Five Questions with SCREEN: Bader Rutter CEO David Jordan

What do Dolly Parton, Superman and a beautiful black convertible have in common? They’re all right here as Bader Rutter’s new CEO David Jordan stops by for a thoroughly entertaining round of Five Questions with SCREEN. Let’s get to it!

SCREEN: If you could play any superhero in a major motion picture, who would it be?

DAVID: I’ve always felt a natural connection to Superman. He was sent to Earth, where he landed in Smallville in the countryside. Sounds familiar to me, growing up in small-town Illinois. He was adopted by farmers. My parents were farmers, and they instilled in me a strong work ethic I still carry with me today. Superman (well, Clark) worked as a journalist. Similarly, I started my career at a magazine and that’s where my passion for communication began. Lastly, Clark used his superpowers to benefit humanity. I try to do the same in my life. I believe when you put good into the world, good comes back to you.

Soar into this Superman doc when you have a moment…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCIRmVKxESQ

SCREEN: If you could appoint ANYONE to be the next President of the United States, who would it be and why?

DAVID: Dolly Parton. Due to her kindness, work ethic, and ability to unite people from all types of backgrounds. Her successful career and business acumen, combined with her inclusive values and sense of humor, show she has the leadership qualities needed for the role. However, she might prefer continuing to spread joy through music.

Here is a joyous compilation of Dolly Parton moments…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjWRNuixCEY

SCREEN: Your favorite project you’ve ever worked on?

DAVID: I have a special place in my heart for any idea that is built from a deep customer insight and intense business understanding. At Bader Rutter, our work solves business challenges and makes connections. A recent favorite is from our animal care client – Zoetis. We helped them launch a new documentary-style video series, Born of the Bond. The campaign tells authentic stories and aims to create human connections with audiences while also elevating the Zoetis brand in a way that creates long-term affinity. You can see the full series at www.BornoftheBond.com.

And here is the very first episode of the series…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHEgEL9VX0w

SCREEN: What is your most prized possession?

DAVID: My little black convertible. Not just because it’s fun. But, because, growing up, my mother would never let me ride in a convertible. She thought it was unsafe. So, now, I take every opportunity to ride with the top down, and it makes me think of my mom and her wise, sage motherly advice. I especially love getting it out of the city: sometimes taking a road trip to see family in southern Illinois, or driving between our Bader Rutter Chicago office up to our Milwaukee office.

SCREEN: What are you looking forward to in 2025?

DAVID: Next year will be my first full year as Bader Rutter’s latest CEO – the fourth in our 50-year history. I’m stepping into the role at a time when we have the healthiest, most diverse client portfolio in our 50-year, employee-owned history. And, we are hungry to expand and defend our title as B2B Marketing’s #1 U.S. B2B agency while supporting our clients’ success. 

BONUS QUESTIONS!

SCREEN: Most famous person you’ve ever met?

DAVID: I met Anderson Cooper one summer at a Dairy Cattle sale at Arethusa Farm in Connecticut. I am a passionate Dairy Cattle enthusiast and Arethusa not only had some of the leading Dairy Cattle genetics in the world, but they also had connections to the Manolo Blahnik fashion brand. So, summers at Arethusa Farm tended to include several high-profile folks.

Here’s an entertaining clip with Mr. Cooper…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juv0BOhUTcc

SCREEN: One restaurant, one meal, anywhere you want, and we’re buying. What will it be?

Bavette In Chicago. Yes, it is unique and highly sought after; they like to keep it that way. Reservations open 21 days in advance and you need to be fast to get a table. I especially love it, though, because it has an old school ambiance with a very welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. And, of course, the food is to live for!

SCREEN: Best advice you’ve ever been given?

DAVID: The best piece of advice I’ve gotten, and I’ve lived by, is from one of my mentors in life. “Never let winning go to your head and never let losing go to your heart.” I’m an extremely competitive person, and this advice has served me well throughout the years, either when achieving great things or dealing with difficult situations. It is important to stay balanced and steady in the highs and lows, especially in the business we are in.

Thanks for playing, David! For more from David and his team at Bader Rutter, click right here.

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