Under John’s leadership and direction, Gatesman has grown into a nationally recognized independent advertising agency.

The agency has ranked among the nation’s top 100 independent agencies, earned multiple appearances on the Inc. 5000, and received repeated local and national Best Places to Work honors, including Ad Age’s 2026 Best Places to Work. It has also been recognized among Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing companies, including multiple appearances on the Pittsburgh Business Times Fastest Growing Companies list.

John identified and led the acquisitions of digital firm Quest Fore in 2014 and Noble Communications in 2017, expanding the agency’s capabilities and establishing its presence in Chicago and the Midwest. He has built and directed high performing teams serving prominent regional and national brands such as Northwell Health, UPMC, Del Monte, PNC Bank, Cub Cadet, USG, UNFI and Pace Suburban Bus. His commitment to driving business results has helped Gatesman achieve an industry leading average client tenure of more than nine years, while earning 100% client satisfaction scores in both 2024 and 2025.

Early on, John recognized the transformative role data and technology would play in marketing. He reengineered the agency’s integrated model around Hacking Human Behavior®, Gatesman’s proprietary approach to data-led integrated marketing communications planning.

John began his career with Ross Roy Group after being selected as one of only six people nationally for its Executive Management Training Program. He later held leadership roles at Ogilvy, Doner and Ketchum, as well as BNY Mellon and Brunner, building expertise across both agency and client organizations that continues to shape his client first approach to leadership. His passion for clients and commitment to their business remain the driving force behind the agency’s mantra, “Prove You Were Here.”

His industry perspectives have been featured in Adweek, Ad Age, Chicago Business, Pittsburgh Business Times and Mergers & Acquisitions. He has also spoken at the 4A’s annual conference about agency models of the future and how Gatesman has evolved to meet today’s increasingly complex challenges being faced by clients.

He currently serves on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh and AMIN Worldwide and on the Service Committee of the Pittsburgh Rotary Club. He previously served as president of the Pittsburgh Ad Federation and on the boards of the American Red Cross and Variety the Children’s Charity.

John continues to lead the evolution and strategic direction of Gatesman, driven by his belief in hiring exceptional people, embracing change and relentlessly pursuing client success- the principles that have guided the agency through 20 years of growth, reinvention and industry disruption.

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