In Episode 16 of The Showroom, we sat down with Brad Mackey, the creative director of Roadmaster Marketing. With 18 years of experience, Brad has shaped the marketing strategy of McGrath Family of Dealerships. His journey to the top followed a path fueled by passion, hard work, and a drive to never settle.
From Farm Life to Creative Director
Brad grew up on a farm in Ely, Iowa, where he learned the value of hard work early on. Whether baling hay for a new pair of sneakers or helping in the hog house, he developed a strong work ethic. That dedication carried into his career.
His passion for design and creativity started as a child. After a brief time at Kirkwood Community College, he took a job detailing cars at McGrath. While working there, he sketched on his time cards. His drawings caught the attention of McGrath’s then HR Director Sharon Wagner. Recognizing his artistic talent, she encouraged him to apply for a marketing position. Brad seized the opportunity with then Internet Sales Manager, Cory Hosch, promising, “If you give me this opportunity, you won’t regret it.” He kept that promise.
Leading Roadmaster Marketing
Nearly two decades later, Brad co-leads Roadmaster Marketing with Cory Hosch. He oversees a team that manages creative production for McGrath’s ten automotive and motorsports stores. His work extends beyond the dealership group, as he also leads marketing efforts for several outside clients.
From web development and graphic design to TV and radio production, Brad continuously hones his skills. His goal is to tell McGrath’s story in an authentic and impactful way.
One of his biggest priorities? Building trust in the McGrath brand. “People choose to do business with companies they believe in,” Brad says. “We don’t need high-pressure strategies—we need to share our story and values.”
Passion for Family and Growth
Beyond his career, Brad dedicates himself to his family. Personal experiences, including his parents’ divorce, fueled his desire to build a stable and meaningful home life. He and his wife, Andrea, met through Brad’s mother, who worked with Andrea at another local dealership. They have been together for 18 years. Their path to parenthood had challenges, but the arrival of their daughter, Claire, transformed their lives.
“Becoming a dad completely changed me,” Brad shares. “It made me more sentimental, more connected, and more intentional about my relationships.”
The Future of Marketing and AI
As technology evolves, marketing does too. Brad leads the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT into SEO and digital advertising strategies. AI’s growing influence presents new opportunities, but Brad remains focused on maintaining authenticity in a digital landscape flooded with machine-generated content.
While AI is a game-changer, Brad believes the human element remains irreplaceable. “People don’t connect with algorithms—they connect with stories,” he emphasizes. “That’s what I’m here to do: tell real, meaningful stories.”
Final Thoughts
Brad Mackey’s journey reflects relentless curiosity, hard work, and a commitment to authenticity. From sketching on time cards to leading a powerhouse marketing team, his story proves that passion and perseverance can take you anywhere.
Want to hear the full conversation? Check out Episode 16 of The Showroom and get inspired by Brad’s incredible journey!