Meet Mike Clifford, New Owner of DVS9 min read

Hi, I’m Mike. As of January 1, 2024, I am the new owner of DVS.

If you had told me a year ago that I’d be writing a blog introducing myself and explaining that I bought a marketing agency, I would have been skeptical.

Not because owning an agency isn’t something I’ve imagined myself doing (I’ve thought about it for a while, actually). I’d have been skeptical because the opportunity would have to come at the right time in my career and the agency would have to be just the right one.

Those two conditions converged in an unexpected way in 2023. Not only was I ready for a new opportunity, but DVS has great clients, a talented team, and a history of exceeding expectations.

Here’s a bit about my marketing experience and my plans for DVS.

Where Was I Before DVS?

I’ll save you the trouble of reading my LinkedIn bio and work experience. I’ve been in the marketing world since 1998 and have worked for agencies and internal marketing teams. My specialties are brand development, customer engagement, and strategic planning.

My most recent position was the Director of Shopper Marketing at Kellogg. I was responsible for the shopper/omni marketing strategy across all retail channels and Kellogg’s brands. As a go-between for brand leads, experience planning, and commercial teams, I made sure the full-funnel marketing strategy was done right. I also managed budget allocation, agency engagement, funding approvals, and innovative product development.

Where Will DVS Go In 2024?

Before I learned about the opportunity with DVS, my wife and I talked about buying a campground. We looked at a few places before I realized that selling bundles of firewood wasn’t quite the challenge I was looking for.

DVS gives me the chance to do what I liked most about my previous jobs: getting to know clients’ goals and challenges and finding ways to turn those challenges into simple solutions.

I have two goals for DVS in 2024. They’re pretty straightforward. Continue doing the great work we have been doing and find ways to do more of it.

After working with the team here, I’m confident we will continue the tradition DVS has established over its 30-year history: listening to our clients, focusing on your goals, and exceeding expectations through adaptability and integrity. And of course, having fun while doing it!

DVS Is Here, Ready to Help You Grow

Thank you to all the folks who have emailed to say how much they appreciate the DVS team. Our work speaks for itself and I’m truly impressed with the care and attention to detail that goes into every project.

I can’t wait to learn more about your challenges and goals in 2024. The DVS team is here to help you solve marketing problems and grow your business, so let us know how we can make your lives easier. Something tells me this year will be a great one.