Bob Dearing
Owner / President
Bob joined the agency as an account executive in 1989 and was instrumental in bringing in such clients as Purdue Athletics, St. Elizabeth Regional Health and the Purdue Research Foundation. In 1994, Bob was named Vice President and in April 2004, he purchased the agency. In 2011, he renamed the agency Dearing Group.
He's placed his passion for branding, entrepreneurial spirit and depth of experience behind a vision for growth and a leading role in new media. Bob's understanding of client markets and strategic branding has inspired some of the agency's most successful campaigns and netted dozens of awards. A 1989 graduate of Purdue University, Bob resides in West Lafayette with his wife, Michelle, and children Julia and Bobby.
Education
BA - Purdue University, 1989
Relevant professional experience
Over 20 years with this agency.
Relevant skills and awards
Winner of dozens of creative awards since 1989, including 10 Best of Show ADDY awards.
Professional affiliations and memberships
American MENSA
Why are you in this profession?
Who or what was a big career influence?
My dad. He owned his own business and has provided valuable insight to me over the years. He gave me the confidence to step out on my own.
What are your career goals?
- To continue to build an agency that delivers high value to our clients and stretches the expectations of a small shop.
- To encourage entrepreneurial spirit throughout our organization and with those with whom we do business.
- To do good for our community.
What advertising campaign do you wish you had worked on?
Any for Chicago White Sox baseball.
What makes a great brand?
A great culture.
Significant other
Michelle
Children
Julia and Bobby
Pets
Dexter (Basset Hound), Buzz (Beagle) and three aquariums; 120 gallon, 90 gallon, and a 14 gallon nano cube
Hometown
St. Joseph, Michigan
Astrological sign
Cancer
Your finest moment or thing of which you are most proud
Both of my kids.
What talent do you most wish you had?
I wish I were a better golfer!
What do you find extremely frustrating?
Slow traffic.
Favorite television show?
"The Big Bang Theory"
Favorite book?
Baseball Between the Numbers
Favorite movie?
"Major League." I have to watch it every year in March right before the baseball season opens.
Favorite video game?
The most current season of "Madden NFL" for PS3.
Favorite board game?
"Blokus"
Favorite childhood meal?
My mom’s Hungarian Chicken and Dumplings!
Favorite childhood pastime?
Neighborhood football and baseball games
What are your favorite Internet sites?
What is the best vacation you have ever taken?
Hawaii 2008 with my family, including my parents. We spent some time in Kona, where my parents took us a couple of times when we were kids. My dad used to do business over there, so it was great to be back with him to see how things have changed.
What is your favorite amusement park ride?
Anything where you can get really wet.
What is the weirdest thing you have ever eaten?
Rattlesnake
What is your current ring tone?
Silent
What words of wisdom changed your life?
“You found a good one, son. Take care of her.”
Who would you like to interview?
George W. Bush, Keith Richards and Ozzie Guillen – preferably together.
What are your favorite sports to watch?
Football and baseball
What is your favorite sport to play?
Golf. What else is there when you are over 40?
What is your most treasured possession?
I have many, but my Miami Dolphins helmet autographed by 47 players/coaches of the 1991 squad (including Dan Marino and Don Shula) would be right up there. Met them all up in Detroit with my buddy Kess. Good story …
What is the worst gift you have ever received?
I would never say.
What was your first job?
Combing grapes in St. Joe, Michigan. That lasted about two weeks until I got in trouble for throwing rocks (in fun!) at a buddy. Apparently, the farmer frowned on that …
What was your first car?
A Smurf-blue 1977 Honda Civic.
What was your first concert?
1983 - ZZ Top and the Eric Martin Band at the ACC in South Bend, IN. Crappy seats. Great show.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Locally – McGraw’s Steak, Chop and Fish House. Great beef and a great wine list. In Michigan – Glenlord Pizzeria. Best pizza in the world. I have lots of other favorites throughout my travels as well.
What type of music do you like?
Classic hard rock and metal. I have a huge music collection. The louder the better, baby …
Late to bed or early to rise?
Late to bed. Wish I could change that …
Three things you want to do someday?
- Take a long vacation to Australia, including visits to the Barossa Valley and the Great Barrier Reef.
- Visit every Major League Baseball stadium.
- Retire near the water.
What are your hobbies?
- Baseball, football, golf
- Coaching youth baseball and football
- Playing drums
- Saltwater aquariums
- Wine collecting
