Date: January 25, 2010
Congratulations to Our Head Honcho on His Bachelor’s Degree!
NEW BRIGHTON, MINN. (Jan. 25, 2010) – An illustrious advertising career jumped into high gear in 1968 when our agency’s founder, John Risdall, left the University of Minnesota just two classes shy of his bachelor’s degree. While his business boomed, John never forgot his commitment to higher education. In giving back to the educational community, John and RMG:
- Have hosted students from the University of Minnesota Advertising Club for 11 “Intern-For-A-Day” programs;
- Formed Fusion, the first and only student advertising agency staffed entirely by U of M Journalism students
- Meets annually with students from the Public Relations Student Society of America;
- Boasts team members, Eva Kaiser, Rose McKinney and Joel Swanson, who are adjunct professors at local universities;
- Has several staffers including Len Mitsch, (former vice president and twice president), John Lutter, (current president), Tina Karelson, Kevin Deshler, (former president) and Jim Sandstrom, (former president), who have served on the University of Minnesota School of Journalism and Mass Communication Alumni Society Board;
- Offers mentors through the U of M alumni mentoring program; and
- Has interviewed over 500 Journalism school students
John recently hit the books to complete his bachelor’s degree. “I wanted to finish what I started and also show support for higher education,” said Risdall. “In addition, I wanted to get my degree before my daughter, Lily, went off to college.”
We – and Goldy Gopher – are proud of him! This accomplishment called for a party, and we celebrated John heating up his resume by one degree with a gathering. Goldy Gopher even showed up to give John a big high five. Read John’s paper, “The Advertising Agency of the Future.”
“It’s a pleasure to get to know and work with the Journalism students at the University of Minnesota”, says John. At RMG, we’re always looking for people that “get it”. This letter exemplifies the attitude and savviness of the rank and file of J-school students at the University of Minnesota.”
John!
First of all, thank you so much for giving us your insights and sharing your expertise in the field we wish to build our career out of. Talking to several students after the day was over, many of us were impressed by how inviting your company is - not just me.
The question I asked during the "Mentor 2 section" was; "The thing that really appealed to me about your company is that it is both inviting and not intimidating - why did you want to make that culture part of your company vs. a hierarchy approach or a very intimidating atmosphere like many agencies have?"
First of all your answer was perfect - what I gathered from your response is that teamwork is essential and it is hard to have good results when you are a disconnected team which is what a hierarchy model sometimes deals with. Yes, it is important for there to be bosses, executives, etc. but it is more important to have a culture like ours that invited people to work together - and you can't do that unless you have happy and informal atmosphere.
From the minute I walked into your agency I felt welcomed. Heather was the epitome of a welcoming face and made us feel comfortable. Many agencies I have toured made me feel out of place, unwelcomed, and really stupid. Looking around you have gizmos and gadgets, dispensers, plaques, and even more so welcomed me in. I even saw a few people riding scooters, which is seriously one of the most recognizable things I noticed - and loved. I honestly felt unafraid to ask questions - which I asked many - but more importantly I didn't feel like I was being talked at. Instead I felt like the people who spoke were speaking to help me and it came across as if they took a valid interest in what I wanted to do with my life and told me what I have to do to get there.
You have a wonderful company that I would love to work/intern at one day - from now on when I go on interviews, tours, etc. I will think of your company and really compare them to you. Your company is my new goal of what type of place I would like to work at. You have a great, energetic and for lack of a better word...nice team.
Throughout my college experience so far, I have been told to ACT PROFESSIONAL, COMMUNICATE WELL, GET THE BEST GRADES YOU CAN, DON'T DO THIS, LISTEN TO THEM, DON'T WRITE THIS WAY...when I walk into agencies I feel the are saying the same things..."don't do this." Your agency told me to "do this..." A simple difference in communication that made a big impression on me. You didn't tell me what not to do...you told me what to do.
I am highly involved in my second year of NSAC and look forward to doing it again next year where I hope to be president. It is a fun student group and I love it more than my classes. Howard has really taught me some key things to do when you build a campaign and I have taken direction from him as best I can. Risdall has given me a lot of great advice today to go along with what Howard has taught me as well. Your company was so inviting and the culture and atmosphere is something that I want in my career. I wish I could say this more professionally, "but you guys rocked!" All the presenters were ridiculously invested in giving us advice and that among many other things is what separates you from all of the other places and companies I have seen, toured and worked for.
You made a wonderful impression on me and that goes a long way, especially when in 1 1/2 years I will be looking for a full time job, your company will be the one I remember, and will be what I am looking for.
Thank you so much and hopefully I will see you again very soon!
The food was great, too!
Brian Bernier
SJMC - University of Minnesota