GSD&M Founder Steve Gurasich Has Died

The "G" in iconic Austin agency GSD&M has fallen silent. GSD&M co-founder Steve Gurasich died in his sleep last week at the age of 73, just months ahead of the Omnicom agency's 50th anniversary this fall. Funeral and memorial services were held for Gurasich, who is survived by his wife Nancy, daughter Amy and son John, earlier this week. Marianne Malina, who spent over two decades with the agency and previously served as president, referred to Gurasich as a "legend." "Steve was a successful entrepreneur that built business and culture. He was gracious, kind, steady as they come and always on your side," Malina told Adweek. "He made brands famous, but mostly he gave thousands of GSD&Mers opportunity and a chance to be part of something truly distinct." Affectionately known to the agency as "Big Daddy," Gurasich was known for his entrepreneurial nature, calm leadership, community building and ability to rise to a challenge. Outside of agency life, he was a veteran of the Army National Guard and an avid outdoorsmen. He and his wife Nancy celebrated their 50th anniversary last year and Gurasich was a proud father and grandfather. 'Don't mess with Texas' Gurasich met Jim Darilek, Tim McClure, Judy Trabulsi and Roy Spence at the University of Texas, and in 1971, the graduates went on to form GSD&M, along with Gurasich's brother Bill. Over the course of the following decades, the agency built up a reputation for award-winning creative work and helped establish Austin as a creative destination. GSD&M has had long-standing relationships with clients including the PGA Tour, Southwest Airlines, and the U.S. Air Force, which recently extended its relationship with GSD&M through 2027. Holding company Omnicom acquired the agency in 1988. GSD&M's iconic 1986 "Don't Mess With Texas" slogan for a Texas Department of Transportation anti-littering campaign found enormous cultural relevance beyond its initial use and earned recognition in the Advertising Hall of Fame. In 2001, GSD&M created the "I Am An American" PSA for the Ad Council in the wake of the September 11 attacks. GSD&M created a series of popular Super Bowl ads for Avocados From Mexico beginning in 2015, until the trade group consolidated its account with Energy BBDO in 2018. This year, GSD&M's Super Bowl ad for Pizza Hut was named one of the year's most emotionally effective ads by marketing and brand consultancy System1. Sharing sad news GSD&M CEO Duff Stewart broke the news of Gurasich's death to the agency in a memo. Describing Gurasich’s death as “sudden,” Duff said, “Steve was a builder,” he continued. “He would never step into the spotlight, but he would step up to any challenge.” Gurasich’s core value was curiosity, he said. Duff shared that Gurasich was most proud of the accounts which formed the agency’s foundation: Chilis, Coors and Pearl Beer. But more than any account, he said, Gurasich was proud of the people and community of GSD&M. “That’s what he always wanted to be remembered for,” Duff said. “He built a home for a family that would grow and evolve over time.”