For Chuck Donofrio, advertising is nothing more than poetry in motion.
A published poet, Donofrio focuses on the voice, rhythm and careful construction of words that undoubtedly help him as the chief executive officer of the Baltimore-based advertising firm Carton Donofrio Partners Inc.
Outside of the office, nature and bird watching are where Donofrio turns to relax, and with three daughters, Ellen, 23, Clare, 16, and Lucy, 13, a little peace and quiet is just what the creative juices need sometimes.
“They?re easy,” Donofrio said of his daughters. “Not a lot of pink these days, [but] a lot of music, I?ll tell you that.”
A noted public relations, advertising, social anthropology and brand consulting firm, Carton Donofrio Partners Inc. was started by his father, Hal Donofrio, in 1964. Donofrio joined his father in 1983 before ultimately taking over the family business.
Donofrio, however, didn?t always see himself as someone working in advertising. After finally ditching his first job as a door-to-door salesman, Donofrio earned a job in Seattle with the marketing firm Cole & Webber. From there, he got a job with Young & Rubicam in New York City before coming back home to work at Carton Donofrio Partners Inc. with his father.
“When we opened the new Maryland Science Center, [Carton Donofrio Partners] were the agency that did all the planning and helped with the launch,” said Chris Cropper, senior director of marketing at the Maryland Science Center. “We have been very pleased with the responses we have gotten from the initial launch and the things we have planned.”
Currently located on the 15th floor of the office building at 100 N. Charles St. in Baltimore City, Carton Donofrio Partners Inc.?s history is easily visible. At least two of the company?s former downtown locations can be seen through the windows.
Today?s office is a maze of desks, colorful wall posters and modern furniture.
Under Donofrio, Carton Donofrio Partners Inc. has strived to always be ahead of the business curve. From old clients such as Prince Tennis Racquets to current ones such as National Association of Realtors, Laureate Education Inc. and Mercantile Bank, Donofrio has his employees become semi-experts in each client?s field.
In Chuck Donofrio?s world, it?s combining what you know with how you say it.
“The people that are successful at advertising are not usually naturally outgoing,” Donofrio said of his experts. “But when you get them talking, they never stop.”
Chuck Donofrio
» Education/credentials: A Bachelor of Arts in English literature from Union College and one year of grad school and teaching assistantship at the University of Montana.
» Best job perk: Colleagues and a shared music server.
» Daily e-mails received: 100
» Daily voice mails received: Five
» Essential Web sites: iTunes.
» Career objective: Having fun and making money.
» Favorite gadget: A good set of binoculars.
» Hometown: Baltimore.
» Birth date: Sept. 3, 1955.
» Original aspiration: To write great poetry.
» Sports/hobbies: Writing poetry, bird-watching and a good walk.
