A Marketing Trailblazer

Frank Powers M’97

From a very young age, Frank Powers M’97, was always intrigued with the psychology of consumer behavior. Powers is fascinated by the idea that a marketer can influence the purchasing decisions of a target audience through the use of strategy and creative execution.

Powers is president of Dudnyk, an independently owned, award-winning healthcare and medical advertising agency, with offices in Philadelphia, San Diego and San Francisco. The agency has served clients in the biotech, medical device and pharmaceutical industries since 1993. In his role as president, Powers tries to evaluate a situation and then set the best plan in action, all the time planning on reaching a successful outcome. As president, he is also responsible for establishing and maintaining a corporate culture that values its employees. Since Dudnyk specializes in creativity, their most significant asset is their staff. “We strive to hire the most talented people, recognize and reward their contributions, and help them achieve their personal and professional goals,” stated Powers. This approach is certainly working, as The Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News named Dudynk one of the area’s top workplaces in 2012.

Powers received his Bachelor in Business and Finance from Mount St. Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Two years later, he decided to continue his education at Philadelphia University, where he earned an International Marketing MBA. “I was looking for a program that would provide me with a broader perspective of the world of business,” explained Powers. He selected PhilaU based on the excellent reputation of the International Marketing program.

A key component of Powers’ education at PhilaU was a trip he took to Europe with professors and classmates to study companies in greater depth. “This hands-on study allowed us to witness decision makers engaged in real-world marketing in their natural environments,” said Powers.

Powers takes pride in the awards Dudnyk has received in recent years. Last year, Powers was ranked #17 on the list of Top 100 Social Media Influencers in Pharmaceuticals. In 2011, the agency was named one of the Inc. 5000 fastest growing privately held companies. Dudynk was also named Agency of the Year by PM360, one of the industries most respected publications. “Being able to help physicians identify patients with orphan disease more quickly—and earn industry recognition for our efforts—is extremely rewarding,” noted Powers.

Powers fifinds it challenging to balance work and life. He spends the majority of his work hours focused on generating new business, which has him networking and making presentations around the country. Powers recharges by spending time with his daughter and with his cell phone and laptop turned off. He also dedicates time to charities and helping the community. For Powers, philanthropy is important. He serves on the Board of Directors at The Pathway School, a nonprofit private school in the greater Philadelphia area that helps with neurological impairments. He is also a team founder of the Revenue Committee for March of Dimes, the leading nonprofifit organization working to prevent premature birth.

Powers has no plans of slowing down—yet. “I’d like to write a book on the process of brand creation, earn a Ph.D. in some aspect of marketing, retire by the time I’m 50, and continue to mentor others by sharing my knowledge through teaching—maybe at PhilaU!,” exclaimed Powers.

His advice to students and current graduates is to continue thinking of yourself as a student. “Challenge yourself to never stop learning; continue to read and write about your ideas, as this is the best way to get smarter, faster.”