April 21, 2010
PRINCE FREDERICK, Md.-- DirectMail.com (www.DirectMail.com),
a leading provider of integrated direct marketing solutions, today announced a milestone in the firm's history: the 40th anniversary
of both its founding and continuous family ownership. DirectMail.com will celebrate these achievements
with several employee-focused events later this year.
Placing staff at the center of celebrations reflects a company culture where employees are seen
as central to the firm's success and longevity. Notably, 52% of employees have been on staff for five
or more years, with 14 years the average. DirectMail.com's hiring policies are inclusive, and the firm
has been repeatedly recognized for its leadership role in employing individuals with disabilities.
DirectMail.com is celebrating yet another achievement this year: surpassing the 6 billion mark
in direct marketing pieces mailed.
The late John Swain and Joseph Salta began the firm in a Falls Church, Va. warehouse in 1970,
under the name Direct Mail Management. Swain had previously founded another organization, List
Management and Marketing. As customer requirements began to grow, the pair started aligned
organizations to meet these needs, including Jensen Press, Direct Mail Lithographers, All
American List Corporation, Response Development Corporation and Response Data Services. They
eventually moved operations to Prince Frederick, Md. and consolidated the various organizations
under the DM Group name.
Sons Kirk Swain and Bob Salta manage the company today. In 2006, they launched a new business
model and changed the firm's name to DirectMail.com to acknowledge the central role of the
Internet to their new business plan. Their leadership has grown the company from 30 employees
to over 250 and increased revenue by nearly 400% to $35 million annually.
The firm is responsible for numerous industry "firsts," including sweepstakes campaigns,
plastic membership cards, matching check programs and use of name labels as premiums. It was
among the first to incorporate multiple personalization points in computer-generated letters;
use software to identify recipient gender; and gatefold 14-inch forms to enhance donor
identification efforts. In 2006, the firm created a free national "Do Not Mail" list, leading
efforts to self-regulate the direct mail industry and reduce unwanted consumer mail.
DirectMail.com's most recent innovation, with GeoSoftWorks, LLC, is GeoSelector, a patented
technology generating user-specified information from a map.
The firm prides itself on community involvement, being a major benefactor of Calvert
Memorial Hospital and charitable organizations.
"Through three generations we have remained true to our core principles of innovation, quality
and unparalleled customer service," says Bob Salta, principal and second-generation owner.
"Reaching this milestone is a tribute to these values, loyal customers and valued employees."
Kirk Swain, second-generation owner and principal, adds, "I know my father would be proud
of the success achieved by the company he and Joe Salta formed. Our future is bright, fueled
by some exciting new business strategies and a third generation of Saltas and Swains who possess
the talent necessary to take this firm to even higher heights."
About DirectMail.com:
DirectMail.com, headquartered in Prince Frederick, Md., is a leading provider of integrated
direct marketing solutions. For over 40 years, DirectMail.com's unique Identify...Target...Contact...
Acquire...Engage...Retain approach has maximized ROI for nonprofits and businesses nationwide.
GeoSelector, a patented data analysis and market intelligence product, promotes intelligent connections
with prospects and customers across multiple channels for increased response. DirectMail.com's
full range of services includes state-of-the-art in-house production capabilities with capacity
for up to 3 million pieces per day by a staff of over 250 direct marketing professionals. For more
information about DirectMail.com, please visit our Web site at
www.DirectMail.com or call 1-888-690-2252.
Press Contact:
DPR Group, Inc.
Jeanne Zepp, 240-686-1000
JZepp@dprgroup.com
or
Company Contact:
DirectMail.com
Shawn R. Salta, 443-295-1088
SSalta@directmail.com
