John is recognized as one of the country’s foremost authorities on Challenger Brand Marketing®. He is the author of the popular books “Marketing Smart” and “Challenger Brand Marketing”. In addition, John is an adjunct professor of branding, advertising and interactive marketing, a sought after speaker and a regular columnist for several publications and blogs.

John currently sits on many boards, including the San Francisco Giants Community Fund, The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco State University, The Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame, and The Elios Society / Elios Charitable Foundation.

John was recently inducted into the San Francisco State University Hall of Fame, recognized for his community service and leadership by the U.S. Senate and the S.F. Giants, and was selected as the “Man of the Year” by The Elios Society.

How do you define great advertising?

I feel it’s understanding our client’s resources and then developing a smart strategy that delivers the greatest possible return from those resources.

What inspires your work?

The look in our clients’ eyes when they start to see their business growing!

Where were you born?

I was born and raised here in San Francisco, actually about a mile from the Gumas offices.

Favorite song?

White Wedding by Billy Idol