JMI

Just Marketing International (JMI), founded in 1995, carved a significant niche as a specialist motorsports marketing agency. The company was the brainchild of Zak Brown, a former professional racing driver who translated his on-track experience into the business and commercial side of motorsport. Recognizing an opportunity to help drivers and teams secure sponsorships, Brown established JMI, which grew to become a dominant force in the industry. His deep understanding of the sport, combined with a keen business sense, allowed JMI to attract major global brands to motorsports.

JMI operated as a full-service, independent agency, providing customized marketing solutions for premier corporations, leagues, teams, and athletes worldwide. The firm's business model centered on creating strategic, motorsports-focused marketing programs that acted as a key differentiator for its clients. This involved services like strategic consultancy, research, and evaluation to deliver tailored sponsorship packages. JMI managed substantial annual investments in motorsports, with a client roster that included prominent names like UPS, LG, SUBWAY® Restaurants, Johnnie Walker, and Verizon. The company facilitated major sponsorship deals across the world's leading racing series, including Formula One, NASCAR, IndyCar, and MotoGP. A landmark achievement was brokering Crown Royal's NASCAR sponsorship in 2005, the first deal involving a spirit brand in over 40 years after the sport lifted its ban.

A significant milestone in the company's history occurred in October 2013, when it was acquired by Chime Communications Limited for $76 million and integrated into its sports marketing division, CSM Sport & Entertainment. This acquisition was a strategic move for both entities; it gave CSM a crucial entry into the U.S. market and the world of motorsports, while JMI gained access to Chime's extensive global advertising network. Following the acquisition, Zak Brown remained as CEO of JMI and also took on a global business development role at CSM before eventually moving to McLaren Racing in 2016. Headquartered in the Indianapolis area, JMI also expanded its global footprint with offices in London and Hong Kong.

Keywords: motorsports marketing, sponsorship agency, Zak Brown, Formula One sponsorship, NASCAR sponsorship, IndyCar marketing, corporate sponsorship, sports marketing, brand partnerships, JMI, Just Marketing International, Chime Communications, CSM Sport & Entertainment, motorsports advertising, athlete representation, racing series marketing, sports business, sponsorship activation, global sports marketing, brand experience