Today we’d like to introduce you to Doug Harris.
Hi Doug, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started in retail menswear at the age of 16, stayed there through college and bought a percentage of the store my senior year. Grew to 3 stores, then sold. Played around in the nightclub and concert business for a couple of years, was recruited by the Jesse H. Jones family to work at 101 KLOL which they owned along with KTRH- AM. Stayed there for 12 years until stations were sold, moved to Connecticut for a job as Creative Director for an advertising agency. Returned to Houston in 1999, opened a broadcast marketing consultancy, helped radio/TV stations in the US, Canada, and abroad. Gave marketing seminars in 27 countries on 5 continents before changes in the industry made that work less lucrative. Now focusing on my ad agency and my passion projects. Serving as Executive Director of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame, President of the Houston Film Critics Society, and have just received approval for my 501C3, The StellaNova Foundation.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Major changes in the broadcast world, completely changed my business model. Then got stiffed by two clients, back to back, and suffered a big financial loss. Recovered, A business I had a minor equity position in was sold, which got me back on my feet and am now forging ahead with the third act of my life.
We’ve been impressed with Noisemaker Communicationsƒ, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are a boutique marketing firm, specializing in creating clutter-busting, multi-faceted campaigns primarily for entrepreneurs. I am an idea person, with the team that can make my ideas come to life and bear fruit. I am a professional attention-getter who understands that everything leads back to the cash register. Likes, follows, posts, shares don’t main a thing if revenue–or some other consumer activity–is not generated.
I am most proud of the years I spend getting consumers to form a brand preference and loyalty for a product that’s free. Radio.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Guts. Confidence. And clients that are willing to try something bold to get big results.
Image Credits:
Headshot by Ray Hand
