Doner’s Rob Strasberg Leaves Advertising to Help Run Nonprofit Humble Design

Ad industry trailblazer Rob Strasberg is leaving his post as Doner’s Global Creative Chairman to become co-CEO of nonprofit Humble Design Fueled by U-Haul.

Strasberg will share Humble Design oversight with his wife, Treger, who in 2009 co-founded the Detroit-based charity that restores dignity to families and veterans emerging from homelessness by providing donated furnishings and design services to transform empty residences into inviting homes.

Strasberg’s marketing prowess and visionary skills from 25 years of reshaping global brands will be utilised in Humble Design’s transition from a local organisation to a national operation. With the backing of U-Haul International, Humble Design will announce in January its initial phase of expansion as it opens branches in additional U.S. cities.

To learn how caring companies and passionate individuals can be part of the expansion, please visit uhaul.com/Humbledesign. Watch the recent profile on NBC’s Today to learn how Humble Design has already changed the lives of more than 700 Michigan families.

“In advertising, you sometimes get the feeling you can change the world; I’m just looking to do that full-time,” Rob Strasberg said. “What Humble Design has done in Detroit is a model we can replicate across America. U-Haul Company’s moving trucks, self-storage facilities, logistical expertise, financial support and dedication to philanthropy makes it our ideal partner. Together, we’re going to put a big dent in the universe on the side of good.”

Strasberg repackaged Doner into a fully integrated, socially modern agency with new accounts including Alfa Romeo, Amazon, Chrysler, Coca-Cola, Dodge, Fiat, JBL, Jeep, JC Penney and Netflix. At Doner, Strasberg held the titles of co-CEO and Chief Creative Officer until August when he was promoted to Global Creative Chairman. He co-owned Doner before selling to MDC Partners in 2011.

He is known for helping pioneer the modern era of digitally integrated advertising at Crispin, Porter & Bogusky, named Advertising Age’s Agency of the Decade after earning Agency of the Year honors in 2004 and ’08. Working on brands like IKEA, Miller Lite, Mini Cooper, Sprite, Truth and Volkswagen, Strasberg was named Top Ten Most Awarded Creative Directors in the World by Creativity Magazine in 2007.

“Adding Rob in this capacity makes Humble Design that much more capable of impacting the lives of people striving to escape homelessness and provide their families with the basic needs that a dignified home should have,” U-Haul Executive Vice President Stuart Shoen said. “His skill set will undoubtedly prove beneficial as Humble Design expands with U-Haul by its side.”

U-Haul and Humble Design formed a national partnership in August with the common goal of eradicating homelessness.

Results of the proven home transformation process are nothing shy of remarkable. Internal stats from the last three years show 1 percent of families that receive Humble Design’s help return to homelessness within 12 months. Up to 50 percent of families without that assistance revert back to homelessness in the same timeframe.

“From the beginning, Rob has helped shape the Humble Design brand, social presence and non-profit model,” Treger Strasberg said. “Having his vast experience and creative mind full-time will supercharge our national expansion efforts.

“The Strasberg family is now completely invested in helping other families. We will continue to bring our family values to this process, raising our two children and building this operation with open hearts. We are grateful U-Haul shares our desire to change lives. I’m very excited for what the future holds.”

U-Haul pledged in August that it will match every dollar donated to Humble Design up to $50,000.