Roots

Where We Come From

In 1949, three enterprising gentlemen, Bill Bernbach, Ned Doyle and Maxwell Dane gave the advertising industry a wake-up call. They introduced a new approach to marketing that relied on insight into human nature, respect for the consumer, and the power of creativity. In short, they said: Let’s stop talking at people and instead start conversations that lead to action and mutual benefit.

This heritage tells us who we are, what we believe and how we should behave. It inspires us to continually challenge standard convention. From Bill Bernbach to Keith Reinhard to the present generation of DDB leaders, we continue the revolution. Ideas are the fuel of DDB. Throughout our evolution we have been guided by a series of relevant and related ideas:

Creativity Is The Most Powerful Force In Business
DDB pursues collaborative relationships with clients and partners to find the hidden potential of people, brands and business through creativity.

Insight into Human Nature
We believe that great ideas come from keen insights and one good idea can propel a brand for years.

Respect for the Customer
DDB has long led the way by recognizing that brands are in the hands of consumers, not brand managers. Nothing is more important and relevant today.

Respect for Our World
As influential communicators, DDB is in a position to use creativity as a force for good. As Bill Bernbach so eloquently put it, “All of us who professionally use the mass media are the shapers of society. We can
vulgarize that society. We can brutalize it. Or we can help lift it onto a higher level.”

Maxwell Dane, William Bernbach & Ned Doyle
Maxwell Dane, William Bernbach & Ned Doyle

Bill Bernbach, the legendary founder of Doyle Dane Bernbach, ignited the creative revolution and changed the world of communications and business forever. He was a philosopher, a scientist, a humanitarian. And his influence was felt well beyond the world of advertising.

As our industry faces a new creative revolution, Bernbach’s ideas and keen insights into human nature may be more relevant than ever. His timeless words have inspired thousands of creative men and women around the world and they have the power to inspire many more.

We felt that the only way to share some of Bill’s ideas with you would be to let him speak for himself, please download the book of inspiring Bernbach quotes.