About RAI Media
Learn about RAI Media History, Our Founders, Our Companies, & Our Management
Full-Service Digital Advertising Firm
At RAI Media Inc, our primary goal is to fulfill the marketing needs of any business, regardless of size. We provide a full range of digital advertising services to accommodate your company’s budget, product or service. and growth goals. Our digital team will work with your creative staff to determine the most optimal ad campaign, budget, and delivery for your company. We guarantee our products and services will help our clients increase their interaction and engagement with their target audience.
It all started in 1963
Our History
1962
In 1962, a young “Yellow Pages” salesman from the Northside of Chicago took his sales skills and moved to the radio industry. Robert Berman had a passion to own his own radio station, so he went to work for a local radio station manager in Chicago and got his start selling advertising for WYNR. The station attracted many big personalities, so it was an easy transition for him. Bob also learned that he could sell more business over the telephone then he could going door to door.
1963
Then in the summer of 1963, Bob opened a small media company called “Robert’s Advertising” and rented a small second floor office. It quickly became clear that there was a large demand for good salespeople in the radio industry and many local stations simply did not have the money or personnel to have their own sales team.
1983
As technology developed in the early 70’s, Robert’s Advertising purchased its first national telemarking sales office in Chicago. In 1983, Roberts Advertising consolidated several of its companies and became Radio Advertising Inc. Today, many in the industry have credited Bob as a pioneer for introducing telemarketing to the broadcast media industry.
2020
As technology and the internet developed, so did RAI. In 2020, RAI Media was formed to meet the demands of Digital Marketing. Digital Advertising is now a vast media industry that literally reaches every corner of the planet. If your business is not using digital media today, you are missing a big opportunity. Every traditional form of media has some sort of digital partner. If you need information about getting into digital marketing, let RAI Media assist you. We have an experienced staff waited to learn more about your business. We will make it easy for you.
Company Founders
Robert Berman started RAI in 1963 and served as Chairman until the age of 84. Bob was passionate about business and continued working actively until 2 months before his passing in early January of 2016. Bob was an ambassador, mentor, and friend to all.
Bob enjoyed time with his family and friends, but truly enjoyed spending time (mostly napping) with his grandchildren. Bob loved the outdoors, boating, fishing, photography, and had a passion for collecting fine timepieces & watches. Bob also loved to travel and travel the world he did. It was finally discovered that he had an unknown (yet very impressive) collection of First-Class cabins dopp kits in his possession when he passed away going back several decades.
For much of Bob’s carrier, William (Bill) Gallant was Bob’s Executive GM for 35-years and help run Radio Advertising. Bill was an intricate part of RAI and help shape RAI into the company it is today. Many of Bills contributions remain with the company today. Bill worked for Radio Advertising until his retirement at the age of 80.
Our Companies
Since 1963, we have provided media services to businesses throughout the United States starting in the Radio industry. Today, RAI has expanded its operations to include Digital Advertising, Email Marketing, Social Media, and we continue to provide Community Awareness Campaigns (PSA) which has been the cornerstone of our business. Additional services also include Database Management Software and our Creative Graphic & Video production team.
We know what marketing strategies work to help your business grow!
RAI Media Inc.
Digital Marketing is the best way to target new customers in your specific marketplace on the internet. Digital Marketing lets you find customers in the very large space (the internet), in a very systematic and efficient manner. RAI uses the latest Programmatic A.I. technology to target geographically, demographically, or contextually to reach potential customers in your specific marketplace, and not waste advertising dollars in areas where it’s not needed. Our experienced digital team wants to learn about your business and will help determine the right options for your business.
RAI Media will help grow your business.
Databasebuilder.com
Databasebuilder.com is our sales software designed by our very own sales team. We like to say, “It’s sales software designed by salespeople”, not software developers. Our CRM software is simple to use and we don’t charge for features you will never use. We designed our contact management platform to be user friendly and flexible enough for one database or multiple databases. Whatever project you have, Databasebuilder.com can be customize for your specific needs. Click here for a free trial.
Radio Advertising Inc.
