Authentic engagement is still at the heart of building loyal customers who sustain brands. As we move deeper into a social world Matlock says that he would like to see more authentic communications and approaches to the marketplace. “I was always a student of David Ogilvy (an advertising executive who was widely hailed as “The Father of Advertising”). His philosophy was to not talk to the consumer like they’re an idiot. For the last couple of decades, many have gotten away with superficial relationships with consumers and superficial dedication to the values of their brands, and they are vulnerable now.”
Matlock Advertising and Public Relations understands the importance of protecting its clients’ most valuable assets: their brands and reputations. In the same way that brands’ stories must be exposed, so must the stories of men of color in advertising. “We must also find ways to build authentic relationships so that people can grow to value how much we value ourselves,” Matlock tells BE Modern Man. “There is great opportunity here in the street, in the marketplace of ideas and innovation, where courage is the currency of your outcome; where principles – not personality – inspire you; where the sense of impacting others is more important than the selfishness of a ‘rah rah’ fan club because you love more than what you see in the mirror.”
Driven to not only envision his future, Matlock feels obligated to live what he believes which means contributing to others. “I am trying to live every day to be a good father, a decent son, a quality, loyal brother – someone who behaves with honor and expects honor to be conducted in my presence,” says Matlock. “Ignorance of any shade, hatred of any means is not acceptable anymore. I believe my time here may be very short, but if it is long or short, it has a window. Every day I get up, I hope to open that window and leave and – come back or not – to live like I love what I have just done.”
The BlackEnterprise.com team commends Kent Matlock on his years of service and dedication to the advertising industry. Truly a pioneer in the industry, Matlock and his team have been able to stay true to their core values while providing exceptional service the clients they serve. We are excited to provide our audience a glimpse of the BE Modern Man that Kent Matlock is.
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