Bill Oechsler

Current

• Adjunct Instructor at West Virginia University
• President at EGM - EthnoGraphic Media
• President at XLER | Marketing & Brand Consultancy (Sole Proprietorship)

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Past

• EVP of Marketing at Zondervan
• President/Chief Strategic Officer at Hanon McKendry
• Research Manager/Account Planner at Leo Burnett

• Research Consultant at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
• Project Director, Office of Survey Research at University of Texas at Austin
• Medical System Sales at Contel Business Systems
• Manager at Lucky Stores, Inc.

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4 more...

Education

• The University of Texas at Austin
• The University of Texas at Austin
• Prince George's Community College

• Surrattsville HS

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1 more...

Recommended

42 people have recommended Bill

Connections

500+ connections

Industry

Motion Pictures and Film

Bill Oechsler’s Summary

Strategic marketing. Compelling creative. Action-driven appeal. These are things I believe separate a “me too” product or service from one that breaks free to become a viable consumer brand.

Since 1991, I’ve been working to help my clients discover the truth in their brands. That uniqueness which forms a foundation for integrated marketing communications and leads to business- and brand-building success.

Whether your organization is well established or newly founded, whether your offering is highly innovative or rather commonplace, I’m ready to help craft strategies that’ll penetrate the minds and touch the hearts of your consumers.

National recognition for marketing communications includes two Effies, an Obie, Gabriel, Silver Anvil, New York Festival World Medal, two Pollies, two Print Magazine Awards, a Web Award, Webby Worthy Award, Marketing Sherpa's Silver Mouse, four Audies (including Audiobook of the Year), and more than a dozen Telly Awards.

Bill Oechsler’s Specialties:

Marketing Insights. Strategic Direction. Innovative Branding.

ENTJ | Choleric/Sanguine | Level 5 Wannabe | Strategic/Woo/Achiever/Ideation/Maximizer

Bill Oechsler’s Experience

• Adjunct Instructor

  West Virginia University

  (Educational Institution; Higher Education industry)

  August 2009 — Present (4 months)

  Teaching creative strategies course in the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) master’s program at WVU’s P.I. Reed School of Journalism.
  
  The IMC is a new way to approach marketing - by viewing the whole marketing picture, not just the parts. Students in the program learn to see things they way the consumer sees them - as a constant flow of information from indistinguishable sources.
  
  The program is offered exclusively online which enables students to earn their degrees in this fast-growing field from anywhere in the world.

• President

  EGM - EthnoGraphic Media

  (Non-Profit; Media Production industry)

  August 2009 — Present (4 months)

  EthnoGraphic Media (EGM), is a 501(c)(3) educational nonprofit formed in 2007 to explore the critical issues of our time through film and new media.
  
  The community of writers, artists, strategists, and filmmakers that embody EGM capture true stories of theological virtues moving through the human condition. EGM hopes those who see, hear, and experience these stories will gain a deeper understanding and heighten sensitivity that moves them to meaningful action. http://www.egmfilms.org
  
  The role of president entails championing EGM's mission, vision, and values; solidifying its strategic direction and tactical plans; encouraging a team of talented industry professionals; fostering mutually-beneficial relationships and partnerships; and driving EGM toward its objectives.

• President

  XLER | Marketing & Brand Consultancy (Sole Proprietorship)

  (Sole Proprietorship; Marketing and Advertising industry)

  March 2008 — Present (1 year 9 months)

  Client Focus
  Working together to develop the strategies, tactics, and messages that will most effectively position, differentiate, communicate, and market branded offerings.
  
  Agency Focus
  Coming alongside to increase organizational capacity, enhance team capabilities, meet/beat tight deadlines, and expand industry-specific experience.
  
  Industry Focus
  Continuing to share ideas and participate in conversations about marketing communications and branding. To that end...
  
