For more than three decades, Jared Abruzzo has stood at the forefront of direct response television, performance marketing, and media strategy, building a career defined by measurable impact, disciplined execution, and a deep commitment to helping organizations scale. His path from early broadcast roles to becoming the founder and president of a respected boutique agency showcases not only professional mastery, but an unwavering belief in the power of accountable, data-driven marketing. Guided by a personal ethos of resourcefulness and integrity, Jared has earned a reputation as a trusted advisor, a builder of high-performing teams, and a marketing innovator who has consistently delivered results across industries, markets, and media landscapes.
Jared’s early years in advertising provided the foundation for the leader he would become. Starting at Draft Worldwide he immersed himself in the complexities of direct-response television at a time when the discipline was still evolving. He quickly became known for his analytical approach, his relentless focus on optimization, and his instinctive ability to understand what motivates audiences. By leading both direct and indirect teams, negotiating with major networks, and improving key performance metrics for national brands, Jared established himself as a rising expert in television-driven customer acquisition.
His tenure with Halogen Response Media, the direct response division of Starcom Mediavest, marked a pivotal period of accelerated growth and leadership. As VP and Broadcast Director, Jared was tasked with building a media buying organization from the ground up, starting as the sole buyer and ultimately leading a team of 12 professionals. Under his direction, the division managed more than $100 million in annual media billing, including campaigns for Fortune 500 companies such as Procter & Gamble, Gateway Computers, Capital One, and WellPoint Insurance. His strategic oversight and innovative methodologies consistently delivered measurable improvements, including a 35% increase in cost efficiency for a major healthcare client (Wellpoint)—results that reinforced his position as a true driver of organizational performance.
Beyond operational leadership, Jared became a respected mentor and coach, personally interviewing, hiring, and training staff in all facets of media buying, measurement, vendor management, and client communication. His collaborative approach helped build a strong culture centered on transparency, accountability, and professional growth. His long-standing relationships with networks and media partners, many of which continue today, reflect a career built not only on strategic acumen but on trust and consistency.
In 2009, Jared founded JEMM Direct Media, a boutique performance marketing agency created to offer clients a more personal, hands-on, and results-oriented approach than traditional agencies often provide. As President and Sole Proprietor, he assumed full responsibility for new business development, media planning, media buying, analytics, optimization, traffic, creative advising, and accounts payable. His ability to operate both strategically and operationally became a defining strength, enabling JEMM to deliver exceptional value while keeping overhead low and client satisfaction high.
During JEMM’s inaugural year, Jared produced an impressive $4 million in media billing, demonstrating the market’s immediate confidence in his approach. He went on to manage multimillion-dollar annual budgets for major e-commerce brands, including Talkspace.com, Babbel.com, 3ZBrands Mattresses, and Blue Apron. His strategies contributed to exponential growth for clients. In addition, Talkspace was named as one of Adweeks Top Digital Companies in 2017. The followed the launch of TV in 4th quarter of 2016.
Throughout his career, Jared has served brands across a wide range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, entertainment, finance, healthcare, and consumer goods. His client experience—from American Express and Upjohn Rogaine to HBO, Disney, and WellPoint—demonstrates his versatility and capacity to adapt best practices to diverse business models. Whether advising a Fortune 500 enterprise or guiding a young company through its first major media investment, Jared applies the same disciplined, metrics-driven perspective that has defined his success.
What distinguishes Jared’s leadership is his firm belief in the importance of measurable results and transparent communication. While media buying and performance optimization require technical skill, he views them as fundamentally human disciplines—rooted in understanding people, their motivations, and the messages that influence decisions. His agency, self-described as a “non-agency agency,” reflects this philosophy by prioritizing direct collaboration, open dialogue, and strategic alignment at every stage of engagement.
Jared’s perspective is further shaped by his international experience, having supported television campaigns in Canada and Puerto Rico. He is fully open to travel and collaboration across global markets, confident in his ability to translate performance strategies into any environment. With 35 years of professional experience, he continues to stay engaged in evolving marketing technologies and connected-TV innovations, reinforcing his commitment to lifelong learning and professional relevance.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jared’s personal interests—sports, hiking, golf, fitness—reflect an active, balanced lifestyle grounded in discipline and curiosity. He approaches life with the same resourcefulness that defines his work, continuously seeking opportunities to learn, contribute, and connect with others. At 59, he is energized by the prospect of serving on advisory boards and contributing his expertise to organizations seeking meaningful growth. His motivation is not only to share what he has learned but to help companies navigate complex media and marketing challenges with confidence.
Jared believes deeply in giving back, mentoring emerging talent, and supporting businesses that aspire to scale through smart, performance-driven strategy. His extensive track record across agencies, industries, and media environments positions him as a valuable asset to any board seeking a forward-thinking, analytical, and highly experienced advisor capable of influencing long-term success.
Character:
Jared exemplifies character through his unwavering integrity, commitment to transparency, and dedication to doing what is right for clients, colleagues, and partners. He has built a career rooted in trust, always delivering on his promises and holding himself accountable for outcomes. His professional relationships endure because he consistently demonstrates reliability, fairness, and a genuine respect for the people around him.
Knowledge:
His depth of expertise spans media, direct response strategy, performance marketing, and organizational leadership, built through 35 years of hands-on experience. He possesses a rare combination of historical industry perspective and modern digital fluency, allowing him to bridge traditional and emerging media environments seamlessly. His ability to analyze complex data and translate insights into decisive action makes him a sought-after advisor across multiple sectors.
Strategic:
Throughout his career, Jared has demonstrated exceptional strategic thinking, consistently building systems, teams, and campaigns that scale efficiently and produce measurable results. He excels at identifying growth levers, optimizing operational processes, and guiding organizations through periods of transformation. His strategic mindset enables him to anticipate challenges, craft long-term solutions, and align stakeholders around shared objectives.
Communication:
A skilled communicator who values clarity, collaboration, and constructive dialogue. He has led teams, mentored junior professionals, and engaged with Fortune 500 executives, always tailoring his communication style to ensure understanding and alignment. His approach fosters trust, encourages open exchange, and strengthens relationships across all levels of an organization.
