Here are some of my references and recommendations.
Overall management ability, vision and attitude
“20 years after having had the privilege of working for Mark Johnson, I still refer to him as the smartest person I've encountered in advertising. In founding and leading Cohen/Johnson, Mark was truly ahead of his time in creating a streamlined, no b.s. agency where experienced, talented people were given the freedom to focus on doing great work for fewer, bigger clients. Mark was absolutely brilliant in his professional approach to crafting and winning new business presentations. His engaging personal style set the standard for a unique company culture where everyone considered each other to be not just business colleagues but also friends.” Bob Sutter (Former President of The Escape Pod and Senior Vice President of DDB/Chicago)
New business development
“Mark Johnson is a very knowledgeable professional with great insights into the ad industry. He provided loads of new ideas, original thinking and great strategies to position our ad agency and put together a focused and successful new business development plan. He was also fun to work with. I'm happy to recommend Mark... anytime... anywhere." Scot Crocker (Partner & Creative Director at Crocker & Crocker, Sacramento, CA)
"I wanted to share the great news we received late last week. Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona selected Anderson... this is a very big win for us. Thank you for your contributions to this project - they definitely made a difference." Danielle Nelson (Marketing Manager at Anderson Direct & Digital, Poway, CA)
“Mark Johnson is what we call a ‘New Business Pro’. He knows what does and doesn't work. Mark helps his clients succeed in the growth category. Good man!” Chuck Meyst (Founder & CEO of AgencyFinder, Richmond, VA)
"Mark Johnson is a winner, whether one measures his achievements using entrepreneurship, strategic thinking or new business as the yardstick. Mark co-founded and ran one of LA’s largest independent ad agencies, Cohen/Johnson. If there’s a better new business strategist and pitchman out there, I haven’t met him. I hope I get the chance to work with Mark again one day – I hope all of you do as well." Joe Hartnett (Documentary film-maker and senior agency executive, Los Angeles, CA)
Financial smarts
“Mark was recruited by DRGM to restore CEO leadership and drive new business. Through his smart, fair management ability coupled with his tenacious passion for new business, we were successful in returning the agency to profitability." Joe Boyer (Principal at JMB Consulting and former Vice President & CFO of DRGM, Las Vegas and Reno, NV)
Keeping clients happy with new thinking and fresh ideas
“Mark Johnson provided the strategic direction and consumer insight that helped make PETCO a brand leader in its category. He was a valued partner with incredible insight into what motivated the consumer to action. I look forward to partnering with Mark again.” Stan Latacha (Retail CEO and former Vice President of Marketing at PETCO, San Diego, CA)
“Mark was instrumental in developing our first tangible internal branding program for Aramark which was very successful. He is a talented ‘idea guy’ who is also very effective at the pragmatic implementation side of marketing. Mark Johnson is a delight to work with, very supportive and a great business partner.” Juliet Mazza (Principal, Mendoza, Mazza & Associates, Inc./Marketing Services, Los Angeles, CA)
“20 years after having had the privilege of working for Mark Johnson, I still refer to him as the smartest person I've encountered in advertising. In founding and leading Cohen/Johnson, Mark was truly ahead of his time in creating a streamlined, no b.s. agency where experienced, talented people were given the freedom to focus on doing great work for fewer, bigger clients. Mark was absolutely brilliant in his professional approach to crafting and winning new business presentations. His engaging personal style set the standard for a unique company culture where everyone considered each other to be not just business colleagues but also friends.” Bob Sutter (Former President of The Escape Pod and Senior Vice President of DDB/Chicago)
New business development
“Mark Johnson is a very knowledgeable professional with great insights into the ad industry. He provided loads of new ideas, original thinking and great strategies to position our ad agency and put together a focused and successful new business development plan. He was also fun to work with. I'm happy to recommend Mark... anytime... anywhere." Scot Crocker (Partner & Creative Director at Crocker & Crocker, Sacramento, CA)
"I wanted to share the great news we received late last week. Blue Cross Blue Shield Arizona selected Anderson... this is a very big win for us. Thank you for your contributions to this project - they definitely made a difference." Danielle Nelson (Marketing Manager at Anderson Direct & Digital, Poway, CA)
“Mark Johnson is what we call a ‘New Business Pro’. He knows what does and doesn't work. Mark helps his clients succeed in the growth category. Good man!” Chuck Meyst (Founder & CEO of AgencyFinder, Richmond, VA)
"Mark Johnson is a winner, whether one measures his achievements using entrepreneurship, strategic thinking or new business as the yardstick. Mark co-founded and ran one of LA’s largest independent ad agencies, Cohen/Johnson. If there’s a better new business strategist and pitchman out there, I haven’t met him. I hope I get the chance to work with Mark again one day – I hope all of you do as well." Joe Hartnett (Documentary film-maker and senior agency executive, Los Angeles, CA)
Financial smarts
“Mark was recruited by DRGM to restore CEO leadership and drive new business. Through his smart, fair management ability coupled with his tenacious passion for new business, we were successful in returning the agency to profitability." Joe Boyer (Principal at JMB Consulting and former Vice President & CFO of DRGM, Las Vegas and Reno, NV)
Keeping clients happy with new thinking and fresh ideas
“Mark Johnson provided the strategic direction and consumer insight that helped make PETCO a brand leader in its category. He was a valued partner with incredible insight into what motivated the consumer to action. I look forward to partnering with Mark again.” Stan Latacha (Retail CEO and former Vice President of Marketing at PETCO, San Diego, CA)
“Mark was instrumental in developing our first tangible internal branding program for Aramark which was very successful. He is a talented ‘idea guy’ who is also very effective at the pragmatic implementation side of marketing. Mark Johnson is a delight to work with, very supportive and a great business partner.” Juliet Mazza (Principal, Mendoza, Mazza & Associates, Inc./Marketing Services, Los Angeles, CA)