DPL

Doug Lipinski, Principal, DPL Advantage, LLC
Core Skills

Branding strategies
Sponsorship negotiations
Market Positioning
Sales Development
Customer Relationship Management

Doug is a seasoned marketing professional with more than 10 years of experience in the industry. Since 2002, Doug has overseen all initiatives related to marketing, corporate sponsorships, advertising and promotions for Grand Valley State University’s Athletic Department. He also coordinates the overall cohesion of the department’s external operation, business development and all departmental marketing efforts. Doug and his staff have been rewarded for their marketing efforts with many awards including 27 National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) awards over the last three seasons. In 2007 their "LMCU Big Box of Cash" promotional campaign won the NACMA Gold Award in the online category and was recognized as one of the nation's five "Best-of-the-Best" programs. Doug is a gifted marketer having negotiated over $6 million in contracts with companies such as Adidas, Taco Bell, State Farm Insurance, Subway and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Recognized for his leadership in the collegiate sports industry, Doug has dealt with broadcast rights with Comcast, Citadel Broadcasting, Clear Channel Radio, CBS College Sports, Regent Broadcasting, Cumulus Broadcasting and Charter Communications.

Doug specializes in branding, sponsorship consulting, advisory services, evaluation models, activation strategies and management recommendations that maximize profits and position clients to forge deeper connections with customers. Doug’s experience with radio, television, corporate sponsorship negotiation and activation practices allows him to assist companies’ position themselves in the marketplace. DPL Advantage was established to counsel sponsors on transforming sponsorship from an unmeasured expense to a measurable investment that delivers substantial return and a sustainable competitive advantage. DPL Advantage provides businesses with strategies and tools to dramatically increase their sponsorship exposure through customized packaging models, objective pricing recommendations and general sales tactics.

Doug is a frequent speaker on the topic of sponsorship trends and best practices in sports marketing as well as strategic philanthropy. He is a past board member of the GVSU University Club and former member of the American Baseball Coaches Association. He currently serves as a member of the NCAA Division II Baseball Midwest Regional Selection Committee, is a National Athletic Collegiate Marketing Association member and GVSU Marketing Committee. Doug earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising and Public Relations and a Masters of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University.

Contact
Email: doug@dpladvantage.com