Dave Gee is co-founder and creative director at Jam, a creative-led marketing communications agency in Manchester.
Since launching the business in 2006 alongside co-founder Jamie Gee, the agency recently celebrated 18 years of ‘Jammin’ with a client portfolio that currently includes Raisin UK, Manchester Pride, Constance Hotels & Resorts, Dematic, and Perfect Pet Insurance.
At the end of 2024, the co-founders revealed they were stepping back from day-to-day operations to focus on high-level growth initiatives, thanks to a new strategic senior leadership team.
From job challenges to big inspirations, Dave Gee shares his career journey so far along with some savvy words of advice…
How did you first get into your industry?
I was selected from my end-of-year college show for a two-week internship at an advertising agency in Manchester. That opportunity kick-started my career.
What do you love about your job?
I love problem-solving, the variety of projects, and the chance to work with incredible brands and people. I also enjoy the challenge of working under pressure and finding solutions when the clock is ticking.
Who – or what – has inspired you in your career?
My stepdad was a huge inspiration. He was a sign writer and could freehand paint typefaces with such precision it was mesmerising. As a kid, I’d tag along on his jobs, watching him transform shopfronts around Cheetham Hill, Ancoats, and the city centre. He’d proudly point out his work when we drove past: “That one’s mine.” I’ll never forget when he showed me a sign he’d made for George Best’s boutique — at the time, that was the pinnacle of cool.
Inspired, I gave sign writing a go. It turned out I had a knack for art, and it came naturally. My stepdad gave me a box of Letraset transfers, which became my gateway to typography. I’d spend hours aligning letters, unknowingly developing an eye for detail that would shape my future career. Even now, I can happily geek out over fonts, spacing, and weights.
What are the biggest challenges about your job?
Time and availability. Running an integrated agency means we wear a lot of hats, so prioritising tasks is crucial. I’m often “IT-Dave” or “fixer-Dave,” tackling everything from brand strategy workshops and creative shoots to fixing broken equipment, handling office maintenance, or sitting in finance and board meetings. No two days are the same, which is both a challenge and a thrill.
What skills have been the most crucial to you succeeding in your career so far?
Resilience, creative thinking, and staying calm. Building a career — or a business — isn’t straightforward. There are plenty of highs and lows, unexpected obstacles, and moments when you feel like you’re swimming upstream. Keeping a level head and pushing through is essential.
What was your first salary and what could someone getting into the industry expect to earn nowadays?
My first salary was £7,000, and I was thrilled with it. Just securing a job in the late ‘90s was a massive achievement, so the pay was the icing on the cake.
These days, there’s a lot of pressure and expectation around starting salaries. At Jam, we have a small but highly skilled team, so salaries depend on the role, expertise, and the individual’s passion and drive.
What education or training would be most useful for someone looking to follow your career path?
If I could go back, I’d focus more on the commercial side of running projects and a business. When we started Jam, we had no clients, no contacts, and no real business experience — we became accidental MDs overnight. While we’ve learned a lot along the way, understanding the financial and operational side of things earlier would’ve been invaluable.
What advice would you have for someone looking to follow your path?
Don’t rush to climb the career ladder — take the time to fully understand your role and the roles of those around you. A solid understanding of the bigger picture will help you influence positive outcomes. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help, and above all, be genuinely nice to everyone you meet. It goes a long way in any industry.
