Creator of engaging content of relevance

Summary

Brent J. Bissell
Change is the engine of growth. For businesses and the people driving them, loyalty to their audiences isn’t optional—it’s essential. Success thrives on a two-way street, where listening meets action. Uncover what truly matters to your audience and deliver that with purpose.insight, and
AREAS OF EXPERTISE: Content Writer/Editor | Strategist | Market Intelligence | Customer Acquisition & Development | Research/Data Analysis | Content Creation | Branding & Loyalty analysis.

A dynamic and innovative communications professional with extensive expertise across all customer communication channels, adept at addressing challenges with creative and unconventional solutions.

With a deep foundation in digital strategies and a strong focus on research, strategic planning, creativity, and analytics, I have established a reputation as a forward-thinking leader in loyalty programs and digital campaigns.

My work consistently drives meaningful brand engagement through campaigns that foster personal interactions and information exchange. These dialogues not only enhance customer relationships but also generate invaluable insights into their lives and preferences.

By leveraging these insights, I craft marketing experiences that reflect a deep understanding of the customer journey, informed by data, creative exploration, and precise use of effective communications.

With an unrelenting passion for learning and growth, I continuously refine and apply my expertise to deliver impactful, results-driven solutions.

Timeline

  1. -
    Content Creator, Writer, Multi-media Producer,
  2. -
    Consultant-Content Creation, Strategy, SEM, Writer,
  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.

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+

Results

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

Questions & Answers

Describe your greatest accomplishment.
Providing definition and solutions where none previously existed.
Who are your main influences?
I've had the blessing of being grounded in the marketing discipline rooted in data acquisition and analytics from the beginning. My earliest roots were in direct mail/direct marketing, where every effort and element is evaluated for its contribution to return on investment, and failed experiments are readily discarded.

Stan Rapp, founder of the MaxiMarketing wave and Rapp Collins Advertising agency, was a friend and mentor. We first became acquainted when I ran the Buick direct marketing account at McCann Erickson. Stan called me and asked for information on how I'd created some of the innovative digital work we'd done for Buick and an introduction.

(At the time, Stan Rapp took special notice of me as we'd introduced Buick video discs, early internet marketing, and video productions that won Advertising's equivalent of the Academy Award--the 'Telly,' which I conceived, wrote, and produced on 35mm and 16mm film as well as video with original music.)

My mentors encouraged the study of Claude Hopkins (Scientific Advertising), David Ogilvy, and Ed McClean for my writing foundation. I knew Henry Hoke, Dick Hodgeson, and Lester Wonderman personally, and often had lunch with Stan Rapp.

For peer support, inspiration, and a great example of stamina, I tip my hat to John Miglautsch. My mentors include Richard Shaver.
Above all, the greatest influence on my learning of theory and practice of the art of data-driven marketing was from my mentor, Richard Shaver. Dick taught all management and staff of the American Express direct marketing group for decades and taught me his unique brand of marketing. He termed it 'consumer-guided marketing' which places the Consumer in control of the types and forms of information they choose to access and digest while ensuring their privacy.

(See 'Next Step in Database Marketing: Consumer Guided Marketing' published by J. Wiley & Sons.) This book contains case studies of my work, with other contributors.

The study of that choice in action provides powerful insight into how to forge a sustainable ongoing relationship that is mutually beneficial between provider and consumer that endures and thrives.


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.

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