Doe Anderson - Building Brand Enthusiasts

Back to Our Senior Staff »

Todd Spencer - President, CEO

Brand Experience:

  • Briggs & Stratton
  • Canadian Club
  • Churchill Downs
  • Copenhagen
  • CSX
  • Ebonite
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • Heaven Hill Distillery
  • Kentucky Lottery
  • Kentucky Tourism
  • Lexmark International
  • Louisville Slugger
  • National City
  • Powerbilt Golf
  • Sazarac
  • Skoal
  • Sony Entertainment
  • Standard Register
  • U.S. Space & Rocket Center
  • Valvoline
  • West Virginia Tourism
  • Winchester


Questions & Answers:

Did you think, growing up, that you'd be working in an advertising agency?
No. However, as a toddler I would shake hands with every stranger. It drove my mother crazy, and she joked that I would grow up to be a salesman, politician or preacher. She was right. Depending on the day, this job is a combination of all three.

Other than your rugged good looks, how did you move up so quickly?
It was strictly my rugged looks. Seriously, it is passion, curiosity and honesty.

What do you like to do in your free time?
Hanging out with my family, watching all sports, camping, photography, carpentry and gardening.

Favorite movie?
Glengarry Glen Ross (coffee is for closers!)

Basketball: a sport or the sport?
THE sport, unless you're a 6'3”, overweight dude with a four-inch vertical jump like me.

Do you have children?
We have three daughters. Translation - get up at 5:00 a.m. if you want a hot shower.

What are some of the most challenging projects you've worked on?
Taking over as Management Supervisor on Maker's Mark. I'm only the third account director in the 35 years Doe has had the account. Another huge challenge has been helping to evolve a 90-year-old advertising agency to meet ever-changing demands while finding innovative ways to build meaningful relationships between consumers and brands.

What's the secret to account service?
Great account service is being curious. Asking the right questions rather than approaching every situation with the seemingly right answer. Providing clear insight and direction to the team that will help lead to great ideas that connect consumers with brands. And finally, let the client and your team take credit for successes. If they win, you win.

What's your favorite sports team?
Cincinnati Reds. I haven't had much to cheer for lately, but those formative years growing up in the Midwest with the Big Red Machine left a lasting impression.

Pets? Dog or cat?
Yes, a dog - Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

What's your favorite ad campaign right now?
For me it's more than just advertising - I love brands that deliver a consistent experience at every single touch point. That's what creates brand enthusiasm. When consumers love interacting with a brand, they'll go out of their way to help grow it.

There's a saying, "Mighty oaks from tiny acorns grow."

In 1915 in Louisville, Kentucky, Mr. Doe and Mr. Anderson believed the same could be said for growing mighty brands. And one simple typographer's symbol later, the acorn starting revealing a wealth of insights we've never forgotten.

First, there are no shortcuts in growing a brand. Cracking open an acorn doesn't give you an oak tree. And cracking one clever ad campaign doesn't make a strong brand. It takes seasons of growth.

You can't grow a tree from the top down, nor a brand. Only by starting at the grass roots can real growth begin. That's why having a word-of-mouth marketing program is so important, and so effective.

Environment is critical. If you create an inviting experience where customers feel at home, they'll not only put down deep roots, they'll invite their friends to join them, and grow your brand exponentially.

Life is a never-ending cycle. Only repeating growth ensures survival. By continually planting new seeds of opportunity, a brand is able to grow in a predictable way. Fortunately, it offers both quick, green growth, and a long-term system for more.

And since 1915, the acorn has done exactly what it is designed to do -- grow.