Gary McElhatton
Senior Account Director at Pathfinders Advertising- Claim this Profile
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Bio
James Brindel
I have had the honor of working with Gary on various midwest Acura association accounts for over 6 years now. In this time we have formed a strong working relationship that not only ensures our clients are more than satisfied with the advertising strategies we presented together, but also we genuinely increased sales and market share for clients. Not to mention Gary's constant professional demeanor, yet friendly and fun attitude, is why Acura corporate and dealers alike value and appreciate him as much as I do. From a Tier 1 automotive advertising perspective, Gary not only knows and understands Acura's national strategy, but is able to present information in a way that dealers instantly understand and value at the local level. This is in part due to his knowledge of Tier 2 and Tier 3 advertising and his experience of knowing how dealers think and function at an operational level. Since we work at two different agencies, yet tackle the same goal from different Tiers, it's a true relief that when we sit down together to discuss a market, dealer, or sales opportunities, Gary is there wanting to ensure all parties are satisfied and have all the resources / answers they need. This doesn't naturally happen very often, but with Gary it is a constant trait in our working relationship. I genuinaly look forward to continuing to with Gary, as well as continue to do great work together moving forward.
William Price
Having worked with Gary for over half of my professional career on multiple brands, Gary is a proven leader in the automotive field that truly understands the importance of building strong relationships to get things done. His understanding of every facet of the business and the implications that one has on the other was critical to shaping the direction of his team and ensuring the most impactful outcome. Even more important than Gary's tremendous amount of experience and key business instincts, Gary is a good guy and someone you'd be lucky to call a friend.
Sean Buda, MBA
Working with Gary over the past two years has been a real pleasure. He is a part of the strongest Acura team in the country. Gary is a team player that when challenged with a task will make sure to deliver results. Building relationships across all three tiers of marketing is one of Gary’s biggest strengths. He leverages his network and relationships in order to have successful marketing events. Gary is always willing to lend a hand and volunteer his time outside of his defined responsibilities. For example, Gary volunteered a full weekend to participate in the Northwood International Auto Show with the Midwest Acura team to connect with future automotive leaders, connect with students, and mentor individuals to help them achieve future success. Gary is a great addition to any team.
James Brindel
I have had the honor of working with Gary on various midwest Acura association accounts for over 6 years now. In this time we have formed a strong working relationship that not only ensures our clients are more than satisfied with the advertising strategies we presented together, but also we genuinely increased sales and market share for clients. Not to mention Gary's constant professional demeanor, yet friendly and fun attitude, is why Acura corporate and dealers alike value and appreciate him as much as I do. From a Tier 1 automotive advertising perspective, Gary not only knows and understands Acura's national strategy, but is able to present information in a way that dealers instantly understand and value at the local level. This is in part due to his knowledge of Tier 2 and Tier 3 advertising and his experience of knowing how dealers think and function at an operational level. Since we work at two different agencies, yet tackle the same goal from different Tiers, it's a true relief that when we sit down together to discuss a market, dealer, or sales opportunities, Gary is there wanting to ensure all parties are satisfied and have all the resources / answers they need. This doesn't naturally happen very often, but with Gary it is a constant trait in our working relationship. I genuinaly look forward to continuing to with Gary, as well as continue to do great work together moving forward.
William Price
Having worked with Gary for over half of my professional career on multiple brands, Gary is a proven leader in the automotive field that truly understands the importance of building strong relationships to get things done. His understanding of every facet of the business and the implications that one has on the other was critical to shaping the direction of his team and ensuring the most impactful outcome. Even more important than Gary's tremendous amount of experience and key business instincts, Gary is a good guy and someone you'd be lucky to call a friend.
Sean Buda, MBA
Working with Gary over the past two years has been a real pleasure. He is a part of the strongest Acura team in the country. Gary is a team player that when challenged with a task will make sure to deliver results. Building relationships across all three tiers of marketing is one of Gary’s biggest strengths. He leverages his network and relationships in order to have successful marketing events. Gary is always willing to lend a hand and volunteer his time outside of his defined responsibilities. For example, Gary volunteered a full weekend to participate in the Northwood International Auto Show with the Midwest Acura team to connect with future automotive leaders, connect with students, and mentor individuals to help them achieve future success. Gary is a great addition to any team.
James Brindel
I have had the honor of working with Gary on various midwest Acura association accounts for over 6 years now. In this time we have formed a strong working relationship that not only ensures our clients are more than satisfied with the advertising strategies we presented together, but also we genuinely increased sales and market share for clients. Not to mention Gary's constant professional demeanor, yet friendly and fun attitude, is why Acura corporate and dealers alike value and appreciate him as much as I do. From a Tier 1 automotive advertising perspective, Gary not only knows and understands Acura's national strategy, but is able to present information in a way that dealers instantly understand and value at the local level. This is in part due to his knowledge of Tier 2 and Tier 3 advertising and his experience of knowing how dealers think and function at an operational level. Since we work at two different agencies, yet tackle the same goal from different Tiers, it's a true relief that when we sit down together to discuss a market, dealer, or sales opportunities, Gary is there wanting to ensure all parties are satisfied and have all the resources / answers they need. This doesn't naturally happen very often, but with Gary it is a constant trait in our working relationship. I genuinaly look forward to continuing to with Gary, as well as continue to do great work together moving forward.
