Michael Goldberg

Zimmerman

In his career, he has lead 134 pitches into the finals. His record is 124 wins and 10 losses - with Zimmerman winning the last 40 of 44 pitches they have been in. While an impressive record, the following stats are more revealing. In the 124 opportunities, they have never been the favorite, they have never had the best creative work, they have never not been the dark horse and they have never not come from behind to win. Never. His teams have beaten Goliaths, Global Agency of the years, creative boutiques and most every shape in between – and all from an under the radar agency in an under the radar location.

Growing up, Michael loved to take the stage and be the center of attention. His study and love of theatre only fueled that desire. As CMO of Zimmerman, Michael has a great deal of experience putting the agency - and major brands on stage. Before he joined Zimmerman, he was CEO of Harris Drury Cohen in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. He was brought to Zimmerman to help the agency grow and diversify. In the last 7 years, the agency billings have grown from just under $800 million to over $2.5 Billion. At the same time, the agency evolved into a retail powerhouse having shifted the reliance on the automotive sector from 94% of the billings to – today – less than 18%.

In his 20 years of experience in the ad industry, Michael has tried do do many things. He is not nearly as good a writer as he thinks he is. He is not as good at math for the media department, details for the production department or feasibility for account services. He has some big thoughts, runs in short bursts and is wildly competitive. He found a home in new business and new business found a place inside him.

Not having a culture of much celebration, the details of the wins are never remembered, but the pains of the losses are never forgotten. He forces the lessons of losses upon himself so he never forgets the distaste for losing. Ask him about Segway if you have time...