Gerry Mandel – 2015
Gerry Mandel spent four years working in television in St. Louis and 35 years at ad agencies, retiring in 1994. He met his wife Mary Lee at the TV gig, but he’s remembered for his extensive contributions to advertising at the D’Arcy, Roman and Gardner ad agencies.
Mandel’s work and creative influences were channeled into national, award-winning advertising for D-X Gasoline, Budweiser and Busch beers, Red Lobster, Mercury Outboard Motors, Southwestern Bell, Busch Gardens and Purina Pet Foods. Along the way he served as a writer/producer, creative director, group creative director and senior vice-president/creative director. During his time as creative director for the Budweiser account, the beer was the best-selling brew in the nation.
Mandel also found time to teach at Webster University, create short stories, write plays and win awards for his creative writing, and he was very active in efforts to preserve local advertising history.