  ...Just Released
  Capitalizing on Marketing Trends: Leading CMOs on Assessing New Trends, Analyzing Changing Demographics, and Incorporating Global Trends into Your Marketing Strategy (Inside the Minds) from Aspatore Books
  
  ...Just Presented
  Right Place: Online/Offline Branding & Social Media; Aimwest: da Vinci Marketing: Creativity with a Business Purpose; RCMA: How to Create a Brand That Strengthens Your Organization and Events; Internet Ministry Conference: Offline/Online Realities Create New Brand Opportunities; and NRB Reach Keynote Session: The Importance of Story.

• EVP of Marketing

  Zondervan

  (Public Company; 201-500 employees; Publishing industry)

  September 2005 — March 2008 (2 years 7 months)

  Served as executive vice president of marketing at Zondervan, an international leader in Christian communications and a HarperCollins company owned by News Corporation. Member of Zondervan's executive leadership team helping to set vision, direction, and performance. Reported to ceo/president.
  
  Oversaw all marketing efforts (e.g., branding, advertising, promotions, PR). Responsible for product marketing groups (Bibles, trade books, children’s, academic, new media) as well as service groups (creative services, Internet marketing, market research/strategic planning, corporate communications, events, D2C, marketing operations).

• President/Chief Strategic Officer

  Hanon McKendry

  (Privately Held; 11-50 employees; Marketing and Advertising industry)

  January 1996 — September 2005 (9 years 9 months)

  President and chief strategic officer of Hanon McKendry/The Brand Consultants, a West Michigan–based marketing communications firm. Led research/strategic planning and co-led new business development and brand consulting initiatives.
  
  Nonprofit clients included World Vision, Knights of Columbus, Alliance Defense Fund, Focus on the Family, Bethany Christian Services, US Conference of Catholic Bishops, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, Promise Keepers, Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, JC Watts, Purpose Driven Ministries, Right to Life, United Methodist Church, and United Way.
  
  Corporate clients included Owens Corning, Rubbermaid, Furniture Row Companies, Hush Puppies, CAT Footwear, Olga's Kitchen, National Heritage Academies, Alticor/Amway, Every Tribe Entertainment, Gordon Food Service, iBelieve.com, and Trendway.

• Research Manager/Account Planner

  Leo Burnett

  (Public Company; 1001-5000 employees; Marketing and Advertising industry)

  June 1991 — January 1996 (4 years 8 months)

  Research manager/account planner at Leo Burnett USA, one of the largest and most respected brand building agencies.
  
  Clients included:
  - Ameritech (consumer, B2B)
  - Marlboro (database and direct marketing)
  - Maytag (database and direct marketing)
  - McDonald’s (relationship marketing, non-traditional)
  - P&G (Luvs, Crest, Pepto Bismol, White Cloud)
  - Reebok (brand/athlete positioning)
  - Sealy (database and direct marketing)
  - Sony (consumer research)
  - Walt Disney World (database and direct marketing)

• Research Consultant

  University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

  (Educational Institution; 1001-5000 employees; Research industry)

  January 1990 — May 1991 (1 year 5 months)

  Managed qualitative and quantitative social science reseach studies at the South Texas Health Research Center, predominently among Hispanics in South Texas. Clients included the National Institute of Health and Austin-Travis County HIV Commission.

• Project Director, Office of Survey Research

  University of Texas at Austin

  (Educational Institution; 10,001 or more employees; Higher Education industry)

  March 1988 — December 1989 (1 year 10 months)

  Directed research teams on telephone, face-to-face, and mail surveys for the Texas Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, University of Texas at Austin, and University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

• Medical System Sales

  Contel Business Systems

  (Public Company; 1001-5000 employees; Computer Hardware industry)

  May 1986 — July 1987 (1 year 3 months)

  Marketed turnkey practice management computer systems to single- and multi-provider medical practices. Coordinated and facilitated systems training, conversion, installation, and support.

• Manager

  Lucky Stores, Inc.

