Holy Smokes! We Got Us a Tiger by the Tail!
One of the men behind Exxon’s widely acclaimed “Put a Tiger in Your Tank!” advertising campaign, has joined the Huerfano Journal staff. Gary Rollins has an impressive background in marketing, tourism and economic development.
Rollins, an avid outdoorsman as well, is a member of the Texas Outdoor Writers Association, Professional Outdoor Media Association and U. S. Sportsmen′s Alliance. He will become the Journal’s Outdoors Editor and Marketing Consultant.
Rollins spent thirteen years with McCann-Erickson (Worldwide), a major advertising agency, developing account management relationships with well-known clients, including Exxon, Gillette, the Texas Tourist Development Agency and Pacific Northwest Bell. His duties included serving as speechwriter for Texas Governor John Connally, New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller, and New Mexico Governor David Cargo.
Rollins also functioned as Executive Director of the Southwest Conference Football Network for five years. While there, he led the expansion of Exxon’s sponsorship to include eight of the current Pac-12 universities.
He served as the primary corporate spokesperson for Dr. Pepper/Seven-Up Inc., including the establishment of the Dr. Pepper Big XII Football Championship Game in 1996.
An accomplished performer in the field of tourism and economic development, Rollins headed up efforts that yielded awards for the Best National, Best State, Region and City from Discover America Travel Organizations.
He developed and executed the international marketing plan and sold $12 million in sponsorships for Dennis Connor who won back the America’s Cup from Australia following this successful fundraising effort. He also managed and directed the activities of over 40 Texas Rangers and Houston Astros Baseball Radio and Television networks for five years.
He is a graduate of Texas A&M, served in the U.S. Army (Armor) and is a captain in the US Army Reserves.
