When we met Greg Eckelman, we knew his approach to strategy — one he says is “less academic and more an inward-looking exercise” — was perfectly aligned with our views as an innovative customer-experience agency. Afterall, our research has shown that success in advertising is becoming increasingly dependent on personalization.
Eckelman, a Kenyon College graduate, previously held high-ranking roles at IBM iX (formerly Resource/Ammirati) in Columbus and New York agencies that include We Are Social, Big Fuel and Grey Group. His past clients read like a laundry list of household names, including Albertsons, AT&T, CarMax, Hyatt, Kraft, LEGO, U.S. Army, Walmart, White Castle and more.
To help you get to know this charismatic addition to the Mindstream Interactive team, we asked some simple questions that brought about some compelling answers.
Why is Mindstream Interactive the logical next step for your career?
I am incredibly honored and humbled to join the uniquely and extremely talented Mindstream Interactive team and to be tasked with continuing to evolve the innovative foundation and approach they have built as a truly results-driven and customer-first experience agency.
Describe some of the personal high points you’ve reached to date.
How does your strategic approach differ from others in the industry?
For me, it’s about the sheer joy of finding authentic insights. I have a passion for cracking brand-to-people relationship codes, which allows me to approach strategy from a people-first—and almost entertainment-like—angle. I have carried through those sparks from my early marketing days at music labels into my work today to deliver fully differentiated, unique and sustainable strategies.
For a time it was New York, but now Columbus is home again—what makes this city so special to you?
After relocating from New York three and a half year ago, living on a cobblestone street in a historic neighborhood and having a backyard and a basement makes for an extra special home to me. Plus, Columbus has a rich diversity of people and businesses and restaurants that give it a definitive character.
When you’re not working, what are you most likely doing?
Playing: bass, guitar, PS4, with my dogs or on my Robinhood investing account.