Jim Boldebook - CBC Employee Tributes - Part 1

"I never have the chance to get to know Jim personally given my timeline at CBC, but I’ve felt his presence at from the moment I arrived at the company. His stories hold an almost mythical place in the agency’s history. From Jim and Jolly at Jim’s restaurant, to hectic cross-country new business pitches, to legendary video shoots, and everything in between. They read like a masterclass in entrepreneurship, grit, and determination … with plenty of laughs along the way. Jim built CBC from the ground up with a clear vision: to create the best damn automotive advertising agency anywhere. His spirit is woven into the fabric of CBC, and his legacy will continue to inspire and drive the Agency for generations to come." - Bob Myhal

"Jim Boldebook and I have so many personal connections that existed before we even knew each other.  We were both radio guys in Southern New England.  We worked at competing radio stations and knew the same radio people that seemed to rotate among the regional stations, as radio people do.  But Jim and I never crossed paths until years later after we both moved to Maine. Then I met Jim at a time in my life where I was unsure of my professional future.  And when I met Jim my life changed.  He gave me a shot and a job when he didn’t even have a position for me to fill.  He just had a feeling that it fit.  That’s what Jim is good at.  He is remarkable at recognizing the things that seem to fit. Personal connections, professional partnerships, strategies that work for clients.  Ideas and concepts that will enrich the lives of the people around him.  Jim Boldebook is the best idea guy I’ve ever met. Jim has done many things in his life.  Radio announcer and programmer, concert tour promoter (James Brown most notably), restaurant owner and operator, founder of one of the best boutique automotive ad agencies in America, casino organizer, developer and operator.  He was wildly successful with these endeavors.  I’ve done a lot of things too.  Many things at which I thought I had failed.  But Jim taught me that none of these endeavors were failures just because they ultimately didn’t work.  He taught me that everything is an experience that prepares you for the next.  And he’s right.  Everything I do today is culmination of what I’ve done in the past. He changed my live.  He changed my family’s life.  He changed my son’s life.  I am blessed to have known Jim Boldebook and I will always remember him with gratitude and love." - Brian Watkinson

"I do not have adequate words to express my gratitude and admiration for you Jim.  37 years ago, you took a chance hiring a kid fresh out of college who didn’t have any experience and even less direction for what he wanted to do in life.  For that opportunity, I will be eternally grateful.  I hope I have lived up to your expectations and proved that you made the right decision way back then.  37 years of working together has certainly provided plenty of shared experiences, far too many to recount here, but please know that without your leadership, guidance, and experience, I would not be the person I am today.  You should be immensely proud of what you built in CBC.  Its not just a successful business but has actually become woven into the fabric of the lives of so many that have been fortunate enough to work there. I will always be proud to say I worked for and with you and I will always remember you as an industry leader, innovator, colleague and most importantly a dear friend who taught me so much." - Dana Snyder

"Jim Boldebook was one-of-a-kind. He changed industries, companies, and lives. Including mine. Typical of Jim, he got into the automotive advertising game to help a friend. Jolly John Pulsifer of Atlantic Ford needed help, and Jim stepped up. Along the way, Jim Boldebook grabbed the industry by the collar and said: “I’m going to show you how it’s done.” Without apology. Without self-promotion. Without hesitation. And he did.  In 1983, he founded Creative Broadcast Concepts. Unlike most business owners, he didn’t want his name on the door. His goal was to create success for not only himself, but others. And he did. Back in the early days of CBC, nobody outworked Jim Boldebook. He was the first to arrive and the last to leave. He was never happier than finding ways to bring his clients success. In an industry over-reliant on price and too often deceptive, Jim saw things differently. He told dealers to get out of print and onto radio and television. He told dealers to stop selling low prices and focus on telling their unique story. He told dealers to advertise with honesty and integrity. He understood branding before anybody even knew what branding was. He coined the phrase “Share of Market, Share of Mind.” And it worked. Pretty soon, Jim Boldebook had clients all over the country who were #1 in their markets. Not long after that, he had clients who were #1 in all of the USA. He created an agency and legacy that is thriving over 40 years later. I know nothing would make Jim happier than seeing CBC around for another 40 years. Because it was never about him. It was about the clients … it was about the employees … it was about family. Jim always took the time for his friends and family, and he never missed a chance to quietly help those in need. As I mentioned in the beginning, Jim Boldebook changed my world. Saw my full potential even when I didn’t. Encouraged me. Pushed me. Taught me. I’m a better person because of Jim Boldebook. I have a better life because of Jim Boldebook. And I am grateful that our paths crossed in life. Jim will be missed by many and remembered fondly by all." - Frank Drigotas