Grey Matter Direct – A Marketing Agency Making a Difference
Many businesses think of a marketing agency in terms of the tactical advantages it can deliver. They are usually looking for point-solutions like website design, SEO, Google Ads or e-mail marketing to drive prospect and client engagements. Grey Matter Direct specializes in each of these tactical marketing solutions, however, as an agency in today’s hyper-competitive market, we need to do more for our clients.
As a tier-1 marketing agency in New Jersey, we are always able to find affinities between our clients and friends to advance their businesses and causes. A good example of this is our recent work to connect veterans advocate, Marty Weber with New Life Medical Addiction Services.
Jeff Poissant, Marty Weber’s partner who died of bladder cancer in 2017.
Marty’s story begins with the tragic death of his partner, Jeff Poissant. Marty and Jeff met in the 1980s when they were both stationed at a U.S. Army based in Germany. The two became business and life partners for three decades before Poissant died in 2017 of bladder cancer at the age of 56.
“I didn’t even know I was attracted to men,” said Marty, a self-described “Piney” who formed YoBuck Landscaping with Jeff. “I met him, and we fell in instant love. We did” said Marty, who had unknowingly fathered a daughter with a high-school friend when he was 17. It was only later that he learning he was a father. Marty is very close with the mother of his child and he now has a granddaughter in college.
As a volunteer EMT and someone who is skilled in local politics, Marty thought he would be able to successfully navigate Jeff’s illness. He was wrong. As Marty describes it, the care at the Veterans Administration was abysmal. It was impossible for them to see the right doctors and, by the time he did get accepted by the system, Jeff was beyond saving.
After Jeff’s passing, Marty vowed to do whatever he could to make sure that no more veterans had to suffer at the hands of a system that had failed him and the love of his life so badly.
In 2020, Marty decided to take matters into his own hands and he ran as an Independent in New Jersey’s 3rd Congressional District. That is where he met Congressman Andy Kim. Marty ran a strong race and, while there was no doubt about the final outcome, he was able to make enough waves to get Andy Kim’s attention.
Congressman Andy Kim has been friends with Marty Weber since the 2020 Congressional elections when Marty ran against him as an Independent.
The two men actually became friends during the race and have stayed close. When Marty came up with the idea for Jeff’s Camp, Andy was an immediate and enthusiastic supporter.
Working with Paul Hulse, CEO of the homeless advocacy group, Just Believe, Inc.. Marty has decided to convert his 36 acre property on Rt. 72 in Barnegat into a refuge for homeless veterans.
Since our President, Ned Barrett, has been involved with Marty on a number of business issues, he decided to connect him with our client, New Life Medical Addiction Services, in Marlton, NJ. In just over 2 years, New Life has exploded onto the scene as the new dominant player in addiction treatment in our region.
It’s Co-Founder and Medical Director, Dr. Joe Savon, is one of the most successful gastroenterologists in the nation. After he experienced a spiritual rebirth several years ago he realized that he needed to rededicate himself to serving those in need. He became board certified in Addiction Treatment and founded New Life, with his partner Joel Albano in 2018.
New Life’s model focuses on out-patient treatment rather than on the expensive and often ineffective 30-day inpatient treatment centers that have been so controversial in recent years. New Life’s modern treatment center in Marlton is a miracle for people who have experienced other detox and addiction treatment centers.
When New Life heard about what Marty and Just Believe were creating in South Jersey for veterans they immediately wanted to help. Now, New Life is planning to put a state-of-the-art outpatient substance abuse treatment center at Jeff’s Camp. This will care for residents struggling with addiction as well as non-resident veterans in need.
The culmination of discussions about Jeff’s Camp came on June 27th when Congressman Kim and the New Life executive team came to Marty’s property to witness the signing of a letter of intent between Marty and Just Believe, Inc. It was a very special day for everyone involved.
Former Flyer Todd Fedoruk and Dr. Joe Savon of New Life Medical Addiction Services talk to Veteran’s Advocate Marty Weber about how they can provide outpatient substance abuse treatment at Jeff’s Camp.
Marty Weber, Paul Hulse of Just Believe, Inc and Joel Albano of New Life Medical Addiction Services discuss growing homeless problem among New Jersey’s veterans.
Dr. Joe Savon explains to Congressman Andy Kim how New Life’s treatment of a wide range of patient communities will directly translate into caring for veterans.
Andy Kim explores the property on Rt. 72 in Brigantine where Jeff’s Camp will be located.
Dr. Joe Savon and Grey Matter Direct’s President, Ned Barrett at the future site of Jeff’s Camp.
Ned Barrett and Congressman Andy Kim before the official signing of the Jeff’s Camp memorandum.
Andy Kim applauds the creation of Jeff’s Camp.
We at Grey Matter are genuinely thrilled to be a part of this important initiative. We have been passionate about veterans issues for several years and now we are able to be a part of something that is going to make a big difference.