. Thomas J. Burrell (1939- ) Burrell Communications Group, Chicago List No. 78 of 100 Go to the Next Person of the Century Determined to become a copywriter 40 years ago, when African-Americans were scarce at agencies, Burrell started in a Chicago agency's mailroom and was promoted to copywriter in 1961. During the '60s, the race issue gained significant traction on Madison Avenue and Burrell became one of the blacks -- John Small, Frank Mingo, David Sullivan and Caroline Jones among them -- who ventured into the agency field. By 1980, Burrell had become the largest African-American agency. Stressing "variables" inherent in African-Americans' experiences rather than "integrated" TV spots, Burrell added such clients as Procter & Gamble Co., Coca-Cola Co., McDonald's Corp. and Sears, Roebuck & Co., and surpassed $168 million in billings in 1998. All Rights Reserved © 1999 & 2005, Advertising Age Crain Communications, Inc. editor@AdAge.com .