We are a Direct Marketing agency revolutionizing the customer journey, one hypertargeted solution at a time. Through strategic design, data, and technology, we maximize measurable ROI with flawless execution our clients count on.
We believe that collaboration is the spice of life. From data scientists to creatives, our teams come together to put our best work forward.
President
Kurt Whitmer was one of five kids. At a very young age. he was fortunate enough to accompany his dad on a few business trips, while wearing his Sears polyester suit and flying first class in the early 1970s. It was at that point he knew he wanted to be a part of the agency world.
Kurt has been in the advertising space for his entire career, working with major brands as well as the number-two grocer in the country during their centralization process. As President, Kurt guides DBM’s overarching vision, provides direction for the future, and spearheads business growth, new business development, and new product development. Kurt’s business philosophy incorporates diversity, empowerment, and collaboration.
9-to-5 Superpower
Chief Win-Win Officer
After Hours Superpower
Organization OG
Client Experience: AAA, Albertsons/Safeway, Anthem, BJ’s Brewhouse, Campbell Soup, Coke, Del Taco, Dell, Disney on Ice, Fancy Feast, Good Sam, Hewlett-Packard, Home Depot, Kaiser Permanente, Kroger, McDonalds, P&G, PGA Tour, Time Warner, Union Bank, Yoplait, and many other Fortune 1,000 companies.
Full BioVP - Strategy & Operations
Yan Yan came to the U.S. at six years old with grand visions of life in America. Spending much of her childhood alongside her very traditional Chinese mother in scientific research labs, she learned early on about hard work, drive, adaptability, and perseverance. Growing up between the two worlds of Chinese tough love and free-thinking America, she realized she wanted a career in an industry that combines analytical and creative thinking.
The core of Yan Yan’s work starts with building and growing client relationships. She has a proven ability to assess and deliver on clients’ needs in the short term while looking ahead to long-term solutions that support the vision. Her passion lies in taking a complicated or challenging situation, streamlining and addressing the core obstacles, and finding the perfect solution. Yan Yan played a critical role in the early stages of DBM Group’s operations, analytics, data acquisition, research, and product development, creating the foundation for the organizational systems and processes in place today. She continues to work directly with clients to develop multi-channel marketing strategies that deliver results.
9-to-5 Superpower
The Ultimate Fixer
After Hours Superpower
Runner Yogi
Client Experience: Safeway/Albertsons, J&J, Procter & Gamble, CSAA, Kaiser, Home Depot, Nestle, Kraft, Unilever, Time Warner, Blackhawk
Full BioVP - Information Systems
Joe Wolter was born in Laguna Niguel, CA. Growing up, sports and the outdoors were everything to him, and he could usually be found playing baseball, football, and basketball. In school, he excelled in math, which naturally led him to programming, data, and Information Systems.
Joe’s career began with application development and data analysis. He quickly excelled at building robust web applications and database processes. Later, he moved into business intelligence and data warehousing, running large scale data and analytic systems in support of some of the largest businesses in the world. He now brings over 20 years of IT experience to IS operations, software development, data management, and analytics, helping clients achieve their own success.
9-to-5 Superpower
Big Data
After Hours Superpower
Big Dada
Client Experience: Albertson’s, McDonald’s, Prometheus Labs, Nestle, Safeway, Subway, Wellpoint
Full BioExecutive Creative Director
DJ Grimes was born in Washington, D.C. He took quickly to music, learning harp, piano, guitar, and drums to name a few. The child of an OG “Mad Man” father and musician mother, creativity is in DJ’s DNA.
In his role, DJ is collaborative, working closely with internationally established brands and partners to breathe life into fresh, inspired ideas. Bringing 20+ years of experience in digital marketing, advertising, and storytelling to the table, he possesses a rare combination of strategy and compassion. He has crafted fully-integrated creative campaigns across all media for clients from the Fortune 8 to bootstrapped startups.
9-to-5 Superpower
Problem Solver Seeker
After Hours Superpower
Instrumentalist extraordinaire
Client Experience: Amazon, Expedia, Experian, Del Taco, Humana, Kashi, Mazda, Minute Maid, O.N.E. Coconut Water, PacSun, Pepsi, Public Storage, UnitedHealthcare
Full BioVP - Client Strategy
Jake Pakula is a Southern California native. Being outside has always been a big part of his life, from youth sports to the crazy outdoor adventures he now enjoys. Always looking for a competition, striving for the top helps to drive him both professionally and personally.
As an advertising and marketing professional with over 16 years of experience, Jake is focused on leading high-performance teams. He fully commits to planning and implementing campaigns that contribute to strategic growth, positioning, and profitability. Jake prides himself on being a results-proven leader, effectively influencing prestigious clients to identify and capitalize on new revenue opportunities. He continues to be responsible for high-level relationships with all clients, including strategic direction and overall client satisfaction.
9-to-5 Superpower
Impact Specialist
After Hours Superpower
Undercover Outdoorsman
Client Experience: Amazon, Anthem, BJ’s Restaurant, Budget Blinds, Disney, Ikea, McDonald’s, Oakley, Subway, TaxAct, Total Wine, Wayfair, Whole Foods
Full Bio