Jerry Della Femina American advertiser Date of Birth: 01.01.1936 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Entry into Advertising
3. Founding Della Femina, Jerry and Partners Inc.
4. Notable Campaigns
5. Sale and Return to Advertising
6. Personal Life and Legacy

Early Life and Education

Jerry Della Femina was born in 1936 in Brooklyn, New York, to Italian immigrants. Despite their financial struggles, Della Femina began working as a delivery boy at a young age. Notably, he learned to read by studying the "New York Times" while delivering рекламные макеты.

Entry into Advertising

After graduating high school and attending Brooklyn College for a year, Della Femina became a copywriter for Ford. He later moved to Ted & Bates, where he was fired for being "unsuited for teamwork." This episode led him to write his first book, "From Those Wonderful Folks Who Gave You Pearl Harbor," which became a bestseller among ad professionals.

Founding Della Femina, Jerry and Partners Inc.

In the 1960s, Della Femina established his own advertising firm, Della Femina, Jerry and Partners Inc. Despite Japan's strained relations with the United States, Isuzu became one of the company's major clients. Della Femina created the memorable advertising character Joe Isuzu, whose catchphrase was "Isuzu-da." The campaign ran from 1985 to 1990.

Notable Campaigns

Other notable clients of Della Femina's company included Meow Mix, Beck's Beer, and Kaypro. For Kaypro, the firm's campaign highlighted the fact that their computers were "ready to use" for $1595, while competitors like Apple and IBM only offered the base unit at that price. The phrase "ready to use" became a key selling point and helped Kaypro gain market share before later succumbing to competition.

Sale and Return to Advertising

In the mid-1980s, Della Femina sold his advertising agency but remained as president. He retired from the industry in 1992, selling his remaining shares and opening a restaurant and food market in East Hampton, New York. However, he returned to advertising with Jerry, Inc., counting Newsweek, Coty, and LifeStyles among his clients despite ongoing skepticism and conflicts.

Personal Life and Legacy

Della Femina married twice, first to Judy Licht with whom he had two children, Jessie and James, and then to Joanne Della Femina. He also had three children from his previous marriage. Known for his fiery personality and sharp wit, Della Femina has remained a steadfast figure in the advertising industry, encouraging young professionals to embrace innovation and challenge conventions.