Working for an Audience of One

Jim ClaytonChristian. Conservative. Striving to exemplify the principle in Ecclesiastes 9:10. To accurately understand who I am (the objective of a bio), I am first and foremost, a Christian. Jesus Christ died for my sins (and yours) so we may have eternal life. I believe, no correct that, I know Jesus is who He says He is, He is the truth, He is the way, and He is life.

Grew up in the St. Louis area, on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. A huge St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, I played sports in high school and went to Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois. Played a couple of years of football, did the fraternity thing, but more importantly graduated with a Communications degree. It was a well-rounded degree as we studied theory, mass communications, writing, radio & television broadcasting, and public speaking. Even was the student general manager of our student owned radio station for a couple of years.

After graduating, I worked in the association/non-profit industry. My experience includes:

  • managing an annual fund program for an educational foundation.
  • public relations for an educational institution,
  • ran the local office for a national charity,
  • directing an educational conference program,
  • and as an account executive for an association management company – served as an executive director (handling everything from A to Z) for a small, international professional health and wellness association.

My last “real job” was the director of marketing and membership for a professional education association. After that gig, I became a minority partner and a co-partner of a couple of graphic design and marketing agencies.

In 2006, my current business (CDG) began … little did I suspect what would happen in our world in 2008-09. Things changed dramatically from a business standpoint. I am not going to sugar coat it, there were some tough, lean years following the economic change in 2008-09, very challenging.

However, these difficult circumstances have helped me evolve in many positive ways. My faith has grown ten-fold and the blessings I have received during these trying times have been priceless. I am more “vertical and intentional” – keeping your eyes upward brings victory over any earthly trial or circumstance.

Love what you do. Do what you love. It’s the most simple, hardest principle to live by. Anything the Lord gives me to do, I want to do it with all my heart, with all my might … because, ultimately, I am working for an audience of One.