenced Ed. Brian Meridith, the head of creative, emphasized having a solid idea as the foundation of any creative execution. Moreover, Ed learned the value of maintaining a diverse client base.
Red Tettemer
After freelancing and collaborating on several large projects with Steve Red, Ed found working with Steve immensely rewarding. Convincing Steve to form Red Tettemer in 1996 was a pivotal decision in Ed’s career, driven by a mission to invigorate clients and make their competitors envious.
Red Tettemer soon expanded beyond verticals into broader accounts like SEPTA and the University of Pennsylvania Health System. Rejecting traditional agency norms, Ed and Steve created an uplifting work environment filled with creativity and playful design.
When asked about his most insightful business decision, Ed quickly credits his partnership with Steve Red as his best. His biggest regret? Not expanding beyond verticals sooner and perhaps being too reclusive.
Personal Interests
Outside of work, Ed enjoys understanding client needs, cooking, reading, and engaging with the local fire department. He cherishes family and the agency's annual retreats, expressing satisfaction in making his parents proud.
Wishes for the Future
Given a couple of wishes, Ed desires closer connections with employees, frequent agency reenergizing, and more celebrations of good fortune. His passion remains evident, just as his mother taught, "Keep your eyes and ears open."
For those seeking inspiration or a glimpse into an ad agency’s vibrant world, visiting Red Tettemer and spending time with Ed offers an energizing experience.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Profiles of the Powerful Advertising Exec Steve Grasse.
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