  (Public Company; 1001-5000 employees; Retail industry)

  November 1979 — April 1986 (6 years 6 months)

  Directed all phases of departmental operations within Lucky Stores' Department Store Division including human resources, payroll and sales, inventory purchasing and control, merchandising, promotions, display, and loss prevention. Managed in five Memco/Gemco stores in Maryland, Virginia, Texas, and California.

Bill Oechsler’s Education

• The University of Texas at Austin

  MA , Journalism: Public Relations with Statistics minor , 1989 — 1991

  Activities and Societies:

  Teaching and Research Assistant, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Readers Digest's Award for Excellence in Journalism, 3M Foundation Academic Scholarship.

• The University of Texas at Austin

  BS , Speech: Organizational Communications , 1987 — 1989

  Activities and Societies:

  Kappa Tau Alpha and Golden Key Honor Societies.

• Prince George's Community College

  AA , General Studies , 1976 — 1979

• Surrattsville HS

  1973 — 1976

Additional Information

Bill Oechsler’s Interests:

Invited speaker for Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), National Religious Broadcasters (NRB), US House Republicans, Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Heritage Foundation, Public Relations Society of America (West MI Chapter), Compass Arts Film Academy as well as other academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and professional associations.

Bill Oechsler’s Groups:

Board experience includes Global Publishers Alliance, Orphan Justice Mission, Grotenhuis (Managing Agent for Blue Cross Blue Shield), Life International, and Catholic Human Development Outreach.

•    The American Small Business Coalition
•    eOffice
•    aimWest (members only)
•    Executive Suite
•    Texas Exes/University of Texas at Austin
•    Leo Burnett Alum and Current Employees
•    Linked n Chicago
•    Christian Professionals Worldwide
•    Inbound Marketers - For Marketing Professionals
•    Advertising Professional
•    Killer Idea Developers (KID)
•    XING.com
•    Worldwide Association of Professional Dreamers
•    Online marketing
•    MyLinkGroups
•    Apple Professionals
•    Consultants Network
•    Market Research Global Alliance (MRGA)
•    American Advertising Federation (AAF)
•    TopLinked.com (Open Networkers)
•    UT Austin Alumni Group
•    Consulting Pulse
•    ThoseinMedia
•    Starbucks' Enthusiasts
•    Animation, Media & Entertainment
•    GroupLinked.com
•    Christian Business Leaders Network
•    Innovative Marketing, PR, Sales, Word-of-Mouth & Buzz Innovators
•    Advertising Professionals
•    Book Publishing Professionals
•    Publishers & Book sellers association
•    SpeakerMatch
•    Business Ideas Generators
•    Friends of Chicago
•    Ecommerce and Online Marketing Experts
•    Public Relations and Communications Professionals
•    West Virginia University IMC Program
•    Media & Entertainment Professionals
•    Global Executive Exchange
•    Marketing & Communication Network
•    Leo Burnett Alumni Association
•    Strategic Planning Professionals
•    Chicago Interactive Marketing Association
•    ENTJ Fieldmarshals
•    Michigan Social Media Marketing
•    Professional Keynote Speakers - by Jorge Olson
•    Loyalty 360 - The Loyalty Marketer's Association
•    Christian Book Expo - Be Transformed
•    Ferris State University AIMC/ECOM Advisory Board
•    Twittering

Bill Oechsler’s Honors:

National recognition for marketing communications includes two Effies, an Obie, Gabriel, Silver Anvil, New York Festival World Medal, two Pollies, two Print Magazine Awards, a Web Award, Webby Worthy Award, Marketing Sherpa's Silver Mouse, four Audies (including Audiobook of the Year), and more than a dozen Telly Awards.

Bill Oechsler’s Contact Settings

Interested In:

• career opportunities
• consulting offers
• new ventures
• job inquiries
• expertise requests
• business deals
• reference requests
• getting back in touch