Check your patchouli-scented stereotypes at the door. At EnviroMedia, you’ll find a bunch of bright, committed, business-savvy strategic and creative thinkers who you’d be proud to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with at your next board of directors meeting. Our team of 40 people has worked with the best in the industry, but it’s our passion for what we do every day that keeps us here.
Kevin Tuerff is cofounder of EnviroMedia Social Marketing — the leading U.S. marketing agency providing sustainability consulting, delivering authentic, ethical campaigns, achieving measurable results since 1997 and generating $80 million in revenue.
Tuerff, along with business partner Valerie Davis, is leading the charge for ethical green marketing. Under their leadership, EnviroMedia established www.greenwashingindex.com to educate consumers on companies and organizations spending more time and money claiming to be green than actually implementing business practices that minimize environmental impact. Tuerff’s efforts to maintain integrity in green marketing have been highlighted in Brandweek and by U.S. News & World Report. He is also a frequent guest lecturer on marketing and ethics at venues such as The American Academy of Advertising and at his alma mater, The University of Texas at Austin.
Among Tuerff’s key client and project accomplishments: founding and launching America Recycles Day in 1997, a nationwide public-private partnership celebrated annually; overseeing the Dell, Inc. e-cycling public relations and stakeholder engagement; and directing advertising campaigns for Green Mountain Energy Company, leading to a 70 percent sales jump in 2006.
Tuerff has 20 years’ experience in public relations, advertising and marketing, and has been honored by the Austin Advertising Federation as “Ad Man of the Year.” His firm won the 2003 Ethics in Business Award from St. Edward’s University and the Samaritan Center, as well as the 2006 Lone Star Award from the Texas Public Relations Association, honoring an organization that places priority on public relations as both a key management strategy and a major contributor to the organization’s success. EnviroMedia is the only marketing firm ever to win this award; other honorees have been Southwest Airlines, Dell, Inc. and Texas Instruments.
Whether sounding a warning to greenwashers on NBC’s TODAY show or spending all day in a landfill to show her dismay at the state of U.S. recycling efforts, Valerie Davis passionately speaks out about conservation marketing, knowledge of natural resources and energy efficiency. Davis, along with business partner Kevin Tuerff, launched www.greenwashingindex.com to fight the forces of misleading advertising. They also provided observations and perspective for Environmental Leader from the United Nations Conference on Climate Change in Bali, Indonesia.
Davis is cofounder of EnviroMedia Social Marketing — America’s first full-service advertising and public relations firm dedicated solely to improving the environment and public health. Among Davis’ key client and project accomplishments: leading the Don’t Mess with Texas campaign to victory in the America’s Favorite Slogan Competition, beating Nike’s “Just Do It” and “Got Milk?”; spearheading research and brand creation for the Governor’s Water Conservation Implementation Task Force and Texas Water Development Board; and overseeing a water-saving education campaign which cut daily peak water-use within one region by 200 million gallons a day.
Davis has spoken in Washington, D.C. for the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy on “Social Marketing: Inspiring Individuals to Act on Energy Efficiency,” and has served as a panelist at the Potomac Watershed Trash Summit. She has been honored by the Austin Advertising Federation as “Ad Woman of the Year,” and led the Austin Ad Fed to national distinction by helping it win the American Advertising Association's public-service award. Davis earned her Bachelor of Journalism at The University of Texas at Austin.
What I do at EnviroMedia:
I manage public relations and advertising campaigns for our clients and do a mean karaoke performance of the B-52’s “Love Shack” at the holiday party.
My life before EnviroMedia, in 50 words or less:
I was born and raised in Austin, which makes me an endangered species. I graduated from the University of Texas and spent 10 years working in TV news. I covered the bombing in Oklahoma City of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in 1995, went fishing with former President Bush and his son George W. and appeared on “The Maury Povich Show” to explain my investigation into a bikini maid service (OK, so it’s not quite Watergate, but it certainly was scandalous). Before EnviroMedia, I served as Director of Public Relations for Capital Metro, which thankfully wasn’t scandalous.
I work at EnviroMedia because:
I haven’t made the cut to be the next “American Idol” (yet) and because I love working for a company that gives a darn and makes a difference.
The celebrity I admire most is:
Either Al Gore or Cher. Gore for his leadership and vision in fighting global warming. And Cher because she has staying power. I was a fan as a child when she starred with Sonny on the “Sonny and Cher” show and again in the '80s during my college days. I’m hanging on for just one more “Farewell Tour”—I know she has it in her (there have only been three so far).
My most recent “brush with fame” was:
Taking a picture with KFC’s Colonel Sanders on Madison Avenue in New York City, which is tied with sitting next to the cast of “Friday Night Lights” at Guero’s (thanks, Angela and Gabriela!).
The issue I’m most passionate about is:
Global warming.
My most memorable moment at EnviroMedia is:
Riding into Times Square waving a Don’t Mess with Texas flag in a pickup driven by a real-life version of “Large Marge” from Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.