Broadcast Media is where we got our start back in 1963. Today, radio still remains popular and a cost-effective way to get a message out to wide audience in a local area. Targeting is limited to the content that is being broadcast, but the benefit is that it can reach an audience that can’t always be on a computer device.
RAI represents over 750 analog and digital radio stations around the country. Public Service Announcements remain our most popular marketing format used by customers to showcase their community involvement. With dozens of campaigns options to choose from, PSA's are a great way to let customers know that your business supports the community. It keeps your good name and your brand in the community.
Click here to view are PSA campaigns.
Meet Our Management Team
Ed brings more than 25+ years of marketing experience to RAI in both traditional and digital advertising. He spent the last 16 years at State Farm Insurance in Bloomington, IL as Head of Brand Marketing. Prior to that, Ed worked on the agency side with clients like Bud Light, Energizer, Yoplait and Wilson Sporting Goods. He has created partnerships with ESPN, MLB, League of Legends, the NBA, and Disney. RAI is lucky to have Ed on our team and our clients now have access to the same high powered marketing strategies that were once reserved for larger companies with lofty advertising budgets.
Mike started with Radio Advertising more than 30 years ago as a sales rep and moved into marketing shortly thereafter. Mike is a 2nd-generation Gallant of Radio Advertising and worked his way up to Marketing Director. Today, Mike has become a Partner and is in charge of Sales & New Business Development. With his experience and bloodline, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge to every client he works with to find the right solutions to help their businesses grow. “My main goal is to make sure every RAI customer is happy with the service we provide and they are provided with the best Account Representative. My team is always accessible to speak with customers. That’s why we list our contact information.”
Topaz has been with RAI for more than 20 years and is the backbone of our company. She literally keeps RAI running on all cylinders. Topaz started her career as a “lead qualifier” in the Marketing department and worked her way up to Marketing Director. She has also held the position of General Sales Manager and is currently the VP of Operations/Co-Director of New Business Development. Topaz brings a high level of energy to RAI each and every day that is unmatched. Her knowledge of the industry has earned her the admiration of her colleagues, customers, and her team.
Sergiu started his career at RAI in 2013 as a backend developer and worked his way up to Sr. Lead Developer. Today, Sergiu is RAI’s Director of Business Technology, a position that gives Sergiu the freedom of creative thinking to bring the world of programming and media together. His technical ideas have provided RAI with some of the latest sales and marketing techniques in the industry including our own sales software, Databasebuilder.com , which he helped develop. Sergiu’s knowledge of databases, telepathy, and programming makes him an excellent choice for any client looking to integrate their own marketing, sales, customer, or database project.
Adam Franklin started with RAI Media in digital sales before pivoting to HR and Digital Sales Training which includes onboarding all new hires and making sure there is a smooth transition with our new team members, HR procedures, and systems training.
Before coming to RAI Media, Adam had an extensive career spanning 16 years in television and radio across Chicago in various roles, including Assistant Producer and Network Board Operator for the Chicago Bears at WBBM News Radio, Traffic Producer at WGN-TV, and anchoring traffic hits on CLTV.
Adam’s overall experience in media production across various media platforms, gives him a comprehensive understanding of the industry and a step up in his role at RAI.
Mindi started with RAI in 1985 and has been the company’s controller since she came into the business. Before joining Radio Advertising, Mindi worked in the commercial banking industry in Chicago as bookkeeper where she worked for 5 years. Her background in accounting and business has made her a valued asset and board member of RAI. Mindi remains active in the company today and in its daily operations.
Adam was literally born into the business and has spent most of his life in Sales and Marketing. Adam started his career in the commercial printing industry before joining RAI. Since taking over RAI in 1998, he has overseen the growth and expansion into Digital Media. Adam’s latest project is the development of their online Contact Management & Sale Software, Databasebuilder.com. Adam’s passion for Sales is what has driven him to focus his marketing efforts on product development for his business and clients. “Sales is what I do best. I love the challenge of it each and every day. It keeps me motivated. Selling hasn’t changed much in 40 years. The technology around it has.”
Contact Us
Our friendly digital media specialists are ready to work on your next project. Fill out the form below and we will reach out to you as soon as possible. You can also contact us at 855-952-5900.