Triangle Business Journal

Renee DeGross

Fast Start Credited To Virtual Style

If you could hear David Chapman's computer, it would tell you a good marketing consulting firm can't be judged by the size of their building. Instead, 919 Marketing is located in cyberspace, hooking together a network of talented marketing people scattered internationally.

Combining their work, Chapman is the strategic point man for the firm, which has lead to first year billings of $15 million. After more than a decade of working in the conventional advertising agency and client side marketing worlds, Chapman began his 'virtual agency" last September. He has since grown to 4 full time employees, and offices in the Triangle and the Triad.

"Technology can level the playing field, " Chapman said. "We have access to the same information as much larger players."

While size has its advantages, the advertising industry is filled with firms like 919 that often produce the most creative work. Quality doesn't come with quantity, Chapman contends. That's why Chapman is bucking the traditional agency world of flashy offices, departments and a highly political culture. "No one has to pretend like what the boss is saying is a great idea around here," Chapman said.

Rick Proctor, Glaxo Wellcome's Director of Treasury and Risk Management, met Chapman in college. “David has always had that entrepreneurial spirit." Proctor said. "I think everyone knew it was only a matter of time until he started his own shop."

Chapman, 38, picks top talent, sometimes freelancers of other top agencies, to help him develop and execute campaigns. His contacts come from 17 years of experience in the advertising agency and client-side marketing world.

"I can bring together the best in the business, rather than the best available in house", Chapman said. He assembles the team based on the client's business situation, culture and budget.

Before starting 919 Marketing, Chapman spent three and a half years as Senior Vice President, Director of Account Service of Durham based West & Vaughan. While at West & Vaughan, Chapman managed accounts such as CCB, Caterpillar and Medic Computer Systems.

Emily Andrews, CCB Vice President of Marketing Communications, worked with Chapman during his tenure at W&V.

"He was a strategic thinker; he looked at the overall picture to ensure that there was a strategic fit between the campaign objectives, brand personality and the creative product developed. That's one of his strengths." Andrews said. "He's well regarded by the people at CCB that worked with him and his time at W&V was beneficial to the bank."

Prior to West & Vaughan, Chapman spent 9 years in account management with the global agency LINTAS:INTERPUBLIC GROUP. While at LINTAS, Chapman worked on sports marketing assignments with the PGA TOUR, NASCAR, NBA, NFL, Winter Olympics and other professional, collegiate and amateur programs. The many sports marketing campaigns Chapman directed have put him in contact with such sports figures as Michael Jordan, Richard Petty, Joe Montana, Jack Nicklaus and Dennis Conner.

Things are just beginning to take off for 919 Marketing. However, don't expect to see bricks and mortar replacing their virtual approach.