Plymouth's John Wernz Wins 'Rising Stars' Award

John Wernz, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Wealth Enhancement Group—a Plymouth-based financial advisory firm, has been named a 2013 winner of the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation (DMEF) Rising Stars Award.

The DMEF annual award pays tribute to the most talented direct and interactive marketing professionals ages 40 and under. Winning candidates demonstrate superior leadership abilities, including a strong track record of outstanding results for their companies, and a stellar reputation for giving back through education and mentoring of future marketers. Winners have been selected from marketing leaders from such companies as Google, Orbitz, Wunderman and Citigroup.

At Wealth Enhancement Group, Wernz is responsible for oversight of the company’s core business and growth initiatives and sits on the management team. He is active in two non-profits: BestPrep.org, supporting financial education for youth, and the Minnesotans’ Military Appreciation Fund (MMAF.org). Wernz maintains an active internship program with local colleges, is a frequent guest lecturer at educational institutions and professional associations, is a regular author of articles about marketing and mentors area youth.

“The awards acknowledge a whole new level of achievement among young professionals in our field,” said Craig Wood, chair of DMEF, whose mission it is to educate, develop, grow and employ college students in marketing, and expand and enrich the talent pool of trained, market-ready marketers. ”To be named a Rising Star requires outstanding business success combined with extraordinary achievements in supporting and nurturing new generations in the field through education, mentoring and great generosity. These qualities set the winners apart from their peers.”

“I’m honored to be recognized and I look forward to continuing to share my knowledge and passion for this industry to students who choose this field,” said Wernz, who will accept the award from DMEF in June in New York City.  

Wernz also recently received national recognition for his advancements in the industry from Direct Marketing News, which honored him with its 40 Under 40 award.  

About Direct Marketing Educational Foundation (DMEF)

Headquartered in New York City and established in 1966 by members of the Direct Marketing Association, the Direct Marketing Educational Foundation (DMEF) today is a separate, 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that is supported solely by tax-deductible contributions from individuals and companies. Tax-deductible contributions are the lifeblood of the DMEF; funds raised support a broad range of world-class educational programs and scholarships.

 

For additional information about the DMEF, its mission, and its programs, visit www.directworks.org.