Charlie Calise

Charlie Calise is a 40-year veteran of the advertising industry and serves as the strategic compass behind Imaginuity. As Chairman, he influences the firm’s strategic direction, inspires the culture, and ensures the company has the financial and human assets required to realize its long-term goals.

“A data-driven future still depends on something timeless: meaningful relationships that turn insights into results.” – Charlie Calise

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

Early Pedigree
After earning a B.S. in Advertising from Florida State University, Charlie began his career as a Media Planner at Ted Bates (later Saatchi), working on Coca-Cola USA. He then joined Publicis in Dallas, where he stewarded consumer brands such as Sara Lee, Coppertone, and Nestlé.

Entrepreneur
In 1991, Charlie began his entrepreneurial journey as a partner in Gleason Calise, which quickly became a top 10 Dallas agency and laid the groundwork for Calise Partners in 2001. Today, Calise Partners is part of an enterprise of more than 14 companies—including a family office—with operations spanning marketing and digital services, data management platforms, real estate, alternative investments, and oil and gas interests. The enterprise delivers innovation across diverse industries.

Data-Driven Evolution
Recognizing the power of data before it became mainstream in agencies, Calise Partners acquired digital agency Imaginuity in 2019, uniting Calise Partners’ media capabilities and AdScience® data platform with Imaginuity’s technology, UX, and web development expertise. The combined offering manages the customer journey from offline to online to conversion—on any device.

High-growth leadership
Under Calise’s guidance, Imaginuity posted 127 percent three-year revenue growth, earned back-to-back placements on the Inc. 5000, landed at No. 16 on the Dallas 100™ fastest-growing companies list, and was named the second-largest advertising and marketing firm in Dallas by Dallas Business Journal—validation of the performance-marketing model he championed.

RECOGNITIONS & SERVICE

Sheila Dolezal Humanitarian Award, AIDS Services of Dallas (2018), for a decade of pro bono support
Seminole 100 Honoree, Florida State University (2020), recognizing top alumnus-led businesses
Board Member, AIDS Services of Dallas, championing housing and healthcare for individuals living with HIV/AIDS
Board Member, Ascentis, a registered investment advisory firm with over $3 billion under management

LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY

Charlie believes in leading by example. A follower of Simon Sinek, he aligns with the philosophy:

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.” He adds, “I won’t ask my team to do something I’m not willing to do myself.”

He is most inspired when “young, insanely smart colleagues walk into a client meeting armed with data and drop the mic”—a scene he happily witnesses daily.

LIFE OUTSIDE THE OFFICE

Grandchildren are about the only thing that will make Charlie slow down. He considers his close relationships with his adult children and grandchildren his greatest accomplishment. He is quick to credit his wife, Lana, for helping make his dreams come true.

ADVICE FOR EMERGING LEADERS

“Work hard, stay curious, and be intentional about the company you keep.”