Meet Jelly VIP: Roger Nairn, DDB Canada

A well-recognized ad agency with Worldwide offices, DDB Canada is a close friend of Jelly’s. We reached out to Roger Nairn, the Business Director of DDB Canada, to find out more about the great work DDB does.

Name:
Roger Nairn

Position:
Business Director

Company?
DDB Canada

What do you do?
As a Business Director, I am responsible for maintaining a strong, healthy relationship with a group of our clients. Currently, my clients consist of Netflix, BCLC, BC Egg Marketing Board, Servus, Vancouver Police Foundation and Crimestoppers.

How would you describe your passion?
I’m passionate about improving my client’s business (while lifting spirits and humanities). And I’m passionate about influencing influencers and creating leaders in our community. This passion is not only expressed in my work with DDB but also in my side projects – as a podcast host and leader with ManTalks and as the Director of Community Engagement for TEDxVancouver.

What is the biggest misconception clients have about your brand?
That we are big, bulky and expensive. We’re committed to being flexible for our clients, don’t work in silos, and build our teams according to our client’s needs.

What is your biggest challenge when it comes to your business?
Agencies are being treated more and more like commodities, instead of partners. It’s becoming more and more challenging to meet procurement department requirements when pitching for new business.

It’s insane that a creative partner has to meet the same requirements as a vendor who is providing your business with new office chairs… I don’t disagree that price isn’t important, but a relationship needs to be a major factor in choosing an agency. We’re here to help you solve problems and the best agency / client relationship is just that – a relationship.

What is your biggest achievement so far?
With DDB, being on teams that have won awards at Cannes, One Show.

How do you handle failure?
I treat it like a lesson. There’s a great Tony Robbins quote that says “There is no such thing as failure. There are only results.”

What would you be doing if you didn’t do this?
Running my own company.

What is your favourite jelly?
Give me some sour keys and I’m a happy man.