Todd grew up in the agency business. He was writing ad copy long before he received his MBA from Duke. In 1990, Todd took over the reins of the Bolin agency. Under his leadership, the company has evolved into an organization of renewed relevance and contemporary stature. Todd has played a role on virtually every account, including ADC, the Minnesota State Fair and BlueCross BlueShield. He is actively engaged in both the industry and the community, including stints as the board chair of the Twin Cities Chapter of the American Association of Advertising Agencies, board member of the Children’s Miracle Network and board chair of the Freshwater Society. He was also featured in the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal’s “40 under 40” list of emerging business leaders.

What’s your dream job?

Caddying for Tiger Woods during the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines

Which job would you not want to have?

Anything involved with a U.S. Election recount

How do you spark creativity?

I force myself to think outside the category. Uncover what’s worked in other totally unrelated categories and see what learnings can apply.

If you could invite 4 people to dinner, who would it be?

The Dalai Lama, Ronald Reagan, Bill Gates, Maya Angelou

What would you serve?

Some form of hot dish casserole

What sound do you love?

Laughter, it sounds the same anywhere in the world

What was your first job?

Ad Manager for a technology startup in Boston

What did it teach you?

There were very few rules or structure in place. I learned quickly how to get very creative on a non-existent budget and to manage expectations for success.

What is the one thing you would be willing to practice for an hour a day?

Photography - I love the creative expression that comes from great composition and imagery. If I dedicated some time to it, I might actually get good at it.

Role model?

My dad started this company back in 1950 based on principles of integrity, strong business ethics, and collaborative client relationships. While our business model has evolved, his unwavering commitment to those principles still inspires and guides my approach to business.

What’s the best advice you ever got?

Hire people that are smarter than yourself.

What’s the title of your autobiography?

Building on Success!