The Greater Cedar Valley Alliance & Chamber presented their Annual Awards on Thursday, March 31, 2016. Jim and Cecelia Mudd received the Legacy Award.
“Servant Leaders” Jim and Cecelia Mudd have a true American success story. The couple has built a strong business from the ground up while remaining true to their values. The Mudds believe in Friends, Family, and Faith made visible through their generous contribution of time, money, and wisdom to countless charitable organizations, especially those serving the underprivileged throughout the Cedar Valley and beyond.
Cecelia started her career as an airline flight attendant, and later worked alongside Jim in radio and at Mudd Advertising. She has been an active volunteer and supporter of the Sartori Festival of Trees, EPI, PEO, Catholic Daughters, and the American Heart Association Go Red Luncheon. Cecelia taught their children the value of hard work through helping with their paper routes and de-tasseling corn.
Jim is an unabashed promoter of free enterprise, personal responsibility, and civic involvement.
A graduate of Brescia University, Jim studied broadcasting at Northwestern University, spending 21 years in radio before starting Jim Mudd and Associates in the basement of their home in 1981. Today Mudd Advertising is a global marketing firm, serving over 3,500 clients primarily in the automotive industry. Clients also include Bridgestone Tires as well as 50 John Deere retailers. Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Mudd employs 165 with offices around the country.
Jim maintains a personal friendship with Ken Blanchard and served on the board of Blanchard’s Lead Like Jesus, and incorporates his Gung Ho principles into daily business culture and practice at Mudd Advertising.
Jim has served on the Western Home board of directors, as co-chair of the Cedar Falls Library Capital Campaign, United Way Annual Campaign and others. He is currently a member of the University of Northern Iowa Foundation board. Together the Mudds support 80 different Cedar Valley organizations, including St. Patrick Church, UNI and countless others.