Tom Ables & Glenn Collins Founding Partners

Glenn Collins, Tom Ables

Our Venture began when founding partners Tom Ables and Glenn Collins opened for business in 1977. Prior to that Tom and Glenn worked together for 25 years at Phillips-Ramsey, a San Diego agency, creating ground-breaking campaigns, including the first widespread introduction of ATMs in the United States, the first Drive-Thru restaurant (a term they coined) and iconic San Diego organizations, including the San Diego Zoo, Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and Holiday Bowl.

 

Tom was active in publicity and marketing for 70 years, starting out as the first Sports Publicity Director for San Diego State University in 1947. He worked tirelessly in his profession up until he passed away at age 91 in October 2017. Tom wrote two books – The Story of Buck Knives and GO AZTECS!, which documents his 70 years as an Aztec fan. Tom was one of the greatest college football fans of all time, attending 788 Aztec games, and well over 800 total college games. His passing was covered by local and national media.

 

Glenn is an accomplished commercial and fine artist, designing ads, logos, packaging and displays that told clients’ stories in concise, easy-to-understand graphics. Glenn retired from Venture in 1990 to pursue his passions: watercolor painting, photography and exploring the Southwestern United States.

 

Tom and Glenn shot the races at Del Mar for more than 40 years, capturing some of the greatest thoroughbreds of that time, including Cigar, California Chrome and many others. Tom was still shooting at age 91.

 

Venture is a veteran-founded business: Tom, a World War II veteran, served in the Navy aboard the USS Alabama; Glenn served in the Army during the Korean War.

Ken Ables

Ken has been involved in Advertising, Public Relations and Marketing for more than 40 years. Prior to joining Venture, Ken was Marketing Manager for Hunter Douglas in the San Diego area, where he developed and implemented advertising campaigns, marketing promotions, dealer events and many other projects. He has also been one of Venture's photographers for 35 years. Ken is a graduate of San Diego State, where he studied advertising. Click here for Ken's CV and more examples of his work.

Jill Fisher

Jill has been with Venture for more than 30 years. She was instrumental in the growth of Venture, working closely with Tom Ables and Glenn Collins in all phases of the business. As a photographer she has captured some of our best shots at the Del Mar thoroughbred races each season.

 

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(619) 224-9640 | taventur@gmail.com