Trophy Room

Forty Under 40

STRATEGIC President Peter Stern was honored as one of the country’s most influential people in sports under 40 years old. Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal credited Peter’s savvy marketing skills for taking STRATEGIC from a modest start-up to “one of the most highly respected agencies in sports business.”

Alan McKirby, director of marketing for GlaxoSmithKline, which has been a STRATEGIC client since the company was founded, said Stern’s straightforward and honest approach differentiates his agency from most.

“STRATEGIC stands out because of the reputation Peter has,” McKirby said. “He doesn’t try to be overly slick with things and instead has a no-nonsense approach to the business.”

Professional Team Sponsorship Category

STRATEGIC helped strengthen the bond between Pittsburg Steelers fans and Rolling Rock Beer by launching promotional cans that featured longtime Steelers Broadcaster Myron Cope. The unique and identifiable cans were an instant hit! Rolling Rock rolled right off shelves across Western Pennsylvania and stores had a tough time meeting consumer demand. Buzz from the local media and the fans’ unquenchable desire for these themed collectable cans further established Rolling Rock as a Pittsburg icon.

Coordinator of the 2005 Bill Veeck Award and Assoicate Professor of Marketing at St’ Louis University Brett Boyle said “Rolling Rock Beer and Pittsburgh Steelers football are synonymous. They really married the two brands together – if you’re a Steelers fan, you drink Rolling Rock Beer,” said Boyle.