CEO Interview

Interview with the President and CEO of Creative Marketing Alliance, Jeffrey E. Barnhart

Q: What do you believe is the primary role of CMA?
Jeff: CMA responds to every client's challenges with high levels of strategic expertise, creative capability and a service ethic that's strongly shaped by my own experiences of being on the client's side of the desk.

Q: What's your biggest passion in your professional life?
Jeff: For me, it's the brain work, determining the most effective strategies and tactics to move the meter for the client.

Q: What's your view of the corporate culture at CMA?
Jeff: It's very much a team with the balance of capabilities and personalities that builds a winning organization. Our associates are as supportive of each other as they are demanding of themselves. It's a lot like athletics.

Q: So you see an analogy between sports and CMA’s operating philosophy?
Jeff: For every sport, there are rules to play by and challenges to confront. Though the components vary from sport to sport, the underlying challenge remains the same, and that is to win the game. For me, CMA is about winning the success of our clients.

Q: Is there time for fun at CMA?
Jeff: Definitely, both in the work and between the people who work here. It’s been said that marketing is the rock-and-roll of business and I think our culture reflects a balance of discipline, hard work and play that drives the creative process.

Q: How do you view your relationship with the members of your team?
Jeff: While I certainly guide this company's philosophy of business, I encourage the participation and input of the entire team, and I respect and consider their perspectives. I'm like an orchestra conductor, integrating the varied contributions of each musician. But it is not my job to play the instruments.