Why Timeless Marketing Principles Still Win in a Digital World With Brian Kurtz

Brian Kurtz is the Founder and CEO of Titans Marketing, which helps businesses master direct response marketing by combining timeless principles with modern tactics. He spent 34 years at Boardroom Inc., helping grow its revenue to over $150 million. At Titans, he runs mastermind groups, consults, and educates marketers with his book Overdeliver. Brian is known for his expertise in list-building, copywriting, and relationship-driven marketing.

In this episode…

Some marketing trends come and go, but others seem to outlast every platform shift and media evolution. What makes certain strategies and frameworks timeless, and how do today’s best marketers still use them to win in a digital world?

According to Brian Kurtz, a veteran of over four decades in direct response marketing, timeless principles succeed because they’re rooted in unchanging human behavior. He highlights that fundamentals like list segmentation, copy discipline, and offer clarity all apply whether you’re sending mail or launching a digital funnel. These practices have stood the test of time because they focus on connection and measurable response, not just flashy tactics. Brian explains that while technology changes the tools, it never replaces the need for strategic thinking, rigorous testing, and customer-focused messaging.

In this episode of the Response Drivers podcast, host Rick Rappe sits down with Brian Kurtz, Founder and CEO of Titans Marketing, to talk about why classic direct marketing still drives results online. They break down Brian’s 41-39-20 rule, the importance of lifetime value, and why “don’t test whispers” should guide your creative. Brian also gives advice on turning proven principles into scalable, modern strategies.