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dgs Marketing Engineers®
Marketing Communications For Technically Minded People.
dgs People
Marc Diebold – President & CEO
The Official Stuff
Marc was determined to 'make it' in the advertising industry after receiving a business degree from Indiana University in 1979. Marc’s first shot at that was working in an in-house agency of a $120 million communications electronics company, where he stayed until starting dgs in December of 1985. Since then, Marc has served on the boards of the Indianapolis chapter of both the Business Marketing Association and the American Marketing Association, and has continued his education through those and other professional organizations, as well as through the vast experience of dgs’ many wonderful employees and the bright client minds that dgs is fortunate enough to work with every day.
Current Assignment
Marc’s time is split pretty evenly between consulting with clients and/or our account teams (usually on strategy or planning issues), administrative duties that keep dgs on-track and looking forward, and new business development. Occasionally, Marc also gets involved with special client projects.
On his current assignment
I've said this for years. What is really cool about what we do at dgs is that we get to learn interesting things about industries and companies that would surprise most people. 'Insider' things like how a company develops new technologies, or how something is manufactured. And because we specialize in working with companies who sell to a technically minded person, we can apply what we learn about how to influence that type of person from one industry to another.
On what it's like to work at dgs
As an owner, I think I can look at this from an outside perspective, and what I see is that people who work at dgs take a lot of pride in what they do. Consequently, they have a lot of respect for each other, regardless of their personal interests or family situation or whatever. That creates an interesting corporate culture here that I think makes it easy to come to work every day, and I believe makes people want a long-term career with us.
On life outside of dgs
Outside of my wife and two sons, the things I love the most are playing music and swimming. I'm an avid collector of guitars and other musical equipment, and love to perform, which I get to do quite often as part of the band eleventh hour, a duo I'm in with Leslie's husband Aaron. I'm also part of Indy SwimFit, one of the country's largest Masters swimming programs, and enjoy working out with the team in the mornings before work.
Leslie Galbreath – Executive Vice President & Chief Marketing Officer
The Official Stuff
Leslie earned B.A. degrees in Political Science and Japanese from Ball State University. Leslie’s career in both the not-for-profit and public sectors is diverse and includes lobbying, education, public relations, investor relations and, of course, marketing and advertising. Leslie has traveled the world, speaks three languages and lives for the pursuit of excellence. She also fancies herself the ‘biggest Green Bay Packers fan that has ever lived.’
Current Assignment
As EVP/CMO, Leslie is the account supervisor and creative director for all dgs clients. In this role, she is responsible for overall strategic planning, creative development, public relations and Internet communications activities for the agency’s clients.
On his current assignment
I love my job. I love doing great work for our clients, and fostering a collaborative environment at the agency. I enjoy the challenge and fast pace of our business. For as long as I can remember, I like to do that which no one thinks can be done. More than that, I like to do it better than anyone expects it can be done. We do quite a lot of that here. We provide a level of customer service and responsiveness for our clients that is truly unmatched in the industry. I was taught to strive for excellence in everything I do. dgs is no exception.
On what it's like to work at dgs
Put simply, never a dull moment. That's the beauty and challenge of it. Our days are completely unpredictable, and we thrive in that environment. Additionally, because we are so focused, we have become true experts in what we do. However, without question, the agency’s best asset is our team of people. They are smart, talented, visionary marketers with an eye for greatness. More than that, they are altogether interesting and wonderful people.
On life outside of dgs
To me, the most precious thing in life is family. Above all, I enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband, family and friends. We love animals, and have two dogs. Outside of family and friends, I enjoy reading, writing, yoga, detective/investigative television shows, everything on the history channel, wine tasting as well sports – above all, the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Tigers. I also have a dangerous penchant for shoes and bags. Very dangerous.
Jim May – Public Relations Manager
The Official Stuff
Jim earned a B.S. with a major in Management from Purdue University. Jim has also worked in public relations in the health care industry.
Current Assignment
Jim manages our clients’ public relations programs. His responsibilities include PR strategy planning and execution, as well as development, distribution and placement of press releases, case studies and technical articles. Jim also contributes to the creative writing process at dgs, working on advertisements, brochures and other marketing materials.
On his current assignment
Our PR department excels in keeping the industry informed of the latest developments with our clients. We also ensure that our clients' expertise and innovations are constantly on display in a highly visible manner. And, because we specialize in technical writing, we possess an intimate knowledge of our clients’ products and services so that we can truly speak in their voice. We walk the walk, and talk the talk. That’s why we’re good at what we do.
On what it's like to work at dgs
When working with a relatively small number of people on a daily basis, personalities and attitudes play a huge role in maintaining a positive and enjoyable environment. At dgs, we have an amazing group of people who truly complement each other both in personality and talent. We also have a group of clients that represent the best of the best in the world. I can’t deny that it’s good to work among the best.
