Letter To Friends, Partners, Supporters and Clients of CPM, Inc.

Today marks the 5 year anniversary of the founding of CPM, Inc.  Now doing business as Compass Partnership Marketing, CPM was originally founded as Compass Product Management, Inc.  This is because at the outset, I had only the faintest idea what I was going to do.

Then came the fortuitous call from one of the smartest and most charismatic business leaders ever, David Porter.  At the time, David was head of worldwide home video distribution for Dreamworks Animation home entertainment business.

“Stu”, he said “I have an idea”.  Thus the business of partnering CPG’s with studios to develop cost-efficient, effective partnership marketing programs behind entertainment releases was formed. 

It started with Dreamworks, and only DVD content.  Today CPM has been privileged to work with, in addition to the great folks at Dreamworks, 20^th Century Fox, Paramount Studios, and Sony Home Entertainment.  It’s not just DVD any longer, but includes about any way the consumer receives entertainment content, including theatrical releases and downloads.

Further, CPM has developed business driving programs with great CPG partners like The Coca-Cola Company, Bigelow Tea, Clorox, Con Agra, Bird's Eye, Cott Beverage, Del Monte Foods, Diamond Foods, Electrolux, Jarden Consumer Solutions, Kellogg's, Mars, Nestle, Purina, Reckit-Benckeiser, Schiff Nutrition, and Tyson Foods.

See my blog “A ‘Big Gulp” Approach to Marketing” for a simple explanation of how it works.  Here, the focus is on core values that have helped CPM grow business for five years, with more to come.  Usually achieved, always aspirational:

First, CPM is a marketing services agency where operating with ethics and integrity is a non-negotiable.  Respect for the individual is paramount. Programs are developed with 360 degree transparency.  Complete client satisfaction is guaranteed, or the client won’t be invoiced.  CPM will stand up for what is right and take responsibility if something goes awry, always taking a critical internal view to ensure the right things are done for the right reasons.

Having fun is key.  While the idea of fun is helping clients navigate Walmart and other retailers to expectation exceeding results, it also means joining with best-in-class partners who share similar values of integrity, fun, and competitiveness.  If you can’t work with people who share these values, walk away and work with those who do. 

CPM, Inc. likes to compete and win, for our clients and their customers.  Thoughtful, aggressive negotiation ensures programs are cost-efficient for everyone.  Anything proposed must make “1+1=3.”

CPM is small (it’s just me), lean, efficient.  And I like it that way.

This business has had the support of countless friends, media and agency partners, studio and CPG clients, and other supporters since June 1, 2008 (great time to quit a perfectly good paying job and start a new business right?). 

Thank you for your trust and your business, well wishes and support.