John Bagwell: A Seasoned Professional
I have over 50 years of experience in advertising, public relations, and marketing. My career has spanned multiple roles—from broadcasting to entrepreneurship—and my contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry. A Vietnam veteran and accomplished direct response marketer, I am also a dedicated public speaker and educator, actively involved in the marketing community and Veterans Affairs.
John Bagwell Biography
Early Career and Military Service
I began my career in 1965 at KUVY, the student radio station at the University of Oklahoma. Shortly thereafter, I worked as a news stringer for KOMA Radio in Oklahoma City, a renowned 50,000-watt Top 40 powerhouse. In 1966, I joined 
the United States Army, where I had the opportunity to serve with American Forces Radio in Vietnam and Italy. My time in Vietnam is a cherished chapter of his life—one I fondly recall alongside his admiration for films like Good Morning, Vietnam. While serving, I was wounded during my deployment and was honored with the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star with a V device. My experiences during this turbulent period have also been featured in literature, including a chapter in Mike Larson’s book Heroes: A Day in the Life of the First Air Cavalry Division.
Here, you can find more details of John Bagwell’s Vietnam experience and listen to a recording of one of my shows.
Transition to Civilian Life and Rise in Broadcasting
After my honorable discharge in 1969, I swiftly transitioned to civilian life. I joined KERA-TV, the Dallas public television station, and honed my sales skills by selling newspaper advertising for The Grand Prairie Daily News. I returned to broadcasting soon and continued with roles at several radio stations in Odessa, Texas—including KRIG, KQIP, and KOZA—where I became a disc jockey and sold radio advertising.
Here, you can find more details of John Bagwell’s KOZA experience and listen to a recording of one of my shows.
Entrepreneurship and Marketing Excellence
One of my clients, impressed by the creative advertising scripts I wrote for them, encouraged me to launch an advertising agency. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in my career. After a few prosperous years in Odessa, I returned to my hometown of Ardmore, Oklahoma, where I worked for KVSO Radio in sales and on-air roles. Not long after, I founded another advertising agency in Ardmore, setting the stage for a flourishing entrepreneurial journey.
In 1980, I moved the business to Dallas, Texas. Today, Bagwell Marketing operates as a full-service marketing company, while Bagwell Promotions provides a comprehensive range of promotional products. Over the years, I have managed a team of creative and strategic professionals, overseeing account services, new business development, marketing plans, advertising production, and media planning and buying. One of our agency’s notable achievements includes managing a national retail account that grew from a modest $100,000 budget and seven stores to a $15 million budget supporting over 500 stores in just six and a half years.
I also developed an in-depth knowledge of the promotional products industry, successfully managing trade show projects and booths for a diverse clientele, including retail, banking, and business-to-business sectors. My marketing acumen was further honed through my role as Marketing Director for a banking services company, where I gained valuable experience in direct response marketing, electronic funds processing, and retail promotions.
Public Speaking and Educational Contributions
Beyond my entrepreneurial endeavors, I have become a public speaker and educator. I frequently present at seminars and events, sharing my extensive knowledge of advertising and marketing strategies. The talks are enriched with personal anecdotes from his broadcasting days, military service, and years in the advertising industry, offering audiences insights into resilience, innovation, and effective marketing practices.
Here, you can find more details of John Bagwell’s speaking experience.
I have also made significant contributions to education. I taught marketing, advertising, accounting, and general business courses at institutions such as Murray State College in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, and Richland College in Dallas, Texas. My commitment to nurturing future professionals is evident in the seminars and workshops I lead for various organizations.
Educational Background and Professional Affiliations
My formal education laid a strong foundation for my career:
Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing and Business Administration – Southeastern University, Durant, Oklahoma
Associate Degree in Radio and Television – Odessa College, Odessa, Texas
Additional training in sales, including the Sandler System
I have held leadership roles in several professional organizations, including:
Dallas Fort Worth Search Engine Marketing (Past Board Member)
Promotional Products Southwest (Current Board Member)
Public Relations Society DFW
Bank Marketing Association Dallas Chapter (Past President)
Business Marketing Association
American Marketing Association
Direct Mail Association (DFW)
Dallas Ad League
Personal Life
I reside in Dallas, Texas, with my wife, Rosemary, and our two sons. I am actively involved in his community through the Country Fellowship Church. He remains a proud member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, among other veteran organizations.
My Business Website Bagwell Promotions