ADPR Alum Reflects on the Importance of Collaboration and Curiosity in the Workspace
Mark Bellissimo has helped provide Spartans with a space to collaborate and practice skills vital in a competitive job market, all while creating a pipeline for future talent
By: Jenna Koch
Mark Bellissimo is the CEO of the JRT agency, a Michigan-based company that creates comprehensive marketing programs for B2B and B2C companies. He is a proud Spartan who dedicates his time to being a member of the College of Communication Arts and Science’s Alumni Board, which supports the development of future professionals.
Bellissimo graduated from MSU with an advertising degree and quickly used the skills he learned. His classes and early career experiences gave him valuable insight into the importance of collaboration in agency work.
“It was a passion for it and a progressive interest as the classes got more focused on the actual business itself and creating a great team to excel because none of us can do any parts of the business ourselves. That was true then, and it’s maybe truer even today. That collaboration is so important,” said Bellissimo.
Today, as the CEO of JRT, he is committed to collaborating, fostering new talent and leading the company as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. Through his role at JRT, Bellissimo has continued to give back to his alma mater. His position on the Alumni Board allows him to connect with students and offer valuable advice. His support of students has only grown through 42pointSEVEN.
The student-run agency allows current MSU students to gain real-world experience by working at an integrated marketing communications agency. After seeing the agency’s initial space — a cinder block room in the ComArts Building — Bellissimo said he knew he and JRT had the resources to help transform it into a robust collaborative office.
“When I looked at that space, I thought, this could be nice, but it just needs a total redo. And I didn’t hesitate,” Bellissimo said, “I thought we could help you do this. It seemed the right thing to do for the school and the students to have a proper environment.”
His investment in 42pointSEVEN has already yielded significant results: JRT hired a 42pointSEVEN alum who has quickly proven themselves to be a valuable team member.
“When we need talent, MSU is the first place we look,” Bellissimo said.
Bellissimo’s dedication to the university is evident in his commitment to collaboration and providing advice for current students. While he can’t hire every Spartan at JRT, he offers critical insights to those in the job market after graduation.
“If you’re prepared, do a little research and you understand a role…you can get to some of the right people, and you can make a great impression,” Bellissimo said.
Bellissimo said he believes that marketing requires more than technical skills — it requires curiosity, collaboration and a passion for problem-solving.
To learn more about the JRT agency and Bellissimo’s work, visit https://www.thejrtagency.com.