James A. Moran has dedicated four decades to the advertising industry. Recognized as a Top Professional by Marquis Who’s Who, Moran maintains a strong passion for sales and marketing, a drive he cultivated during his studies at Louisiana State University (LSU). In 1984, he established the Moran Group. The agency’s success is attributed, in part, to a focus on building strong connections.
A Friendship Sparks a Bold Venture
After graduating in 1981, Moran’s initial role involved selling paper products for a large Atlanta-based Fortune 500 company. He found little enthusiasm for the product itself, noting its lesser importance to customers. This dissatisfaction led him back home, where he entered the oil field sales sector, working extensively across Texas and Oklahoma. However, his career took an unexpected turn when the oil field business experienced a downturn, resulting in a layoff. With limited alternatives, he returned to LSU for graduate studies, concentrating on marketing coursework.
Moran was on the verge of joining Merrill Lynch, having completed training and preparing to start the following week. Yet, a chance meeting with a college friend during a Buick commercial film shoot redirected his career path once more.
His friend’s father owned an advertising agency in New Orleans. Moran, an avid golfer, was recruited for the commercial. During the shoot, his friend had a disagreement with his father, prompting him to quit the agency. He then proposed to Moran, “Do you really want to be a stockbroker?” Within minutes, they decided to launch their own advertising agency.
A Growing Portfolio of Major Accounts
The Moran Group began by handling TV, radio, and print advertisements for car dealerships, alongside media buying. Over time, the agency expanded its reach into the healthcare, grocery, QSR (Quick Service Restaurant), and retail sectors. Its client roster now includes approximately 200 automotive accounts, in addition to hospitals and multi-location brands operating across several states.
In 2007, Moran made significant investments in digital products and services, anticipating a shift that many smaller agencies had yet to embrace. Digital work now constitutes roughly 75 percent of The Moran Group’s operations. The agency also supported the creation of in-house platforms designed to track customer identity and enhance client return on investment (ROI).
Key Moments That Set the Agency Apart
The agency has marked several significant achievements. One notable success involved winning a local Chevrolet association pitch, which featured a creative presentation by a 40-member female singing group performing live Chevy jingles. This innovative approach secured the contract and earned the agency front-page recognition in Ad Age.
Another pivotal moment occurred when Ochsner Health selected the local agency over various competitors. The Moran Group was among the few firms south of the Mason-Dixon Line under consideration. This partnership continues today, providing digital marketing coverage for Ochsner Health across a multi-state region.
Perhaps Moran’s most significant accomplishment is the management of regional advertising for the Gulf States Toyota distributorship for nearly two decades. This partnership covers Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi, involving a substantial budget.
A Family Approach to Business
The Moran Group currently employs almost 90 individuals, with plans for further expansion. Family members are integral to its structure, with 10 relatives, including Moran’s son, nieces, nephews, and brothers-in-law, working within the company. His father joined the agency at 58, following a long corporate career focused on talent and contract negotiations. Through his father’s influence, the business has cultivated a people-first culture and boasts a strong record of employee retention.
Looking ahead, Moran’s objectives remain consistent: to continuously enhance the agency’s services and compete nationally by attracting top talent. His success is attributed to a competitive spirit, a strong work ethic, and a dedication to ongoing learning and improvement. This has resulted in a four-decade career characterized by adaptability, enduring relationships, and an unwavering commitment to his profession.
