About MBMG
A Legacy
of Innovation and Friendship
Milner Butcher Media Group (MBMG) is the result of decades of experience, friendship, and a shared vision between Bruce Milner and Andrew Butcher. Their story began at Media Buying Services International, one of the first independent media services in the world. Here, their mutual passion for media and innovation sparked a fast friendship that would eventually lead to the founding of their own agency.
The Beginning:
A Fast Friendship
In 1980, Bruce and Andrew co-founded International Communications Group, Inc. (ICG), which quickly grew to become one of the largest independent media agencies in the United States. At its peak, ICG boasted 10 offices nationwide and a diverse roster of clients ranging from emerging brands to industry giants. The agency’s success culminated in its acquisition by Aegis (now Dentsu Aegis) in 1997, forming the foundational entity of Carat North America.
Building a
Media Powerhouse
But the journey didn’t end there. Driven by their relentless passion for media and a desire to provide top-tier services to smaller clients, Bruce and Andrew founded MBMG Media Group. This new venture was built on a core insight: smaller clients deserve the same level of experience and attention as larger clients.
Our 6 Pillars
1. Deliver Boutique At Scale
1. Deliver Boutique At Scale
We believe in handcrafted, not cookie cutter. We are large enough to have leverage and small enough to care about our smaller clients. We are a team of experienced, senior level professionals with a large agency pedigree dedicated to ensuring that our product is quality - and delivered with agility.
2. Own The Truth
2. Own The Truth
Truth allows us to sleep easy and breathe easy in a high-pressure industry. It is foundational to who we choose to be, who we choose to hire and who we choose to associate with. On the list of “Pros and Cons” there are no “Cons” for Truth. Truth builds trust which builds long term relationships.
3. Unleash Data
3. Unleash Data
Built on a foundation of response-driven clients, MBMG employs data to describe the past, set the course, optimize results and illuminate new opportunities. Our analytics team employs advanced analytic techniques that can lead to strategies that create a step change in business while also grinding the edges to find incremental gains.
4. Open The Mind
4. Open The Mind
Our communications planning process is agnostic, where we start with a clean slate and no preconceived strategies or tactics. Our Insights Team works to distill the essential brand-to-target connection and provides the data that helps us identify the best channels to reach the right target, in the right context, at the right time with the right message.
5. Work The Price
5. Work The Price
It seems simple - almost quaint – but the notion of negotiating for the best rate possible is still good business. If a $100 unit can drive a $20 cost per sale, an $85 unit can drive a $17 cost per sale - which may be the difference between break-even and profitability. So let’s find a way to get that $85 rate. We put in the time to find the negotiation dimension that unlocks pricing.
6. Results
6. Results
Results are the scorecard. Most of our clients have been with us for years - without the results, they wouldn’t be.
Our Leadership Team
At MBMG, we are a team of passionate and talented individuals dedicated to delivering impactful solutions for our clients. Our leadership team brings a diverse range of backgrounds and skill sets, united by a commitment to innovation, excellence, and client success.
Bruce Milner, CEO
Bruce is a car collector, seeking the most exquisite examples of the models that move him. He brings the same search for perfection to media planning and buying for clients. He’s the engine.
Andrew Butcher, Co-Chairman
After all this time founding and running media agencies, Andrew still likes to roll up his sleeves and get involved in clients' day to day business. He’s the inspiration.
Bruce Dennler, President
Through roles as President of Carat USA, Nielsen Entertainment and Palisades MediaGroup, along with Managing Partner of Assembly (West Coast), Bruce remains a media strategist at heart. He’s a pro’s pro.
Adrian Nash, COO / CFO
Adrian spent more than 20 years on the finance side of the media business with Mindshare and Carat, leveraging that experience to ensure that MBMG's operations run like clockwork. He makes everything go.
Julie Laforga, VP / Brand Driver
Beginning at Western International Media (now Initiative) then Carat then 20+ years at MBMG, we dare you to find a client category that Julie hasn’t worked in. Her mistake-free output makes us think she may be a cyborg.
Anne Chin, Communications Director / Brand Driver
Anne has worked with the MBMG team for more than 30 years, starting at ICG in 1989. A resident of the great Northwest and an expert in the media of that region (and media in general), Anne is all about “over-deliver."
Jamie Bartholomew, Communications Director / Brand Driver
Jamie is a results-driven executive with extensive experience in digital video, digital audio, local television, radio, cable, network radio, ethnic media and traffic radio. Ask any radio station manager on the West Coast about Jamie – the respect is palpable.
Susan Perez-Dumler, Communications Director / Brand Driver
Susan can boast a background of major agencies and blue-chip branding accounts…but she is also a legitimate, world class Direct Response guru. Susan knows it all without being a know it all.
Rob Chusid, Communications Director / Brand Driver
A native New Yorker, Rob has worked at both full-service and media services agencies in NY and LA before joining the team at MBMG. He is a gifted planner and client service professional with an intense client focus. Rob delights.
Marc Maiman, VP, National Ignition
Marc is a veteran national broadcast executive with more than 20 years of experience in both buying and sales. He’s known for straight dealing and tension-breaking wit. He’s an exceptional, respected and renowned buyer on both coasts.
Lauren Iser, Director, Local Ignition
Lauren has 25 years of experience in media buying working at both large and boutique agencies on categories that include fast food, cars, hotel, social issues and retail. She’s tough and fair, warm and smart. Quite simply, Lauren rocks.
Tom Meyer, Director, Consumer Insights
There’s not enough room in this square for Tom. Tom began as a planner at ICG/Carat then went to London where he flipped to research/insights. He’s one of the few remaining media research experts…a recognized industry gem.
Alysa Prieto, Associate Director DR, National Ignition
With 9 years of experience buying and planning DR campaigns across a panoply of clients, Alysa has become a ninja in response buying tactics and approaches. Alysa is a weapon…a warm, gracious weapon.
Marina Crum, Associate Director, Digital
Marina joined MBMG in November 2019 after successful, expansive experiences at Campbell Ewald and Threshold Interactive. Marina is an island of calm and well-earned confidence in a stormy sea of digital detail.
Jeff Saign, Associate Director, Communications
Jeff cut his teeth working on the Procter & Gamble business before coming to MBMG where he immediately made a name for confident client service and exceptional follow-through. Jeff has a knack for transforming client needs into joyful agency action.
Our Agency in Numbers
Leveraging over two decades of experience, MBMG Media Group provides transparent and efficient media services that deliver maximum impact. Our strategic approach ensures wise investment and business goal achievement.
Ready to Take Off?
Partner with us to elevate your media strategy and achieve your business objectives. Contact us today to get started on your journey to success.