“<strong>Pat</strong> <strong>Finken</strong> and Odney: Making a Difference for North Dakota” By Tom Regan Photo by Glasser Images
you’re not familiar with the North Dakota “Legendary” slogan seen Ift on television, billboards and in print, you must be living under a rock. Behind that ubiquitous campaign and dozens of others is <strong>Pat</strong> <strong>Finken</strong> and the Odney advertising agency, founded in Bismarck in 1985 by Jim Odney. <strong>Finken</strong>, who began his media career in Minot, joined Odney in 1990 and, as partner in charge of account management, helped grow it into one of the largest firms in the region. In 1995, two years after Jim Odney left Bismarck to establish a Minneapolis branch, the partners made the decision to split Odney into two separate companies. With the vision of creating a full-service communications consulting company, <strong>Finken</strong> systematically acquired a graphic design firm, a market research company and a company specializing in website development and online marketing. Public relations and social media divisions were added along the way, bringing the employee roster to about 50. Today, the Bismarck-based company operates branch offices in Fargo, Minot and Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and bills about $15 million annually. “The thing I’m most proud of is not the growth itself, but what it’s allowed us to do in terms of bringing in a level of expertise,” <strong>Finken</strong> said. “I’m one of the most blessed persons I know,” said the 54-year-old <strong>Finken</strong> of his storied road to success. But if you think the ad agency life is anywhere near as glamorous as it’s depicted in novels and movies, <strong>Finken</strong> will be the first to set you straight. “A lot of work goes into it—it’s still 1 percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.” cm: What do you find fascinating about politics? <strong>Pat</strong> <strong>Finken</strong>: Even though it’s fashionable for people to look down on politicians, I have always considered it, no matter what your party affiliation or political beliefs, an honor to serve and feel we should appreciate, even if we disagree with them, those who are willing to step into the arena. Especially here in North Dakota, where politics is not a “get rich quick” scheme—it’s still old-fashioned populist politics. These are people who really care and are looking at trying to make life better for the rest of us. I grew up in a family where we would have discussions about the issues of the day. cm: Who has had the greatest influence on your life? <strong>Pat</strong> <strong>Finken</strong>: Number one is my dad. He’s still alive at 89. He’s the kindest, gentlest, most compassionate guy I’ve ever known. If I ever had the chance to bet on whether someone would go to heaven or not, he would be the guy. My dad is one of those salt-of-the-earth guys that we should all grow up to be. The second most important influence, and it has more to do with my career, is Chet Reiten. I learned just about everything I know about this business from him. He took a chance on a 25-year-old kid when he asked me to manage his new FM Top 40 station. Of course who better to learn from than the man who built a multi-million dollar broadcasting company from the ground up beginning with a $1,900 investment. <strong>Pat</strong> <strong>Finken</strong> Title: President, Odney DOB: March 17, 1957 (St. <strong>Pat</strong>rick’s Day), Douglas, N.D. High School: Bishop Ryan High School, Class of 1975 College: Minot State University, broadcasting/mass communication Family: Wife, Lori, married 31 years; daughter, Erin, 27; son, Alex, 25 Hobbies: golf, politics Latest leadership position: U.S. Chamber Board of Directors Favorite quote: “It isn’t creative unless it sells.” –David Ogilvy What would people be surprised to learn about you? “Up until my freshman year in college, I planned to be a priest.” What are you most proud of? “We have nice kids—they grew up to be nice people.” continued on page 9 September 2011 7
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