The accomplishment I’m most proud of at EnviroMedia is:
I’m still employed. Okay, seriously, I’m proud I work for a company that does something every day that makes a difference. It’s a rare and wonderful thing.
If I could be anywhere else at the moment, I would be:
Snow skiing at Heavenly in Lake Tahoe.
If I could be someone (or something) else for a day, I would be:
UT Head Football Coach Mack Brown on Jan. 4, 2006.
If I could enact one new law it would be:
The “Stop Global Warming Now” Act (that probably wouldn’t be the name), which would mandate immediate and drastic carbon emissions reductions for industry and require greater fuel efficiency standards for all new vehicles.
My favorite Web sites are:
This one, of course.
Nytimes.com for my environmental and political news, hornfans.com to fulfill my Longhorn sports addiction and wellsfargo.com to see how much money I have left.
In my spare time I enjoy:
Running, playing tennis and softball, walking my dogs, seeing movies and plays, eating slice-and-bake cookies and watching the Longhorns play just about any sport.
My most impressive “cocktail party line” about myself would be:
“Have you ever seen me twirl?”
What I do at EnviroMedia:
As the Director of Account Services and Media Buying, I wear many hats. Most of them involve client service and strategic development. I'm also the resident expert on most aquatic sports.
My life before EnviroMedia, in 50 words or less:
I spent a year with Westin Hotels before enrolling in graduate school at the University of Texas. I was well on my way to becoming Professor Roberts before KT and Val rescued me. I earned a master’s in Latin American history, and I may someday return to academic life.
I work at EnviroMedia because:
I can go home every night knowing my job made the world a better place that day.
The celebrity I admire most is:
George Clooney.
My most recent “brush with fame” was:
I was in an Italian restaurant in the West Village when Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) suddenly appeared. He had spaghetti.
The issue I’m most passionate about is:
Finding social and environmental justice for those whose voice is not being heard.
The accomplishment I’m most proud of at EnviroMedia is:
I hold the world record for DUCK mascot appearances: 64 and counting. Top that!
If I could be anywhere else at the moment, I would be:
Hiking with Kim and Isabella.
If I could be someone (or something) else for a day, I would be:
Give me one day to live as Limpião — the Brazilian Robin Hood of the ’20s and ’30s. Preferably not the day the police beheaded him and the other Cangaceiros …
If I could enact one new law it would be:
Mandatory limits on political campaign spending.
My favorite Web sites are:
I don't use the Internet.
In my spare time I enjoy:
Water polo, watching my dog run down the trail, climbing Mayan ruins with Kim, photography, Longhorn victories, golf rounds when I break 80, writing, ruining the garden.
My most impressive “cocktail party line” about myself would be:
Two choices:
“I was a member of the 1993 National Collegiate Club Champion Water Polo Team at Northwestern.”
or
“It's all ball bearings these days.”
A rare combination of creative dynamo and people person, Doug cut his advertising teeth as a writer with leading Dallas agency Temerlin McClain, and has been setting the bar with award-winning creative and breakthrough strategic thinking ever since. He has served in creative leadership roles on flagship national accounts at GSD&M, helped build Austin creative boutique McGarrah/Jessee as its first Creative Director, and worked with dozens of local and regional clients as the owner of his own one-man shop. Doug has extensive expertise in not only directing creative development, production and implementation of integrated campaigns, but also making sure all creative work begins with research and ends with results.
Doug's client experience encompasses a broad range of national and regional consumer products and services, B2B, state government and public service campaigns. Highlights include Don’t Mess with Texas, AT&T, American Airlines, anti-smoking efforts from Texas DSHS and the American Legacy Foundation, TXDoT’s traffic safety campaigns, Frost Bank, and the RC Cola Co. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Advertising at The University of Texas at Austin.
In his spare time, Doug enjoys photography, cooking and goofing around with his toddler son.
What I do at EnviroMedia:
Develop strategic media plans, execute media placements and manage the media department.
My life before EnviroMedia, in 50 words or less:
Very similar to my current life.
I work at EnviroMedia because:
Our campaigns make a difference in the world.
The celebrity I admire most is:
Jerry Garcia.
My most recent “brush with fame” was:
Texas/OU 2006 with Lee Ann Womack.
The issue I’m most passionate about is:
Water pollution.
My most memorable moment at EnviroMedia is:
Staff Retreat Talent Show, summer 2003. I was Emeril.
The accomplishment I’m most proud of at EnviroMedia is:
Development of a statewide media plan for Help America Vote Act (HAVA) and the execution of the buys by the department as a whole.
If I could be anywhere else at the moment, I would be:
Trout fishing in a Colorado stream.
If I could be someone (or something) else for a day, I would be:
Dale Earnhardt, Jr.
If I could enact one new law it would be:
Outlaw Crocs footwear.
My favorite Web sites are:
orangebloods.com
thatsracin.com
10vinceyoung.com
In my spare time I enjoy:
Golf.
My most impressive “cocktail party line” about myself would be:
“I turned an unassisted triple play in baseball.”
