David Berne

Background

About David Berne

Began my career in the mailroom at my grandfather's advertising agency, W.B. Doner in Southfield, Michigan. Dropped out of college for a few years to produce TV and radio commercials. Basically living in LA and Toronto with an expense account at 20. Went back to school and studied philosophy at Boston University, where I was the recipient of the Philosophy Prize (people give me crap about that name). Worked as an account person, believe it or not, for a few years on car stuff. But naturally gravitated to strategy, writing briefs and research. Became the first Account Planner ever at Doner back in the 90's. Spent some time working on travel/leisure and living on beach in Florida. Came to RPA 20+ years ago. It's home. Worked on Honda and Acura for years. Been running Strat Planning for over 15 years and now also oversee Research, Analytics and Insights and Behavioral Science. Along the way, I have won multiple Jay Chiat awards for Excellence in Account Planning, contributed to several Effies and helped clients like Farmers Insurance, La-Z-Boy, Mandalay Bay, Apartments.com, Honda, Dole and many others develop strong brands that contribute to business results. Big believer that advertising is a means to an end. Business results are the end. The stuff I really enjoy is figuring out what makes people and brands tick.