At DM360º we realize that while we possess a tremendous amount of expertise
in the area of international marketing, we can't be the experts in every
facet of business. That's where our Advisory Board fits in. We're lucky to
have access to a number of distinguished professionals who possess a deep
and practical knowledge of their respective areas of expertise. Among our
Advisory Board, you will find represented everything from specialized
knowledge of Asia Pacific markets to online marketing strategy and
cutting-edge operational know how.
We're fortunate for the unique relationships we have cultivated with our
panel of experts over many years of working together and grateful for
opportunities to engage them as necessary to meet the needs of our clients.
Catherine Flannery
Catherine Flannery began her career at Agora, Inc. in 1989, when the company was a small, primarily domestic publisher. Her international business background blended well with the global ambitions of the company’s founder and president, Bill Bonner.
Catherine was instrumental in Agora’s worldwide expansion throughout the 1990s, growing it from a minor component of the business to an integral part of the company’s business model, and, indeed, its corporate philosophy.
In addition to her keen international business experience and direct marketing know-how, Catherine also possesses a strong background for successfully adapting winning U.S. control packages for use in various international markets. This includes finessing the copy so that it loses its U.S.-centric references and tone, as well as editing the content so that it is appropriate for market entry into specific regions.
After an extended maternity leave (3 children in 23 months!), Catherine is now in a consultant role with Agora and other clients.
Daryl Berver
Daryl Berver is the president of Agora Inc.’s Publishing Services group. In this role Daryl is responsible for overseeing and maintaining all of Agora’s United States operations, as well as strategic planning to ensure all systems will accommodate to the company’s ever-changing and growing operational needs.
At Publishing Services Daryl leads a team of 75 employees from eight different departments, including Information Technology, Web Operations, Database Operations, Customer Service, Fulfillment, Data Entry, Analytics and Retention Operations.
Daryl is an excellent strategic thinker with exceptionally strong project implementation and management skills. His systems and procedures have accommodated and aided in the tremendous growth among the various Agora affiliates, most especially over the past seven years as online marketing has overtaken traditional direct mail marketing.
In addition to his U.S. responsibilities, Daryl regularly reviews systems functionality at Agora’s worldwide offices, including those in London, England; Waterford, Ireland; Melbourne, Australia and numerous others.
Throughout his almost 20-year career with Agora, Daryl has directed marketing programs for four of the Agora affiliates – The Oxford Club, Healthier News, International Living and Agora Financial Publishing – effectively making him the strongest type of operations person…one who truly understands marketing!
Daryl’s understanding of Agora’s global business strategy has made its transition from a small U.S.-based publisher to a large international publisher relatively seamless – most especially to Agora’s biggest asset – their customers.
Stephanie Margetts
Stephanie Margetts's 17 years in the direct marketing industry has involved senior marketing roles with internationally recognized companies such as Cellarmasters Wine Clubs, Doubleday Book Clubs, Time Life and Australian NaturalCare Products.
Now an independent marketing consultant, she works closely with major direct marketing organizations to develop and implement their marketing programs within Asian Pacific markets. Her location in Australia and her DM experience are a perfect combination for U.S. marketers looking to expand to the Asia Pacific region without local operations or staff.
Stephanie acts as a local liaison for her clients' Asia Pacific programs. Her extensive experience includes campaign management, new customer acquisition, product development and print management. Stephanie also provides vendor management for clients with large-scale programs who require local telemarketing, customer services, data entry and fulfillment services. Her specialty in developing cost-effective and innovative direct mail and media acquisition programs has enabled her clients to substantially grow their customer base and their bottom line.
Stephanie lives in Melbourne, Australia. In line with DM360º’s cultural requirements, her family includes five dogs and three fish.
David Cross
Although David hails from Blackpool, England, which is often referred to as the “Las Vegas of England,” he shunned a career in show business and instead followed a meandering career path overflowing with “life’s great experiences.” Working or living in over 20 countries along the way, David has been a chef, hair stylist, teacher of Transcendental Meditation, guest presenter on QVC, earthquake relief volunteer, CEO of a Web-hosting company and a marketer at a radio station.
Combine that with years of direct marketing, PR and sales experience for clients from small charities to multinational public companies, it's no surprise that David brings unique talent and experience to his role for the last five years as Senior Internet Consultant to Agora, Inc. Working closely with Agora’s publishers and marketers to test new ideas and marketing campaigns, Agora’s Internet revenues topped $110 million in 2006. David understands and can communicate fluently with creative “right-brain” marketers and analytical “left-brain” IT and software teams. He has a proven track record for generating results and creative thinking and excels at stirring the pot to find new ways of making things happen!
He lives in Portland, Oregon, with his wife Cinda, a veterinarian, and their four children, a menagerie of animals (no more, please!) and a dream of self-sufficiency for food, power and water within 10 years. Not surprisingly, David is an engaging and knowledgeable speaker with many amusing anecdotes from his work and travels over the years.