What I do at EnviroMedia:
I oversee the agency’s experiential marketing and outreach initiatives.
My life before EnviroMedia, in 50 words or less:
I spent three years before EnviroMedia campaigning for a job at EnviroMedia. And at various other times I worked with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Keep Texas Beautiful and The University of Texas on public education and outreach.
I work at EnviroMedia because:
I get to help change the world for the better every single day with people who are passionate and smart and who recognize my vocal talents.
The celebrity I admire most is:
I like how Harriet Tubman rocked that whole Underground Railroad thing. She’s a little yesteryear, but I still dig her.
My most recent “brush with fame” was:
Since I am a bit of a celebrity stalker, the list of brushes with fame is long, but most recently I hobnobbed with the president of MTV. Green-lighting virtual Laguna Beach was genius. Integrated marketing at its best.
The issue I’m most passionate about is:
Health coverage for every child.
My most memorable moment at EnviroMedia is:
Can I talk about the time I did synchronized swimming on Lake Travis?
The accomplishment I’m most proud of at EnviroMedia is:
Working on a campaign to help ensure Texas’ most vulnerable citizens had access to life-saving drugs during the complicated Medicare Rx rollout.
If I could be anywhere else at the moment, I would be:
On the beach in Mexico with Faith and Avery.
If I could be someone (or something) else for a day, I would be:
Someone with the discipline to train for a marathon.
If I could enact one new law it would be:
Mandatory Peace Corps service for all.
My favorite Web sites are:
nytimes.com (every day)
enviromedia.com (every day)
dlisted.com (when I think no one is watching)
In my spare time I enjoy:
My iPod, movies, walks, political campaign work, my sweet little nephew Seth and my godson's laugh—it's hilarious.
My most impressive “cocktail party line” about myself would be:
“My first job was with a Nobel Prize-winning researcher. He pretty much discovered the effects of cholesterol on the human heart with my help. Plus, I’m 5'11".”
What I do at EnviroMedia:
Concept million-dollar ideas. Produce on a dime.
My life before EnviroMedia, in 50 words or less:
Armed with degrees from UT in radio-TV-film and broadcast journalism, I worked in Hollywood for William Morris, Disney and Marketing Corp. of America. Before landing at EnviroMedia, I did grad school in Boston and taught college-level students the basics of mass communication, script writing and video production.
I work at EnviroMedia because:
There’s no better way to change the world.
The celebrity I admire most is:
Meryl Streep for her amazing talent and her ability to stay true to her profession without contracting tabloid fever.
My most recent “brush with fame” was:
Not recent, but I recall approaching Michael Richards (pre-“Seinfeld”) after a screening of “UHF” in which he played Stanley Spadowski and telling him how he was a “rising star” in the world of comedy.
The issue I’m most passionate about is:
Expression — necessary for evolution.
My most memorable moment at EnviroMedia is:
Losing a bet to Valerie Davis and showing up “bald” to a company dinner.
The accomplishment I’m most proud of at EnviroMedia is:
Helping build it from scratch with a handful of the most dedicated, fun, smart people on the planet.
If I could be anywhere else at the moment, I would be:
In St. John, Virgin Islands, swimming in the pristine waters and enjoying the world’s most amazing public beaches.
If I could be someone (or something) else for a day, I would be:
Steven Spielberg.
If I could enact one new law it would be:
Equal Rights Amendment.
My favorite Web sites are:
eonline.com
adcritic.com
phonespell.org
anagramgenius.com
apple.com
travelocity.com
harveysidfisher.com
sesamestreet.org
In my spare time I enjoy:
Reflecting on periods of my life in which I had spare time (pre-parenthood).
My most impressive “cocktail party line” about myself would be:
“I won an award as “best belcher in the park” when I was in the fourth grade. Thankfully, I got that out of my system back then.”
What I do at EnviroMedia:
Staff therapy
My life before EnviroMedia, in 50 words or less:
I spent my time at home, sleeping all day virtually anywhere, eating, licking things, and being naked.
I work at EnviroMedia because:
I could sleep all day virtually anywhere, but at EnviroMedia people feed me scraps. Plus, I get to meet a lot of interesting people and lick them. I can also go to work naked.
The celebrity I admire most is:
Lassie.
My most recent “brush with fame” was:
Getting a hug from Dan Rather.
The issues I’m most passionate about are:
Meat and cheese, the smell of another dog's butt, world peace.
The accomplishment I’m most proud of at EnviroMedia is:
Nearly perfect potty-break behavior.
If I could be someone (or something) else for a day, I would be:
Nothing compares to my lifestyle now.
If I could enact one new law it would be:
A ban on plastic bubble wrap. Or a ban on "Cats" (the musical).
My favorite Web sites are:
puppywar.com
animaltrustees.org
alpo.com
In my spare time I enjoy:
Napping, scolding the new dog and racing in the office halls.
My most impressive “cocktail party line” about myself would be:
“I don't mingle at cocktail parties.”