The Ad Club is not about the ads — it’s all about ad people. From the first time I attended a New Jersey Ad Club event (probably 15 years ago . . .), I remember the people.

Talk to anyone about the beginnings of the Club and invariably, the name Harold L. Harrison is brought up. I remember a slight, unassuming man with a huge smile. His legacy?  Education. He was always reaching out to help others attain their goals — a trait that is shared by his daughter, Daryl Rand, another member of the Ad Club — who year after year continues to fund sponsorships and scholarships in honor of her dad.

Another who stands out in my mind’s eye is Lew Kraut of Prism Press. At those early meetings, his smile never faltered, he went from table to table greeting people, and seemed so upbeat that I thought it had to be an act. After all these years, I know it’s no act and that he’s never changed. He is still one of the most altruistic, positive and hardworking people I’ve ever met.
I envy him his grace and strength.

Talented and dedicated group
These are the kind of people you meet here. 

People like Karen DeLuca and Anna D’Elia from Block Advertising, who have pooled their ideas and talents with a host of committee members — and students — to make Career Day bigger and better each year. This year, they’ve even orchestrated a student “dress for success” fashion show, to be sponsored by Annie Sez and Men’s Wearhouse, with models from Montclair State University, our host school.

People like Gary Denburg, our resident Programs chair from Barton Press, who can invariably be found poring over industry publications to come up with topics or speakers for our Ad Club Programs (like the upcoming “Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month” themed evening scheduled for October 13th and featuring a panel comprised of Manuel Martinez-Llorian of Telemundo TV, Jorge Ayala of El Diario/LA PRENZA and Carey Davis of the Spanish Broadcasting System).

These are just some of the hundreds of ad people who have crossed my path over the years . . . some inspired me, some shared valuable information and contacts with me, and some just made me smile. They’re here for you, too.

They say you can’t pick your relatives, but I certainly can pick my nuclear (business) family. And, knowing my fellow Ad Club members, I’m convinced I picked right and “lucked out.”

--Pat Tesman

return to September 2004 AdTalk