Past Winner Stories
Just Marketing
www.justmarketing.com
Zak Brown, CEO of Just Marketing, Inc. knows the racing industry from every side. A former driver, Brown recognized a niche opportunity within the sport he loves. He saw wasted marketing dollars,wasted opportunities and sponsorship needs that were not being met through traditional means.
A native Californian who had lived and worked in Europe,Brown moved to Indianapolis in the mid-1990s. The city’s name was practically synonymous with racing and motor sports. While still pursuing his driving career, he took on a second job in 1994 – running his own motor sports marketing company. “We don’t own cars,we don’t manufacture parts,we just do marketing and that’s how we came up with the name,” he said. In addition, the word “just”added other connotations such as right, good, fair and honest.
“Racing-related marketing was so fragmented,” Brown said. “Clients didn’t need another place to stick their logo – they needed an insider who could provide a plan with depth and practical solutions to their marketing needs.” In addition to mixed media, the motor sports venue offers added value through opportunities with special events, public relations coverage and employee/client hospitality.
Through comprehensive knowledge of the industry, Just Marketing has attracted marketing talent and strategic partners from a variety of industries. Their mission is to represent a corporate client’s participation in motor sports. After careful examination of the client’s goals, Just Marketing designs and implements customized programs to meet the sponsorship goals. Services include:
A native Californian who had lived and worked in Europe,Brown moved to Indianapolis in the mid-1990s. The city’s name was practically synonymous with racing and motor sports. While still pursuing his driving career, he took on a second job in 1994 – running his own motor sports marketing company. “We don’t own cars,we don’t manufacture parts,we just do marketing and that’s how we came up with the name,” he said. In addition, the word “just”added other connotations such as right, good, fair and honest.
“Racing-related marketing was so fragmented,” Brown said. “Clients didn’t need another place to stick their logo – they needed an insider who could provide a plan with depth and practical solutions to their marketing needs.” In addition to mixed media, the motor sports venue offers added value through opportunities with special events, public relations coverage and employee/client hospitality.
Through comprehensive knowledge of the industry, Just Marketing has attracted marketing talent and strategic partners from a variety of industries. Their mission is to represent a corporate client’s participation in motor sports. After careful examination of the client’s goals, Just Marketing designs and implements customized programs to meet the sponsorship goals. Services include:
- Strategic consultation and research;
- Sponsorship development, negotiation and implementation;
- Promotions;
- Event marketing and management;
- Hospitality and VIP entertainment;
- Merchandising and licensing.
The company found a niche. Although Brown was devoted to controlled growth, he eventually realized that he couldn’t run two diverse careers at the same time. Technology bridged the gap, but ultimately, it made more sense to end his racing career to focus on the marketing company. More growth continued and today the company includes Volkswagen, Merrill Lynch,Subway and other well-known clients on its roster. In the fall of 2003, Just Marketing opened a branch office in another city known for racing – Charlotte, NC.
According to Brown, the racing industry was operating comfortably with a predetermined business model. Just Marketing proposed a radical change to this scene. His intimate knowledge of the business allowed him to create a new format for sponsorship relations. In addition to the Indy Racing League, the agency is now working with clients in NASCAR and Formula One World Championships which is leading to new growth and new challenges. The company began in 1994 with five employees. Today, the staff of 55 still resides in the same building where the company began. The international circuit has just been introduced to the U.K. office of Just Marketing. A progressive Indianapolis headquarters building is in development for later this year. The new space will accommodate up to 100 employees. Brown has devoted considerable energy to his clients and his team of employees. “Our people come from some of the world’s most admired corporations and marketing agencies,” he said. “Successful client relationships are the results.”
Brown and Just Marketing have received numerous accolades, including “Entrepreneur of the Year” from Promo magazine and recognition as one of the city’s fastest growing companies, as published in the Indianapolis Business Journal.
According to Brown, the racing industry was operating comfortably with a predetermined business model. Just Marketing proposed a radical change to this scene. His intimate knowledge of the business allowed him to create a new format for sponsorship relations. In addition to the Indy Racing League, the agency is now working with clients in NASCAR and Formula One World Championships which is leading to new growth and new challenges. The company began in 1994 with five employees. Today, the staff of 55 still resides in the same building where the company began. The international circuit has just been introduced to the U.K. office of Just Marketing. A progressive Indianapolis headquarters building is in development for later this year. The new space will accommodate up to 100 employees. Brown has devoted considerable energy to his clients and his team of employees. “Our people come from some of the world’s most admired corporations and marketing agencies,” he said. “Successful client relationships are the results.”
Brown and Just Marketing have received numerous accolades, including “Entrepreneur of the Year” from Promo magazine and recognition as one of the city’s fastest growing companies, as published in the Indianapolis Business Journal.