David Schwab understands the power of a celebrity; he spent 10 years marketing, selling and publicizing them. In 2005, recognizing a shortcoming in the marketplace, he created Octagon First Call, the firm’s celebrity acquisition and engagement division. The goal was simple – help brands, their agencies and nonprofit associations use celebrities effectively in marketing initiatives. He is passionate about the work and his team. He is regularly asked to give insight at marketing conferences and to the media.

Recently, David has been featured in Advertising Age, the Wall Street Journal and USA Today. Prior to joining Octagon in 1999, he spent a number of years at the public relations and promotions agency Brotman Winter Fried Communications. You can follow David’s daily thinking on twitter (@david_schwab) or via his blog, www.celebrityacquisition.com.