Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals and encouraging youth to pursue their dreams through higher education, today announced that Jordan Zimmerman, Founder and Chairman, Zimmerman Advertising, has been selected for membership in the prestigious organization. Mr. Zimmerman joins eleven other accomplished business and civic leaders from acrossNorth America in receiving this honor in 2015. Since its establishment in 1947, the Horatio Alger Award is annually bestowed upon renowned leaders who have succeeded despite facing adversity, and who are committed to philanthropy and higher education.
The grandson of Russian immigrants, Mr. Zimmerman was born in Newark, New Jersey in 1956. Learning the value of hard work at a young age, he had his first job by age 8 when he sold greeting cards. As he grew older, he began delivering newspapers, starting with 62 homes. A true entrepreneur, he grew his customer base to more than 450 homes, which required him to begin his route at2:30 a.m. to complete all deliveries before school. Mr. Zimmerman attended the University of South Florida, where he majored in business and quickly developed a passion for advertising. While he was a student, he helped to develop the "Just Say No" slogan in a national competition for the National Institute on Drug Abuse – a slogan which Nancy Reagan used in her anti-drug message to youth. Following his graduation, he applied to ten advertising agencies but despite his love for the industry, he was rejected by every firm. Mr. Zimmerman's entrepreneurial spirit drove his next move. With $10,000, he rented an office in a strip mall and opened the Zimmerman Agency. Under his leadership, perseverance and creativity, Zimmerman Advertising is now the 14th largest agency in the world with billings in excess of $3 billion annually. It also boasts many high-profile global clients including AutoNation, Dunkin' Donuts, Michaels Craft Store and Nissan.
"Jordan Zimmerman has a story that Horatio Alger, Jr., himself would write," said Tony Novelly, president and CEO, Horatio Alger Association and 2000 Horatio Alger Award recipient. "He not only demonstrates the fundamental importance of believing in one's own vision, but more, Mr. Zimmerman's life story shows how determination, resourcefulness and ingenuity are an unstoppable combination in pursuit of the American Dream. We are pleased to welcome him as a lifetime Member, and we look forward to working with him to extend his philanthropic efforts to provide opportunities for deserving children across the nation."
Deeply committed to giving back, Mr. Zimmerman is particularly focused on supporting education. Through the Jordan Zimmerman Family Foundation, he generously supports the University of South Florida, where he contributed $10 million to establish the Zimmerman School of Advertising and Mass Communications, and where he also provides internships to students who wish to pursue careers in the field. Mr. Zimmerman is affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic Florida Campaign, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of Broward County, and more. He received the 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for the Corporate Innovator Category and the 2008 Entrepreneur Hall of Fame Award from the H. Wayne Huizenga School of Business and Entrepreneurship. In 2014, Mr. Zimmerman wrote a book titled "Leading Fearlessly," which discusses his philosophy on how to achieve success.
In accepting this honor, Mr. Zimmerman commented, "Growing up, I learned the value of hard work from my Russian grandparents and that work ethic has defined my life. Whether selling greeting cards or launching my own advertising agency, I simply never let anyone out work me. To be recognized by a renowned organization, such as Horatio Alger, for my perseverance, my work ethic, my professional success and my philanthropy is not only gratifying – it is immensely humbling. I look forward to supporting the Association's ongoing efforts to instill these important values in future generations."
In addition to presenting its annual award, Horatio Alger Association administers one of the largest, privately-funded scholarship programs for students in the United States and Canada. These students, like the Members, have faced significant adversities, but have persevered and are determined to overcome life's challenges. Scholarships are wholly funded through private donations from Members, Life Partners and friends, and since 1984, the Association has provided more than $100 million to promising students in need.
Mr. Zimmerman and the Member Class of 2015 will be officially welcomed into the organization during the 68th Annual Horatio AlgerAward Induction Ceremonies in Washington, D.C. April 9-11, 2015. In addition to recognizing these tremendous leaders, Horatio Alger Association will also honor its 2015 National Scholarship recipients, affording both groups the opportunity to meet and learn from one another.
For more information about Horatio Alger Association and a full list of its Class of 2015, please visit www.horatioalger.org.
About Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans:
Founded in 1947, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., fulfills its mission of honoring the achievements of outstanding individuals who have succeeded in spite of adversity and of encouraging young people to pursue their dreams through higher education. Horatio Alger Association supports students through annual undergraduate and graduate need-based scholarships and mentoring programs across the United States and Canada. Since 1984, the Association has awarded more than $100 million in college scholarships to deserving young people. For more information, please visit www.horatioalger.org.
