John Vitro Speaks from the Heart About Departing Account Exec

By Kiran Aditham 

We were told that the memo after the jump was sent from John Vitro, co-founder of what was then San Diego-based VitroRobertson over 20 years ago, but which has now evolved into an MDC-owned, bi-coastal entity. The message regards one Danielle Chalin, an account supervisor on Asics U.S. and Taylor Guitars who appears to be leaving the agency after eight years-plus of service. In a bitter, cutthroat industry, we admire the sentiment, especially when a higher-up takes the time to appreciate one of his own. Please don’t bust out violins (but please do cue Boyz II Men’s “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye”), just read on…

 

SUBJECT: The 3-D’s

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Decisive.

Determined.

Danielle.

Eight and one-half years ago, she entered our agency as a petite, wide-eyed intern.

Even then, it was obvious she wasn’t the normal grad just needing some graduation credits.

Danielle knew what she wanted, even before she knew much about what we did. She told me she wanted to run her own agency some day. And while that wasn’t the first time I heard that, I never doubted she would.

Danielle’s always been pretty clear about reaching her goals.

Anyone who knows her will agree that once she sets her sight on something, you better get out of the way. She’s one of the most relentless people I know.

The kind of determination drives achievement. (Example: At 24, she bought her first home. Amazing, considering how much we were paid her at the time. Have to respect the sacrifices she must have made to achieve such a milestone).

Remarkably, Danielle’s worked on one piece of business the entire time with us. I don’t think that’s ever happened before. No one can deny that kind of focus has helped Asics grow, along with the agency.

Those who’ve worked alongside Danielle could probably tell you stories about her tenaciousness. Always with the intention of putting the agency first, while remaining dedicated to Asics’s needs.

With determination comes courage.

As someone who’s negotiated on behalf of the agency, her fearlessness served us well. As someone who was never afraid to work hard, there are countless creatives whose portfolio’s might want to thank her. And as someone who never ran from confrontation, though at times would have been easy to do, she has my respect.

Danielle might still be petite, but she leaves with a monumental brand experience behind her.

We will miss her.

As sad as it is to see someone who’s been a part of so much history, leave, we know that it’s time for her to explore something new.

Many thanks go out to her.

We wish her the best of luck, though “luck” will play very little role in her undoubted success.

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