Building Profitable Customer Relationships, One Word at a Time.

Summary

Brent J. Bissell
Your customers are not just data points on a spreadsheet, clicks, or impressions, they are real people looking for solutions, seeking trust... deciding where to place their trust. My entire career has been dedicated to understanding that relationship and making it stronger. Reciprocal respect.
My career was forged in the world of direct response, where every word, every element, and every dollar had to prove its return on investment. Guesswork was a luxury we couldn't afford. This discipline—of measuring everything and letting the customer's actions guide the strategy—became my touchstone. I had the privilege of learning it directly from the innovative pioneers of this discipline.

I was a strategic consultant on the architecture of Best Buy's landmark "Reward Zone" program and conceived loyalty initiatives for giants like Ford, British Airlines, Delta, Pharma, and General Mills. I learned that at its core, marketing isn't about campaigns; it's about building durable, profitable, and mutually beneficial relationships.

Today, the channels have changed, but the principles haven't. Digital implementation of these marketing truths make this effort easy, fast, and inexpensive. It's in the 'hands on the wheel,' Not the cost of the vehicle you pilot. Relationships are nurtured with every insightful white paper, every helpful email, and every clear, compelling webpage. My work now focuses on creating those essential assets.

I am a strategist who writes, an analyst who creates. An expert in forging and nurturing relationships between brands and their most valuable audiences, person by person.   

I'd love to work with you to solve your marketing challenges. Your customer audiences deserve that.

Timeline

  1. -
    Content Creator, Writer, Multi-media Producer,
  2. -
    Digital Marketing Consultant, Proj. Mgr./Content, Direct Target One LLC
  3. -
    SVP Gen. Mgr. Mithun Minneaposlis MN, SVP Gen Mgr. McCann Relationship Marketing -MRM-Midwest
  4. -
    President, Direct Target One, Inc
  5. Key Speaker/Educator Asian Direct Marketing Ass'n
  6. -
    Founder/President, Strategic Consultancy-Direct Target One, Inc.
  7. -
    Digital Marketing Director, Outsell LLC (SAAS)
  8. -
    Marketing Compliance Manager, Cox Automotive Inc.

Education Highlights

  • Traditional and Experiential
    Professional in communication
  • Curriculum Advisor
    MBA-Marketing classes University of toledo
  • Keystone Speaker/Educator
    Univ. of Michigan mba class
  • Keystone Speaker/Educator
    University of st. thomas, MBA classes St. Paul MN 5 years 1996-02

Causes

  • First Presbyterian Church of Savannah
    Communications lead 9/23-2/25
  • Interim CEO-Faith Equestrian Center Guyton GA
    led therapeutic Equine facility during rebranding/repositioning phase 6-months 2022
  • Brain Injury Ass'n MN
    Board member-3 years

Interests

  • Guitarist/performer
    many venues including opening act for major concerts, and recording artist

Results

  • $26M
    largest dept (5yrs) McCann RM started Office
  • 404%
    two year ROI on $$ customer loyalty pgm
  • 26
    Largest # direct reports hired/managed

years/Skills

  • Author/content creator
    20+
  • education/training
    14
  • Public Speaking
    20+
  • writing/editing/e-publishing
    20+
  • Creative direction
    20+
  • Research/analysis
    20+
  • Business building
    20+
  • Digital Marketing
    20+

Questions & Answers

Describe your greatest accomplishment.
Providing definition and solutions where none previously existed.
Who are your main influences?

My marketing approach is grounded in a simple truth I learned from the very people who wrote the book on it: your marketing should work hard, and your customers should be respected. In the beauty of honest relationships, needs become fulfilled, and honesty is upheld.

Mentors like Stan Rapp, Lester Wunderman, Jim Kobs, and especially Dick Shaver, all marketing legends, took interest in my early database and later, digital work for brands like Acura and Buick because it was innovative and it got results. The greatest influence on jobork was a philosophy originated by Dick Shaver called "consumer-guided marketing." In short, it means we let your customers' actions—not our assumptions—guide the strategy. We listen to what they want and give them control. This isn't just theory; it’s a proven method for creating marketing that people welcome. It’s how we’ll work together to foster real loyalty and build a thriving business.
Why did you choose your profession?
I have an insatiable appetite to learn, and then re-apply those lessons in new applications to forge even greater insights and incremental gains in effective communication practices and efficiencies to enhance the user's experience.

Location

United States & International

Interested In