TM’s New CEO Revives the Agency

TM, a Dallas-based advertising agency, had been in something of a funk, having lost marquee clients like Nationwide and loosing their CEO, Tom Hansen, to wheeled-shoe company Heelys.  In the spring of 2010, Becca Weigman took the reigns with a goal of turning around the shaky agency. 

A 20-year veteran who was chief marketing officer for RAPP, Weigman has been working to revive TM, leading a charge to revamp its public image and adding new clients such as Baker Botts, the Dallas Museum of Nature and Science, and the City of Dallas. The agency also has managed to hang on to longtime marquee clients, including: Citi, Discover, and American Airlines.

Advertising Age put TM’s 2009 revenue  down almost 17%.  Although Weigman is keeping her projections to herself, she does admit in a blog post that TM is “definitely growing.”  Evidence of which include adding 30 new employees (bringing the staff to more than 200) and fostering an open, collaborative work environment for her team.

“I want us to be a brand that clients will seek out for our excellent services.” Weigman says.

The agency, originally headquartered just a quarter mile from JDM HQ, has recently moved to Victory Plaza, immediately adjacent to American Airlines Center. Weigman and design firm Gensler came up with an open space plan that works in plenty of lounge areas, as well as small, private work areas. “In a creative business,” explains Weigman, “you’ve got to give the creative types an environment that is conducive to their work.”

“As a Temerlin Advertising Institute graduate myself, I’m pulling for her.” Comments Justin Downey. “Temerlin/McClain (now TM) is a long-time Dallas agency that once embodied the very best our industry could do.  I’m rooting for the new CEO turning things around for them.”