Zimmerman's Business Solution Lands Client B03PAP29

Omnicom Group’s Zimmerman & Partners owes its latest account win, Consumer Credit Counseling Services, not to an advertising concept but to an idea for improving the client’s business model.

The Fort Lauderdale, Fla., shop won the estimated $12 million account after suggesting that CCCS use the agency’s marketing tool for the auto dealerships on its roster, the Automated Credit Processing Center. Dealers advertise an 800 number for consumers who want help applying for financing, and callers’ information is passed along to those dealers.

The agency said the Center could add a question to its application: “If you do not qualify for financing because of debt-to-income ratio, would you like us to refer you to a credit counseling service?” By saying yes, consumers give permission for their information to be shared with CCCS.