Known for his quirky marketing wisdoms, professor Blair Entenmann brings a different perspective to the classroom.
Entenmann, who graduated from Ferris in 1978 and has been teaching at Ferris since 2010, has more than 30 years of experience in sales and marketing, having developed Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and Breakfast with Barbie cereals for Ralston Purina. In 1994, Entenmann started his own marketing firm, MarketingHelp!
He treats his students like they are employees, priding himself on his “tough but fair” teaching style, but he is most commonly known for his “WISMs.” WISMs, also known as Wisdom in Sales and Marketing, are phrases he teaches students.
Entenmann’s favorite WISM is one that his dad told him: “Get the money up front, stay out of jail and get the money up front.” Others include, “Everything is negotiable,” “A happy wife is a happy life” and “Don’t worry, be happy, we can fix it.”
However, Entenmann is not only focused on marketing. Though that is where his passion lies, he also makes himself available to any students that need assistance, even if their concerns have no relation to marketing.
“If someone needs help, I give it to them,” Entenmann said. “I’ve had people ask for help with their resumes and once I had someone ask me to help him tie a tie. I’m here to help with more than just marketing.”
When he’s not working, the self-proclaimed Diet Coke addict loves to spend his time fishing and hanging out with his wife and dogs.
Entenmann is also a certified Santa Claus after attending Santa Claus University, where he learned what to do in different situations, like how you should hold a baby and what to do if a kid pees on the Santa suit. Entenmann is also a part of the Santa Claus Union.
“I love being Santa Claus,” Entenmann said. “I volunteer at hospitals and parades, and I’ve given lectures in the Santa suit. I have 32 nieces and nephews who I dress up for. I do it for the joy.”
Entenmann teaches Marketing 231, 321, 322 and 475.
“I’m living the dream,” Entenmann said.