Paul has been leading Financial Services marketing campaigns for 18+ years.
His work has helped to generate awareness, increase revenue and, in some cases, win national awards
for clients that include MetLife and Travelers Insurance, among others. He was recently inducted
into the Journalism Hall of Fame at his alma mater, California State University, Chico. Client
experience includes AmWINS Group Benefits, NAVA and GAB Robins.
Meet the Expert:
Paul Eagle
Vice President, Financial Services
What was a big influence in your career?
I joined the Peace Corps after college and was sent to Liberia, West Africa.
I used rural radio to educate people living in rainforest villages about swamp rice and fish ponds.
I saw how much of an impact those messages had in those communities.
What was your most embarrassing professional moment?
This one’s easy. I was working at a tiny PR shop in San Francisco and my first
client was Dr. Happy Tooth, a dentist who had a giant tooth costume made to help generate publicity
for his practice. At a media appearance, the guy he hired to wear the suit didn’t show. So guess who
had to dance around on live TV dressed as a giant tooth? Ouch, that one still stings.
What was your “finest moment?”
I’ve been lucky enough to work on some major campaigns for MetLife, Travelers and others.
Seeing great results for these clients is energizing. This year, I was inducted into the Public Relations
Hall of Fame from my college, and that was quite an honor.
Do you have a method for coming up with ideas and solutions for clients?
For all clients, during brainstorms, I love to spend some time throwing away everything
conventional and coming up with the biggest, strangest and most exotic ideas possible. I also like to hear
from the quietest person in the room. Often, they are too shy to contribute, but when asked directly, they
have some of the greatest ideas.
What attracted you to IMRE?
I knew IMRE was a different type of shop from the first time I met the
partners. They valued empathy, great listening and generating results more than anything. After
15 years, these are still our core values.
If you had to live on a desert island, what would you miss most?
My wife and kids. Business trips can feel like an eternity when I’m not reading bedtime
stories or jumping on the trampoline with my children. I’d also miss music. I’d have to configure some type
of solar-powered iPod loaded with David Bowie, Lou Reed, Radiohead, Wilco, PJ Harvey, Nirvana, U2,
The Breeders, My Morning Jacket...
Is there any food that helps you think more creatively?
It’s been scientifically proven (was it a Harris Poll? I can’t remember.) that
Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby makes all of us more creative.
What got you into this business?
During college, I immersed myself in the media by interning at a newspaper and
working as a DJ at the college radio station. I switched my major from psychology to
communications/public relations—and have been working in the field ever since. The fast-paced,
ever-changing life at a PR shop in San Francisco confirmed that agency life was for me.
What’s your favorite sports team?
In the past, it was the San Francisco 49ers dynasty in the 1980s, with Joe Montana,
Jerry Rice and Dwight Clark. Currently, I’m a Baltimore Ravens fan. If you live in Baltimore, you
have to like the Ravens.
The secret to a great brand is...
Keeping a promise.