Mark “Dill” Driscoll, Founder
ignition
An internationally recognized visionary whose unconventional marketing perspectives are fueled by his “passions of the heart,” Dill's entrepreneurial spirit has spawned at least eight companies in a career bridging decades. Founder of industry breakthrough outfits such as World Sports Promotions, McCann Event Marketing and Momentum, Dill today is the driving creative force behind McWhorter Driscoll LLC, the holding company for ignition, Inc. True to his all-encompassing marketing mantra, “bring brands to life in the streets, everyday, everywhere,” Dill and his teams have traveled the globe to deliver original solutions for activating some of the biggest brands on Earth. He is a Baker Scholar who has taught high school economics, coached student-athletes and owned and operated retail outlets. These experiences have helped foster Dill's personal mission to create opportunities for young people around the world and, so far, tens of thousands of aspiring teens and young adults have benefited from his numerous talents and wisdom. His can-do attitude, innovative ideas and contributions, and exemplary leadership already have secured this brand-building pioneer a place in marketing history.
Beginning in Lake Placid, New York, Dill's first venture was in retail with Equipe Sport – a one-of-a-kind sporting goods store – where he created the world's first indoor track for customers to experience in real conditions the new Nike Waffle shoes. Dill's intuitive sense of building brand relationships with consumers had begun its journey.
World Sports Promotions kick-started his profitable marketing path, taking Busch Beer and the Mountains to the people by building ski ramps throughout the US, including summer events in Florida and later abroad. McCann Erickson later acquired World Sports which became McCann Event Marketing. After five years of the “corporate” life, Dill became restless to put his visions into action again. Thus was born Momentum, which now is also owned by McCann Erickson.
Dill has worked in more than 60 countries on five continents training aspiring young people on experiential marketing, and on life. His personal mission to make a positive difference in people’s lives and his belief in the “power of human interaction” serve as the cornerstones for the successful programs that emanate from his on-going leadership. Dill’s combination of can-do attitude and ground-breaking innovative thinking, and his focus on passion and heritage, are the foundation upon which his companies continue to build lasting relationships for client brands.
