Over the course of 25 years serving as Chief Executive Officer and President of such firms as Gartmore Global Investments, Sentinel Funds and Old Mutual Investment Partners, D. Bruce Johnston is bringing his sales and marketing expertise to a wide range of companies both inside and outside of his financial industry roots.

Named Fund Marketer of the year by Institutional Investor, Bruce has built some of the country’s most successful marketing programs and sales teams.

In response to demands from colleagues, clients, and the changing marketplace, Bruce established DBJ Associates, an innovative consulting firm that specializes in assisting companies in transforming their distribution strategies to take advantage of the latest technologies and human resource efficiencies.

Bruce has assembled a proven team of technology, distribution, training and marketing experts to respond to client demands for in-depth analysis, applied research, and Internet-driven marketing strategies.

Here are just a few of the specialists under Bruce’s leadership:

• Zach Hedges, web developer and social media consultant
• John Drachman, brand strategist, senior writer and creative consultant
• Dr. Rick Jensen, business development strategist
• Scott McKain, author, customer service expert

Explaining the role DBJ Associates  plays, Bruce said recently, “Customers are not disappearing; they are just becoming more discriminating. What distinguishes or differentiates you, your sales force, your organization and makes you unique to your clients will be your defining factor in 2009 and the future. If you and your organization are distinctive, the current conditions are tailor-made for growing your market share.

“At DBJ Associates, we don’t believe a new definition of what constitutes successful marketing and distribution is required. Rather, we believe that the role of distribution in the chain of supply must be completely rethought — or transformed — to take maximum advantage of new technologies, including Web 2.0 and the full gamut of emerging social networking technologies. Additionally, firms that tap the senior marketing and technology talent available through outsourcing in today’s mobile, telecommuting workforce will more quickly transform and execute their distribution strategies while realizing high cost efficiencies.”

Transformational Distribution Strategies spoken here

Inside every crisis, new opportunities emerge. DBJ Associates has identified the leadership qualities of those firms who recognize the signs of change and apply them constructively to transforming the way they do business.

Organizations must first know how to describe their organization anew; then and only then can they begin to set the stage for discovering and implementing the transformational strategies that will be required for them to succeed. Those organizations that can’t evolve will be left behind – as were the once-successful buggy whip manufacturers of another era.

By first helping companies define which business situation category they fall into, DBJ Associates then draws upon over three decades of hands-on senior level financial services experience to work closely with management to articulate, define and refine a Transformational Distribution Strategy that will differentiate your firm in the crowded world of product distribution.

Having a narrow distribution focus is the key to gaining traction in any market, especially the advisor-sold investment products markets. The ability to target a specific subset of advisors with practice management support, value-add programs and capital markets insight and other non-product-oriented aspects of service has and will continue to drive success. 

What they are saying about DBJ Associates founder D. Bruce Johnston

“Bruce is a transformational leader who can build from the ground up distribution strategies for mutual fund companies. He can build wholesaling models to fit the firm strategy that ensure optimal effectiveness. He is also a program expert in the value added programs area.” Bruce Parker, President, CEO and Chairman, Old Mutual Financial Network

“Bruce is a charismatic leader who has a thorough grasp on the changing dynamics of distribution in the financial services industry, both domestically and internationally. His experience in a variety of organizations has given him unique exposure to a host of issues and opportunities in managing both medium and large organizations. He is actively involved with staff at all levels and is well connected in the financial world with key decision makers and influencers. Bruce is energetic, with contagious enthusiasm and dedication. He understands the importance of process, fundamentals, and setting priorities. He is a pleasure to work with!” MaryAnne Doggett, Owner, Interactive Communications, Inc.

“Bruce is passionate about value-added programs and their ability to build and strengthen business partnerships. He equally values marketing and sales as integral drivers to organic growth, and allows strong team members to oversee their areas largely as they deem appropriate. He is dedicated to giving recognition for jobs well done and is always high-energy and positive.” Allyson Zoellner, SVP, Chief Marketing Officer, Old Mutual Investment Partners

“Bruce is a true leader in every sense of the word. He leads by example and is a true “student” of the financial services business. Bruce consistently researches trends, trade articles, and discusses current topics with colleagues in and outside of the industry to enhance his knowledge of every aspect of the business. This strategy has always kept him on the leading edge of the industry. Bruce is a resourceful, creative, and solution oriented person who is frequently able to create innovative approaches to servicing existing clients and marketing to new ones. Bruce will bring positive energy and experience to any organization.” Todd Wallace, VP, National Sales Desk, Sentinel Investmentss.