Tom Wilson
Executive Vice President / Chief Connectivity Officer
Hired June 2006
The Writing On the Wall:
Tom was born to work in Business Communications. Beginning with flinging the Ames Daily Tribune from his bike (while under-age), he then hit the big time at 13, carrying the Des Moines Register and then selling subscriptions door-to-door. From there, Tom's interest in the business led him to Iowa State University where he majored in Journalism with an emphasis in Advertising and a minor in marketing. During school, he landed an internship with Martin Williams resulting in a promised position waiting for him after college - even if he was from Iowa.
The Road to RMG:
Tom came to Risdall Marketing Group with almost 25 years of experience at some of the leading agencies in both the state and the country. Starting with three years with Martin/Williams, he then spent eight years at Campbell Mithun, almost ten years at Fallon, then three years at Gage and finally, two years at Russell Herder. Tom was named President of RMG six months after he arrived.
A Passion For Client Service:
Tom's versatility and experience make him a leader in marketing, advertising, communications, account management, business and brand development, strategic planning, creative problem solving and new business development. With every account, Tom strives to discover solutions that build and sustain long-term relationships between brands and users. In his own words "Helping clients discover solutions to their branding problems is a passion of mine. Creating and executing those solutions at a powerhouse agency like Risdall is definitely fulfilling that passion."
Account Experience:
At RMG, Tom plays a leading role in providing a wide variety of integrated services for his clients including web site development and search optimization, branding and re-branding, account management, strategic new business planning and more for clients including Alliance Management, Endura Financial Credit Union, Barn Light Electric, Catholic Aid Association, Meritex and DTN/Progressive Farmer, among others.
Other clients served include, US Bank Visa, Carlson School of Management, Honeywell, The Star Tribune, Penn Tennis Balls, Borden Foods, Hefty, Target, Purina, Brooks, 3M, Coleman Company and Northwest Airlines to name just a few.
A Helping Hand For the Next Generation:
During his free time, Tom takes great pleasure in mentoring the next generation of Business Communications professionals at the University of Minnesota and Iowa State University. He also mentors those already in the business, in one case, as far away as Poland.
"I'm one of those lucky guys who can't wait to get to work in the morning. Being able to share what I love with those I mentor is both a pleasure and a privilege."