The Independent Hispanic Agency and their thinking by Joe Zubizarreta.

Joe Zubizarreta, COO – Zubi Advertising

1. What, in your eyes, defines an “Independent Hispanic Agency” these days?
“Being independent means doing things on our own. It means answering only to yourself and what you believe to be right and true”

2. What value do you believe an Independent Hispanic Agency brings to its clients?
“Not worrying about share holder value is the best value of all”

3. Why do you believe it is good to be an Independent Hispanic Agency? What advantages do you think we have as indies?
“Freedom to choose who you work with, what you charge them and what you’ll do for them”

4. What is it like to be an Independent Hispanic Agency in these days of holding company consolidation and continued acquisition?
“Extremely challenging yet very inspirational. The most gratifying part is knowing that we make the call when it comes to employees, salaries and overhead expenses. We treat people like people and reward effort.”

5. What do you think is the future of Independent Hispanic Agencies in relationship to the general market, or the market overall?
“I think there is a trend that may help independent agencies and their Clients in becoming more aware that consolidation is not always saving time or money”

6. What do you think the next generation of Independent Hispanic Agencies look like?
“Blond hair, blue eyes”

7. What unique challenges do you feel Independent Hispanic Agencies face in today’s marketplace?
“Acquiring Senior level exec talent because we don’t have a network to choose from nor can we promise a network to grow into”

8. Do you believe there are entities or forces who are or are not supporting Independent and Holding Company-Owned agencies equally and fairly?
“On the contrary, I believe there are entities that require independent or minority ownership in reviewing their agency selection”

9. Do you believe there is a unique sense of responsibility Independent Hispanic Agencies bear (or should bear) insofar as the further development and growth of the Hispanic marketing and advertising industry? If so, please give your views.
“No more so than non-independent agencies”

10.
What advice would you give a future Independent Hispanic Agency professional interested in working for an independent?
“If you are any good, send me your resume”