2023 Men of the Year: Andy Whaley

A key juncture in Andy Whaley’s branding and marketing career came in 2006 when he was working as corporate brand manager for Bass Pro Shops.

Recognizing an untapped potential within the marketing landscape, he seized the initiative to establish the first-ever dedicated brand marketing team and create Ascend, an outdoor brand to bridge the gap between the average Bass Pro camping gear and renowned high-end brands.

“The launch of Ascend marked a turning point for Bass Pro Shops,” Whaley says, noting it became the fastest-growing segment among the retailer’s house brands, and it’s one of his proudest professional achievements. “Witnessing the exponential growth and market acceptance of Ascend was truly rewarding, not only in terms of business success but also in knowing that our efforts were positively impacting outdoor enthusiasts.”

Whaley continued to provide strategic direction when he once again created a new in-house marketing team, this time at AG Financial, where he worked from 2008 to 2020.

“Recognizing the importance of a dedicated and cohesive group, I assembled a team of talented professionals who shared a common vision of enhancing AG Financial’s marketing efforts,” he says. “Together, we embarked on a transformative journey, creating a full suite of marketing tools and assets that revolutionized the way AG Financial approached its marketing strategies.”

Now at JMark Business Solutions Inc., an information technology firm, he’s used prior experiences to build a new marketing and sales team from scratch. Whaley says he can’t do it alone and understands the importance of effective communication and collaboration.

“By fostering an inclusive environment where every team member’s voice is heard and valued, I encouraged active participation and ensured that everyone felt motivated and empowered to contribute their best,” he says, adding that the spirit of teamwork is a big motivational driver.

Whaley’s leadership doesn’t stop when the workday ends. At JMark, he developed the Guys Group, an initiative to bring men together to provide space for navigating their personal and professional lives through morning encouragement sessions. He also takes his marketing expertise to community nonprofits, including LifeHouse Crisis Maternity Home, Pregnancy Care Center and I Pour Life, all of which he says are groups that provide critical needs to the community. Most recently, as a board trustee at Hope Church, Whaley has been a key member in helping the church mature as a business entity and ensuring its future growth.

A thread Whaley says weaves through all the work is his personal set of core values that includes honesty, transparency, teamwork, excellence, passion, accountability and celebration.

“I believe that true success goes beyond mere accomplishments and numbers,” he says. “It lies in the integrity and authenticity with which we navigate our professional journeys.”