Creative Q&A With John Adams
On John Adams’ desk is a drawing he made of five symbols that he says sum up his job description over 41 years at The Martin Agency.
The first symbol, an arrow, signifies growth and business development. Below that is a light bulb, for the ideas side of the business. In the middle is a heart, representing community. Next is a chain link, for the agency’s client relationships, and, finally, a tree, representing abundance – in financial management and otherwise, he said.
Adams, who officially retired Tuesday as The Martin Agency’s chairman, said those symbols have guided his goals for Martin over the four decades he’s been a part of the company. In that time, the agency, which recently celebrated its 50th year, received awards and acclaim that culminated last year with its first Grand Prix in Film from the prestigious Cannes Lions festival in France, for an online pre-roll ad titled “Family” from insurance company Geico’s “Unskippable” campaign.
Adams said Martin has also been a leader on the business side of things, developing “a tight discipline” on financials that has resulted in earnings over the past 20 years that he described as superior in the industry.
In recognition of his contributions, the agency recently named its Shockoe Slip headquarters for Adams, whose name is now displayed on its red-brick façade.
Richmond BizSense sat down with Adams the day before his retirement to discuss what he has learned, his approach to balancing business and creativity, and why the Geico Gecko remains one of his favorite campaigns. Click here to continue reading the edited transcript.