William Price
Having worked with Gary for over half of my professional career on multiple brands, Gary is a proven leader in the automotive field that truly understands the importance of building strong relationships to get things done. His understanding of every facet of the business and the implications that one has on the other was critical to shaping the direction of his team and ensuring the most impactful outcome. Even more important than Gary's tremendous amount of experience and key business instincts, Gary is a good guy and someone you'd be lucky to call a friend.
Sean Buda, MBA
Working with Gary over the past two years has been a real pleasure. He is a part of the strongest Acura team in the country. Gary is a team player that when challenged with a task will make sure to deliver results. Building relationships across all three tiers of marketing is one of Gary’s biggest strengths. He leverages his network and relationships in order to have successful marketing events. Gary is always willing to lend a hand and volunteer his time outside of his defined responsibilities. For example, Gary volunteered a full weekend to participate in the Northwood International Auto Show with the Midwest Acura team to connect with future automotive leaders, connect with students, and mentor individuals to help them achieve future success. Gary is a great addition to any team.
James Brindel
I have had the honor of working with Gary on various midwest Acura association accounts for over 6 years now. In this time we have formed a strong working relationship that not only ensures our clients are more than satisfied with the advertising strategies we presented together, but also we genuinely increased sales and market share for clients. Not to mention Gary's constant professional demeanor, yet friendly and fun attitude, is why Acura corporate and dealers alike value and appreciate him as much as I do. From a Tier 1 automotive advertising perspective, Gary not only knows and understands Acura's national strategy, but is able to present information in a way that dealers instantly understand and value at the local level. This is in part due to his knowledge of Tier 2 and Tier 3 advertising and his experience of knowing how dealers think and function at an operational level. Since we work at two different agencies, yet tackle the same goal from different Tiers, it's a true relief that when we sit down together to discuss a market, dealer, or sales opportunities, Gary is there wanting to ensure all parties are satisfied and have all the resources / answers they need. This doesn't naturally happen very often, but with Gary it is a constant trait in our working relationship. I genuinaly look forward to continuing to with Gary, as well as continue to do great work together moving forward.
William Price
Having worked with Gary for over half of my professional career on multiple brands, Gary is a proven leader in the automotive field that truly understands the importance of building strong relationships to get things done. His understanding of every facet of the business and the implications that one has on the other was critical to shaping the direction of his team and ensuring the most impactful outcome. Even more important than Gary's tremendous amount of experience and key business instincts, Gary is a good guy and someone you'd be lucky to call a friend.
Sean Buda, MBA
Working with Gary over the past two years has been a real pleasure. He is a part of the strongest Acura team in the country. Gary is a team player that when challenged with a task will make sure to deliver results. Building relationships across all three tiers of marketing is one of Gary’s biggest strengths. He leverages his network and relationships in order to have successful marketing events. Gary is always willing to lend a hand and volunteer his time outside of his defined responsibilities. For example, Gary volunteered a full weekend to participate in the Northwood International Auto Show with the Midwest Acura team to connect with future automotive leaders, connect with students, and mentor individuals to help them achieve future success. Gary is a great addition to any team.
Experience
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Pathfinders Advertising
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United States
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Advertising Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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Senior Account Director
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Oct 2021 - Present
Oversee financial and utilities account team Oversee financial and utilities account team
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MullenLowe U.S.
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Advertising Services
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500 - 600 Employee
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Regional Account Director
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Jun 2013 - Apr 2020
Led Acura national and regional marketing for the Mid-West zone.• Instrumental in leading dealer ad associations to increase voluntary dealer assessments, resulting in a 33% increase in media budgets.• Led centralized Search initiative to become the only Acura Zone with 100% dealer ad association participation. Results: 80% increase in Search budget and tenfold increase in Tier 2 click share.• Initiated conquest video SEO strategy that resulted in Google Page One Search domination.• Developed grassroots marketing events to fully leverage three-year sponsorship with Columbus Crew MLS team.
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Cramer-Krasselt
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United States
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Advertising Services
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200 - 300 Employee
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VP, Management Supervisor
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Nov 2007 - Jun 2013
Led development of strategy, creative and tactical execution of Regional Marketing (Tier 2) efforts for Porsche account for 5+ years. Retail lead on the highly successful Panamera launch; the first Porsche sedan. Established regional agency structure and led a team of ten. • Spearheaded strategy shift of dealer marketing (Tier 2) spend from broad media to measurable and trackable initiatives, including online, database, and event marketing.• Exceeded national sales promotions lead generation goals by 33%.• Porsche Panamera launch sales targets were exceeded by 50% with 80% conquest sales.
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Crispin Porter + Bogusky
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United States
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Advertising Services
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200 - 300 Employee
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Account Director
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Feb 2006 - Nov 2007
Led regional marketing (Tier 2) efforts for Volkswagen's Central & North East Regions with over 300 dealerships that resulted in an additional $40 MM in agency billings. Led regional marketing (Tier 2) efforts for Volkswagen's Central & North East Regions with over 300 dealerships that resulted in an additional $40 MM in agency billings.
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TBWA\Chiat\Day
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United States
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Advertising Services
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700 & Above Employee
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Management Supervisor
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Mar 2000 - Feb 2006
Managed HQ team for Infiniti Regional Marketing.
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Account Supervisor
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Mar 1997 - Mar 2000
Managed Mid-Atlantic Nissan Regional Marketing
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Education
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DePaul University
Integrated Marketing Certificate, SEO, SEM, Content Marketing, Google Analytics, CRM -
University College Dublin
Bachelor of Commerce, Marketing