International Strategic Marketing was created in May 1990 in Valencia, California as promotion company. Twelve days later, an agreement was reached with JVC Company of America to sponsor the Crosby, Stills and Nash “Live it Up” tour.  This began a relationship with JVC that lasted until 2012, created the JVC Rocks program, built promotional support for JVC Jazz and support for the launch and marketing of a full range of home, mobile and professional products.

ISM’s relationship with the entertainment industry grew with associations with top managers, record companies, artists and promoters.  Over the 1990 to 2012 period, ISM implemented the sponsorship, marketing and promotion for over 180 tours representing every genre of music – rock, jazz, country, rhythm & blues and rap and hip-hip.

Radio became an important tool, not only for the support of music tour dates but for the launch of new products in consumer electronics from brands like JVC, Sony, Samsung, KLH to music instrument companies to financial services and hospitality brands such as the St. Regis Monarch Beach.

Given the background of the owner, John C. Anderson, it was a natural transition for the company to move more into strategic consulting and implementation for major brands like Plastic Cash International, Samsung, Vidiom, Robb Report, RMS Media Group, Novo Sano and Digital Shouting Solutions.  Our role has included the preparation of business plans, assisting with funding as well as incubating companies using the resources of the agencies.

A major part of this transition was also becoming a leader in digital platforms – online, social media, video – to build value and traffic for our clients.