Everyday Champions Alumni Spotlight - Bryan Ingram
April 6, 2011
By Tyler Strand
Though his time behind home plate is over, Bryan Ingram still approaches his daily life with a catcher’s mindset.
A three-year letterman (1999-2001) for the Oregon State baseball team, Ingram employs the same leadership skills he sharpened at the tip of the diamond to all of his fascinating business ventures. His most recent home runs include building the entire digital infrastructure for one of the largest privately held independent advertising agencies in the country that service Fortune 500 companies, and an award winning philanthropic project that he co-directs to help children heal themselves with music.
“As a catcher you are the General on the field. From that perspective you need to be vigilant and conscious in every moment as everyone is pointed at you. I learned how to apply my intuitive awareness into a strategic framework. As I took command of the field, I established the tone that united everyone on the team,” said Ingram, a 2001 first team All-Pac 10 selection.
Ingram frequently serves as a guest lecturer at Hyper Island’s Master Class – a prestigious class of advanced professional training for executives and managers involved with digital media. At Davis Elen Advertising, Ingram's position as Vice President of DE Digital allows him the opportunity to pioneer the agency’s transition into the digital age of advertising, a radical change that vies to personalize the information that’s presented to the consumer in new and innovative ways.
“The advertising industry is built on a legacy of traditional channels when it comes to reaching consumers and the digital component allows us to create fully integrated campaigns which recent technology specifically has really opened up. With digital, we give brands new insights into consumer behavior. We are now extremely effective in terms of reaching specific audiences and giving them content in real time that’s relevant to their individual lives,” said Ingram.
The importance of identifying the consumer’s needs comes second nature to Ingram, who prided himself on gaining a strong grasp of the strengths, weaknesses and tendencies of each individual pitcher he caught for.
“One of the things I really loved about catching was learning how to bring out the best in each pitcher. I kept note of how they responded to a variety of complex situations. In this way I was able to find different triggers for each pitcher,” said Ingram.
Ingram gained a better understanding of himself – identifying his own needs and desires - when he sustained a shoulder injury in the Colorado Rockies’ farm system.
“When you’re injured you have to let go in some way. I had to release my mind from the situation and shift my mentality to focus on what I was in control of, which was my recovery. In the process of doing that I unlocked something much deeper…my heart wasn’t completely in it. It was a tough decision to make, but I knew there was so much more I wanted to accomplish and participate in,” said Ingram.
That "big picture approach" was just one of many lessons Ingram took away from Oregon State Baseball Head Coach Pat Casey.
“Pat always stressed that it’s not just about the baseball field. It’s about creating the balance between a warrior and a gentleman and learning to be well rounded in all aspects of life. The classroom was a big part of that self-discovery as well. Within the classroom you not only learn the discipline that is needed to fulfill your dreams – you’re given an opportunity to really expand your mind. Through that expansion of your mind and perspective, you’re able to see the difference between history and the future that we are all creating in each and every moment,” said Ingram.
A forward-thinker in multiple industries, Ingram’s scope and influence spans far and wide. The Everett, Wash. native lent his musical talents as a songwriter and composer to CBS, ABC and Fuel TV along with advertising campaigns for Adidas Originals and promotional spots for the CW Network's “One Tree Hill”, “Smallville” and “Supernatural.” Ingram also contributed his efforts as an executive producer for the theatrical documentary, “Isolated”, alongside actor/director Ryan Phillippe. One of Ingram's additional passions is Music 4 The Kids, an organization that uses music as an outlet for children with terminal illnesses to help them process their emotions.
“Music has always been a huge part of my life. It feels like there’s a musical and artistic element to every aspect of life. You can apply those principals to both business and athletics,” said Ingram, who started on piano at the age of four.
Regardless of the forum, one thing is certain; Ingram is only getting started in exploring the new infrastructures of the future.
“I have an insatiable curiosity and hunger for knowledge, which naturally lends itself into the digital space,” said Ingram. “Oregon State provided me a discipline to really facilitate that desire.”
Q & A with Bryan Ingram
Q: How did your education at Oregon State shape you for having success in multiple industries?
A: I have strong memories of some of my professors that I still bring up and specific lectures that have really shaped my perspective of the world.
Q: What are your primary responsibilities at Davis Elen Advertising and in leading the expansion of DE Digital?
A: I’ve helped facilitate the transformation of the agency to evolve and incorporate digital as part of an integrated strategy. We’re trying to reach consumers through advertising wherever they are. Part of my responsibility is to let people know within the agency what is coming in terms of the latest technology and how that translates into some sort of ROI (return on investment). Consumers now have all of the information. With that information they can start to make educated choices built on transparency and trust. The advertising – in terms of its effectiveness – needs to deliver what it promises.
Q: How did your previous work experience in advertising with Red Lever, Neoganda and Red Interactive prepare you for Davis Elen?
A: A lot of it comes down to the ability to make effective decisions in real time. The reality is that digital is constantly evolving – almost instantaneously in some ways. You have to be able to have your finger on the pulse for what’s happening in terms of relevancy, but also what’s happening on the ground within your organization and make sure that people feel empowered.
Q: Who was your greatest influence at Oregon State and why?
A: My baseball coaches Pat Casey and Dan Spencer were both pretty significant for me. Pat taught me that it’s not just about the baseball field – it’s so much more than that.
Q: What were the main differences between college baseball and the pro system?
A: College baseball is a little bit of a sprint and the pro system is more of a marathon. You have to learn how to shift your mindset. In college, you’re playing on the weekends and have downtime to prepare mentally and physically. It’s the complete opposite with the professional world where you’re playing everyday and traveling constantly.
Q: How difficult was it initially when your shoulder injury halted your baseball career?
A: A collision at the plate set me on a new path. I had surgery in the off-season and played a short stint, but something inside never felt the same. One of my coaches felt I had the potential to make it to the big leagues but ultimately I had to explore my other passions.
Q: What kind of role does music play in your life and when did you take an interest in it?
A: I started playing piano when I was four. It’s always been a big part of my family. Early on I discovered jazz and it really opened me up to a totally free and boundless movement. Working with the kids has really expanded my worldview and helped me to understand compassion and life purpose in a deeply rewarding way. I wake up each morning singing to my baby daughter and being thankful for every opportunity that lies ahead.
Support Oregon State University Athletics by making your tax deductible donation to the Beaver Athletic Student Fund. For more information follow this link or call 541-737-2370. Former Student-Athletes are invited to join the Varsity O Facebook Page for upcoming Alumni events.
Follow Oregon State Athletics On YouTube.
