2023 Trusted Advisers: Chris Jarratt

Leveraging his strategic expertise for the benefit of the small and midsize businesses that make up most of Revel Advertising’s clientele has netted industry attention for Chris Jarratt, the company’s co-founder and chief creative officer.

Since the start of his 21-year career in the marketing industry, Jarratt has racked up nearly 100 Addy Awards from the American Advertising Federation.

Staying on top of industry trends is how Jarratt spots opportunities and challenges for clients.

“By staying informed about the latest marketing tools, techniques and best practices, I can recommend innovative and cost-effective solutions that deliver measurable results,” he says.

Identifying a client’s target audience is another key to successful marketing, he says.

“This involves developing compelling messaging and positioning that communicates the unique value proposition of the client’s products or services,” he says.

Jarratt pointed out some recent successes in meeting client objectives, such as increasing revenue for the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau Inc. and helping the local market to become one of the cities to recover from the pandemic the quickest. In 2021 and 2022, the city set records for hotel occupancy.

Revel also helped Oasis Hotel and Convention Center enhance its brand awareness by partnering with a local artist to create a custom mural for guests to use as a backdrop for selfies.

For a local bank, Revel used targeted and personalized marketing strategies to help expand its customer base.

“During a three-year engagement with The Bank of Missouri, we helped them expand into new markets and grow assets under management by 54%,” he says.

Revel also has worked with the Johnny Morris Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium by advising the tourist attraction on its digital marketing strategies, leading to a sevenfold return on its investment, Jarratt says.

Additional efforts have led black walnut processor Hammons Products Co. to change its packaging, leading to two of the company’s best retail sales years ever, and have helped Buck Horn Inc. hire over 40 new employees through a single hiring campaign during a period of record low unemployment rates, Jarratt says.

The top trend within the marketing industry now is artificial intelligence, Jarratt says, and Revel is helping to educate clients on its power and potential. By harnessing the power of AI, Jarratt says clients can embrace innovation, drive efficiency, enhance customer experience, and analyze and predict trends. AI also can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns, preferences and behavior of target audiences, according to Jarratt.

“By educating our clients about AI, we empower them to embrace innovative AI-powered marketing solutions and stay ahead of their competitors,” he says.

Jarratt notes it’s important to give back to the community. Each year, his company partners with a nonprofit organization to provide free marketing through its Revel with a Cause program. The most recent beneficiary is the Council of Churches of the Ozarks.