An interview with Robert Eckelman on Honoring his Mother… July 14, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
Robert Eckelman is a 59-year media veteran and digital native. He started his career in 1986 selling for Group W Cable, at that time there were three networks that allowed local advertising. CNN, ESPN, MTV and USA. In 1989 he began working for WFLA NBC Tampa, first selling as a local AE and then moving on to handle key accounts and the South Florida region. As he describes it, he had the difficult job of selling first-run episodes of Cheers, Seinfeld, Friends, and ER. In 1997 he sold the first integrated campaign on WFLA combining on air, online and in community events. He was convinced that digital was more than just a fad.
The powerful combination of a multimedia solutions served as the inspiration to start something new. In 1998 Robert joined a two-market financial radio program as Director of Sales and Syndication. Within one year Robert led the company to expand into 70 markets, a partnership with Yahoo Broadcast, a profitable fee-based website and multi-market financial seminars. In 2001 Robert joined 10News WTSP | CBS, as director of business development, later becoming the Local Sales Manager and in 2007 the Director of Sales. After 17 years with Gannett | Tegna Robert’s view on Broadcast TV, corporate life, mass media, and media consumption hit an inflection point, and he changed direction on a dime. He left WTSP | Tegna January 1st, 2019, but did not move far from his craft. By April 2018 Robert opened ConnectADtv where he combined the best of broadcast, digital, marketing, and boutique service. ConnectADtv works with advertising agencies to simplify and maximize the CTV | OTT opportunity. Robert is well versed in SEM, SEO, Digital Display | Video, Social, and E-mail marketing and of course CTV | OTT. He holds several certifications including Google, Trade Desk, CCL, GO, and more. As he says “we are in a demos plus world, it’s time to use data and technology to improve the impact, relevance, and engagement of advertising.
Please tell me a little about your background.
My Mother Paula Eckelman had Parkinson’s for over 20 years. Was diagnosed at 45 and studied by NIH Because she was diagnosed Young. She also was in 14 different trials & protocols.
Can you tell me more about your advocacy.
Due to events in my life, I have shifted my focus to raising money for Multiple sclerosis. My goal really is to help raise funds and awareness for any chronic and long-term ailment.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I clearly have a soft spot for anyone and any family dealing with Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s doesn’t affect just one person it affects the entire family. I watch my mother go from a healthy, active, career-oriented woman to needing Around the clock care and ultimately a wheelchair.
I never want to see anyone go through what I saw my mother go through. I will never stop supporting Parkinson’s that said I have other causes such as Multiple Sclerosis that I am active in at the current time.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
The goal is finding a cure. The short-term step is finding a medication that treats Parkinson’s long-term. I watch my mother on several different medications, and they all seem to wear off after years.
What effect can your advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s awareness?
Parkinson’s just like MS Is one of those diseases that really does not get a bunch of recognition. Michael J fox has done a great job at bringing more eyeballs and recognition to Parkinson’s. But the truth is It takes a lot of money and visuals to connect hearts and wallets. When it comes to the public in general, they see things like Wounded Warrior Project, First Responders, St Jude’s Cancer Hospital, and more as Good Causes to support. Parkinson’s needs to do more to create share of mind.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
More awareness and research.
What events do you participate in?
Currently I am only participating in multiple sclerosis events. That’s not to say I would not work in Parkinson’s events, but I do have a limited time and resources.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
My mother had two round the Clock caregivers. I’m not sure what this question means but people with Parkinson’s absolutely need care beyond spouse and family.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
reckelman@gmail.com www.forkums.com
https://www.youtube.com/@forkums
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
There is no real English translation. Roughly it means: SISU- succeeding against all odds, strength of will, determination, perseverance, and acting rationally in the face of adversity. It is described as tenacity of purpose, grit, bravery, resilience, and hardiness. it is how I live my life; it is how my mom lived hers.