Bob Froese Named AMA Toronto’s Mentor of the Year

Bob Froese Named AMA Toronto’s Mentor of the Year

Mentorship isn’t just about giving advice — it’s about sharpening your own thinking.
When Bob Froese was invited to join the American Marketing Association’s Mentor Exchange Program, he hesitated. Time was tight. He was already mentoring elsewhere. But after seeing the caliber of applicants, he accepted — and the experience proved transformative.

Nine months later, Bob was named AMA Toronto’s Mentor of the Year, recognized for his impact on rising leaders and his commitment to elevating the marketing profession.

Coverage

Marketing Magazine — “What happens when great marketers mentor each other”

URL: https://marketingmag.ca/brands/what-happens-when-great-marketers-mentor-each-other-179515/

“When Bob Froese was asked to be a mentor with the American Marketing Association’s Mentor Exchange Program in Toronto, he was hesitant at first… But when he saw the list of potential mentees… he couldn’t say no.”

“After being teamed up with mentee Mark Drager… Froese realized he wasn’t the only one who would be learning something from the program.”

“‘I immediately had as much respect for him as he appeared to have for me,’ Froese said. ‘As a mentor, it puts you on your toes a bit.’”

“Froese, recipient of the program’s 2016 Mentor of the Year award, said he not only offered advice based on his 30 years in the industry, but received a ‘good mental reset’ for his own career.”

“‘Someone is coming behind you willing to eat your lunch… It puts you back into that phase of your life.’”

“The AMA Mentor Exchange… gives mentees ‘a level of awareness and education that they otherwise wouldn’t have access to,’ said Dave Pullara… ‘It’s giving them a senior-level perspective that would otherwise take a decade to acquire.’”

Why This Matters

Mentorship is one of the purest expressions of the Heroes to Kings philosophy — helping others ascend while elevating your own craft.

Bob’s recognition as Mentor of the Year signals three things about Bob’s Your Uncle:

1. Leadership rooted in generosity

Bob’s approach to mentorship mirrors the agency’s culture:
honest, challenging, supportive, and built on real partnership.

2. A commitment to developing the next generation

The AMA program pairs senior leaders with emerging talent — from agencies, startups, and client-side organizations. Bob’s involvement shows the agency’s belief in strengthening the entire marketing ecosystem.

3. The humility to keep learning

Bob’s own words show why this is important:

“It puts you back into that phase of your life.”
A reminder that creativity, hunger, and ambition aren’t traits reserved for the young — they’re required to stay great.