Mark Evan Thomas

Getting results with almost a quarter century of learning and real-life experiences, Mark Thomas has been recognized nationally for his marketing strategies and solving difficult marketing and communications problems. He has just been named as PR News Online's Marketing Communicator of the Year. The 52-year old Missouri native set his sights on sports broadcasting. After becoming the youngest sportscaster in the nation in 1980 and winning a national Associated Press Sportscasting Award, Thomas decided to follow his love the outdoors and became Public Relations Director of Du Pont’s Sporting Goods Division representing Remington Firearms, Ammunition, Apparel, Accessories and Stren Fishing Products. As a former reporter, he developed techniques in working with the media to gain maximum control and exposure which gained him 5 national public relations awards. He was the first public relations specialist to have an electronic press kit which is now the standard for any public relations practitioner. He was promoted to merchandising manager and worked with national retail giants Wal-Mart, Target, Bass Pro Shops and K-Mart. But he also developed innovative programs from small retailers whose unique needs and expertise was many times lacking more sophisticated competitors. His programs helped Du Pont Sporting Goods Division become market leaders and achieve sustainable, organic growth. During a recession that closed a majority of boat manufacturers, Thomas took over marketing for Outboard Marine Corporation’s Fishing Boat Division. Each of OMC’s four fishing boat brands thrived and grew when other marine companies were going bankrupt. His unique mix of advertising, pricing, co-operative advertising and merchandising programs help his marine division gain new dealers and outpace larger competitors. His expertise helped him guide an OMC venture with Volvo that quickly turned around a decline in growth trend. Wanting a change and a chance to expand his marketing expertise to multiple areas, Thomas spent 9 years working at two national advertising agencies where he lead account teams for Sea-Doo personal watercraft, Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, The Florida Times Union, Florida State to mention a few. During the late 90s and the present, Thomas has worked for Amadeus Global Distribution Company, a division of Continental Airlines where he managed an in-house agency. Thomas also helped Harrah’s Casino in Shreveport grow to be the second largest revenue performer in the chain despite several significant competitive disadvantages in the marketplace. All in all, the past 25 years has produced 9 national marketing awards but more importantly help his companies grow and prosper during good times and bad but developing a stra