Michael J. Gerfen, B.B.A.'87

Department of Marketing - Hall of Fame Award

After earning a B.B.A. from WMU, Mike Gerfen joined Biggs|Gilmore in 1987 as an account executive and has been instrumental in the creative agency’s development and growth. In the 1990s, Mike helped form and lead the agency’s health care group, working with clients such as Upjohn, Pharmacia and Pfizer.

In 2000, Gerfen purchased the agency with partner Jane Tamraz. Since that time, the agency has evolved into one of the leading consumer digital marketing agencies in the country, with nearly 150 employees and offices in Kalamazoo and Chicago. Key clients include Kellogg, Heinz and Kimberly-Clark.

Biggs|Gilmore has been recognized as one of the best by some of the industry’s leading organizations. In 2010, Advertising Age named the company the Small Agency of the Year (75-150 employees). The Web Marketing Association’s WebAwards recognized the firm as being among the top five agencies in 2006 to 2011, awarding Biggs|Gilmore the Top Agency Award in 2007 and 2011. The Internet Advertising Competition named the firm the Top Agency for three years running (2009-2011). The SAMMY Awards (social advertising, media and marketing) honored Biggs|Gilmore as the Top Agency in 2010, and named it among the top three agencies in 2011. In 2012, Inc. Magazine named Biggs|Gilmore to its list of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S.

Gerfen has served on boards and advisory committees for many community organizations, including the Haworth College of Business, the WMU Food and CPG Marketing program, Leadership Kalamazoo, Residential Opportunities, Inc. and the American Red Cross.