On life outside of dgs
I'm a music enthusiast. I am constantly picking up new additions to my obscenely oversized music library. Much of my free time is also spent reading, writing, attending concerts, playing video games, watching movies and whatever other activities come my way. Friends and family are the most important things in my life, and I definitely believe that enjoying life is less about what you're doing and more about who you're doing it with.
Justin Brown – Senior Art Director
(AKA: Brown, Funk Master Flex)
The Official Stuff
Justin earned a B.F.A. with an emphasis on Graphic Design from Ball State University. Justin is currently working toward multiple phDs in Nuclear Physics, Turf Management and Computer Hacking (we worry a little about this last one).
Current Assignment
As our Senior Art Director, Justin’s job at dgs is to make things pretty. Justin works his design magic on projects ranging from advertisements and catalogs to brand identity and web development. The dgs creative department dabbles in pretty much everything in our office. You name it, odds are, Brown has made it pretty. Justin mainlines coffee, and will stay to get the work done. He claims that he never really use to drink coffee….
On his current assignment
As designers, we're really problem solvers. When our clients have requests, questions, challenges, our job is to help them find graphic answers. I see this as an important part of what we do as an agency. We push multiple, complex projects out each day, and it's our responsibility to make sure those projects have the graphic impact and brand integrity that we know our clients deserve and expect. Aside from that, I must also say that I like having little pieces of my ego plastered all over the world. Makes me smile.
On what it's like to work at dgs
dgs has a sweet stocked kitchen full of black coffee, donuts, candy, bagels, crackers and sugar packets. By the way, what happened to the red twizzlers? We also have a really cool copy machine. We rarely have to fix it. It's special. I'm thinking of getting one for my home.
In all seriousness… Believe it or not, I really like the crazy deadlines and high expectations. As with anything, things get intense around here, we work hard. But quite honestly, that’s the way we work best. It’s true that we are a close-knit team, and we enjoy working together, but when it comes down to it, what’s most important is that we are a talented bunch. And, because we’re so specialized, we’re all very focused. Basically, when you work with dgs, you’re dealing with some seriously talented,
“type A” personalities. It’s really only fair that we warn you.
On life outside of dgs
I use to have personal hobbies until I got married. Now I have the hobbies my wife wants me to have. They're not too bad – like bike riding, softball, exercising, shopping, cleaning, mopping, laundry, hosting jewelry and cooking parties, etc. Fun stuff like that. Sometimes I yell at the cat because she sleeps, eats and sheds too much. I think I’m just jealous. I like to watch monster truck derbies, a pastime I picked up as a youngster. Someday I hope to have one and possibly drive it at the fair. In middle and high school, as well as in college, I wrestled. Not WWE style, just middle and high school style. Each year, I’m a volunteer judge for Future Business Leaders of America (southern Indiana district) design competition. My iPod is stocked with music from all genres. I do a pretty good job of growing weeds in my yard. My wife and I don’t have children, so we borrow our nieces and nephews, and when we get bored, we give them back. I also play a mean air guitar, and dislike the abuse of commas, and exclamation marks!
Janae Cummings – Public Relations Associate
The Official Stuff
Janae studied biochemistry and English while a cadet at the US Air Force Academy, and later attended Indiana University School of Law. Though law school wasn't her cup of tea exactly, prior to joining dgs, she was a law clerk for the Indiana Supreme Court and Indiana Court of Appeals. Janae’s background is diverse and includes experience writing press releases for the Indiana Golden Gloves Boxing Association and doing chemical research at Eli Lilly. For a while, Janae aspired to become a mad scientist. However, those positions require phDs.
Current Assignment
As a public relations associate, Janae is responsible for copywriting, media relations and other activities that help our clients win friends and influence people.
On his current assignment
Public relations is about influencing audiences. We are our clients' most valuable resource for building brand value, maintaining vitality and establishing credibility. I like looking at public relations in this way because it’s aggressive, proactive, and quite frankly, it makes me feel powerful.
On what it's like to work at dgs
Put simply, dgs is a demanding work environment with a client-first philosophy. We work hard for our clients all the time, and share the common goal of achieving an effective message. Aside from the work we do, I enjoy talking sports and music with my colleagues. I fancy myself a music connoisseur, and have an elevated sense of what’s good and what’s not.
