Michael D. Montgomery
Group Account Director

What got you into this business in the first place? I was fortunate, certain skills that I developed while in the Navy allowed me to land at my first agency, Hal Riney and Partners, one week after the end of my Naval service. Being indoctrinated into the world of advertising at one of the industry’s finest got me hooked.
Who was a big influence in your career? There were two: Jeff White, the former GM of J. Walter Thompson, Atlanta, helped me to understand the business of advertising. Chuck Morrison, EVP of UniWorld and one of the foremost experts in Multi-Cultural Marketing, is my personal mentor and the person that I go to not just for business, but anything in life. He helped me to understand the significance as well as the need and importance of communicating to all ethnicities properly.
|What was "your finest moment," the thing you're most proud of? I am most proud of working on a project for HUD, a previous client, to help Native Americans understand the process of buying a home. This allowed me to do two things that I love: help another person, and my job.
What was your most embarrassing moment in business? I think it was when I realized I needed to wear glasses. I was presenting to a client, looked up, and couldn’t read the screen.
Is there a great client story you'd care to share? Being prior military, my favorite client was the Marine Corps. My favorite story, surprising a Marine Corp Mother with an award that she wasn’t expecting. She thought we were bringing her to the Field just for a photo-op.
What attracted you to IMAGES? Great management with a real vision. Oh, and of course the people.
Do you have a method for coming up with ideas and solutions for clients? Research has to be the foundation of every great idea and/or solution. And of course, actually listening to the great minds of your team.
What makes a great brand? If a brand delivers on its promises, it has the potential to be great.  Put top-notch marketing behind it and you’re half way there. Then, you need the consumers endorsement.
What driving career goals do you still have? I want to work on that one memorable campaign that you never forget, Apple and the Golden Gate Bridge, Mean Joe Green and the Kid, Mr. Whipple and Charmin, The Maytag Repair Man. And then, volunteer at a non-profit such as Big Brothers.   
What talent do you wish you had? If only I could sing.
If you had to live on a desert island, what would you miss most? Nothing! I’m a Navy guy and I love Islands. But, it would be cool to have the entire collection of Martin episodes to laugh, and Spike Lee movies to contemplate.
Is there any food that helps you think more creatively? The thought of food makes me creative. Therefore I starve myself when thinking and binge afterwards.
What's your favorite sports team? Anything Cleveland. I sat in the Dog Pound before it got it’s name.  
What frustrates you the most? Disrespect of another’s time.
Tell us about your pets? Nikko is a 6 year old Cock-a-Poo. He is named after Steven Segal’s characters in his early movies. Commonly known to family and friends as my administrative assistant, he used to keep me company while working from home for several years.
What was growing up like for you? How about outside from Sun-up until the street lights came on. I just don’t understand how a kid can waste a day in the house playing video games. I swam all day, all summer, every summer.
What's your favorite TV program? And your least favorite? Curb Your Enthusiasm.  Larry David reminds me of myself. Friends. Could never believe that there were none or only one Black person in New York City.
What do you do for a good time...when you're not working? Family, Church, Community, Tennis and Swimming.
What was college like for you? Fun, exciting and fulfilling. I attended school mostly while in the service and enjoyed every minute of it.
What are your favorite internet sites? Anything to do with news. I go to ajc.com, cnn.com and usatoday.com pretty frequently.