Kent Bartholomew

Who had the biggest influence on your career & why?

The Dean of the Communications School at the University of Texas because – after begging him not to kick me out – he allowed me to stay enrolled in school following two consecutive semesters on scholastic probation.

What are you most proud of – your finest hour?

As a very young professional, THE David Ogilvy – while visiting the Houston office from his Chateau in France – sent me on a personal errand to find his favorite pipe tobacco. I found it at a shop downtown and it wasn't something common like Prince Albert in a can!

Share a great client story.

This may not qualify as “great,” but it's certainly memorable…While in LA for a photo shoot, a client called my hotel room at 3:00 a.m. to tell me he was in jail and ask me to post his bail. The next morning, my office wired me the cash – I seem to recall it was several thousand dollars – and I got him out of jail. It turns out he had been a very naughty boy while away from home…he had been arrested in his rent car, on the shoulder of an LA freeway – NUDE – discussing the facts of life with a lady of the evening – also NUDE. It was a wild trip…and the campaign was very successful.

What attracted you to Direct Marketing Network?

Pam Lockard – she reminds me of my first ever girlfriend in grade school.

Name at least one talent that you wish you could master?

Mastering zero tolerance for typo-filled emails.

What food helps you think creatively?

Best = Asparagus, Next Best = Artichokes, Last Best = Anything with Tabasco on it (not the imitation stuff).

What is your favorite sports team & why?

Any team wearing an orange and white uniform that has a pictogram of a longhorn on it. If God isn't a longhorn, why is the sunset burnt orange?

Name your biggest frustration.

My youngest son's career aspirations…he has none.

Describe your childhood & include where you grew up.

Born and raised in San Antonio, and yet never managed to learn the Spanish language. Always competing with my twin brother over girls, cars, money, and athletics – we were either fighting non-stop or the best of friends.