On life outside of dgs
My hobbies are primarily sports-related. A few of my colleagues think they are the biggest sports fans in the office, but they are sorely mistaken. If I had the level of passion for something like, oh, Buffy the Vampire Slayer as I do for sports, I'd be selling my wares at Buffy conventions while wearing vampire teeth. My name would also be Shelley Harper. My favorite sports teams are Arsenal FC, New York Yankees, New York Jets and all Notre Dame athletics, but I'll watch just about anything that involves athletic ability and/or hand-eye coordination and a score. Actually, that's not true. I recently watched the National Darts Championships, where each player's ability increased with his or her blood alcohol content, so I guess that means I'll watch just about any type of competition. As a side effect to all my sports-watching, I have become a fantasy sports geek that pours over the excruciating minutiae of statistics far too often. I thought about letting this minor detail slip to the wayside but they tell me admission is the first step toward healing. Since sports take up most of my time, my sub-hobbies are limited to non Top-40 music, golf and general mischief.
Jason Gloye – Account Coordinator
The Official Stuff
Previously known as ‘the best intern of all time,’ Jason is in the process of completing a BA in Communications and Broadcasting from Western Kentucky University, while working full-time at dgs.
Current Assignment
Jason works with Leslie, handling several key accounts at the agency.
On his current assignment
I like the fact that my work helps bring our clients’ projects to life. Seeing our designs transformed from the screen to print, for example, is very rewarding. It’s also gratifying to know that we have exceeded our clients’ expectations both in terms of finished product and value.
On what it's like to work at dgs
First and foremost, the people are great. There really are no ‘junior’ level people at dgs, and I very much enjoy working with such a great team of talented professionals. I also enjoy the collaborative environment. Because we are a small agency, we are all very much in tune with each and every project, and have a vested interest in its success. In addition, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love Wednesday morning bagels.
On life outside of dgs
Work. School. It’s really that simple for me right now. When I do have free time, I enjoy bicycle riding, tennis, a good book and my one of a kind loft in downtown Indianapolis. I was a professional actor in a previous life, and enjoy doing some voice-over work whenever I have the chance. But, alas, there are only twenty-four hours in the day.
Christine Marler – Art Director
The Official Stuff
Christine earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a specialization in graphic design and an emphasis in printmaking from Ball State University. In addition to a variety of freelance assignments, prior to joining the dgs team, Christine worked as a graphic designer and a production artist for Descon and Cassis.
Current Assignment
As a dgs art director, Christine is responsible for the concepting and execution of creative designs for dgs clients. Like Justin, her job is to make things pretty. Christine is a master multi-tasker, and is great at detail management. She takes mistakes very personally, so she tends not to make them.
On his current assignment
Good design is good business. We help our clients promote their messages effectively. Being creative every day is not easy, but it is extremely satisfying. Every day is a challenge, and striving to achieve an ongoing balance of creativity, quickness, pushing the boundaries, following the rules and creating perfecting keeps things interesting.
On what it's like to work at dgs
I like the mix of teamwork and independence. I also like the fact that the environment is casual enough to foster creativity, and the variety of work we do keeps me on my toes. dgs is a very friendly and comfortable atmosphere, which allows us all to do our best work. The emphasis on continuing education and the awareness of our own industry ensures that we all continue to grow as professionals. We know that what we do has real value.
On life outside of dgs
My love for art doesn’t stop at the dgs door. I have a passion for everything artistic – drawing, painting and card making included. I collect design books, hoard them even. I am fascinated by new technology. I love modern music, jazz and classic rock. A kid at heart, I am drawn to the outdoors, have a love for animals, cartoons and being silly. I love movies, games, bicycling, dinners out, cocktails, gardening, watching squirrels and birds and exploring new places and new things.
Sarah Showalter – Account Coordinator
The Official Stuff
Sarah earned a BA in Advertising and Public Relations from Purdue University. Prior to joining the dgs Marketing Engineers team, Sarah worked in for News America and the Indianapolis Star in the sales and marketing departments.
Current Assignment
As Leslie’s account coordinator, Sarah provides much valued assistance handling several key accounts for the agency, as well as coordinating the fulfillment department.
On his current assignment
I like that my current position allows me to ‘handle things.’ I enjoy taking ownership of my projects and keeping Leslie’s desk cleaner than what it was when I arrived. I like that no two days are the same, and that every project is a learning experience for me.
On what it's like to work at dgs
I love the cross training. Working at a small, very specialized agency like dgs allows me to obtain hands on experience in a variety of areas. Having worked at large organizations in the past, I really appreciate the fact that I know all my colleagues’ names, and really benefit from a team mentality and approach.
On life outside of dgs
In my spare time, I enjoy exercise, particularly running. I am currently training for the 2008 Indianapolis Mini-Marathon, which will be my biggest running-related accomplishment to date. I am also learning to salsa-dance, which is a fun experience. I also have an artistic side to me, and enjoy painting and drawing when time allows. Sometimes Justin and Christine even use some of my sketches in concept development, which given their talent, is a feather in my cap.