---
title: "How I Got Here: Michael Cummings"
id: "32699"
type: "post"
slug: "how-i-got-here-michael-cummings-2"
published_at: "2016-04-01T07:10:55+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-03-16T15:48:46+00:00"
url: "https://associationsnow.com/2016/04/01/how-i-got-here-michael-cummings-2/"
markdown_url: "https://associationsnow.com/2016/04/01/how-i-got-here-michael-cummings-2.md"
excerpt: "The principal of Deco by Tate/Cummings is a marketing pro who's been around the block. And it all started with a clever babysitting strategy."
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  - "Marketing / Communications"
taxonomy_post_tag:
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  - "Business"
  - "Communications"
  - "consultants"
  - "Marketing"
  - "rebranding"
taxonomy_content_format:
  - "Article"
taxonomy_role:
  - "For-Profit CEO / President / Owner / Partner"
taxonomy_persona:
  - "Industry Professionals"
---

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 » How I Got Here: Michael Cummings

> Ask questions. Listen. Learn about people.

## The principal of Deco by Tate/Cummings is a marketing pro who’s been around the block. And it all started with a clever babysitting strategy.

Michael Cummings first discovered marketing in high school when he realized that being the only male babysitter in town was his unique selling point. And today, as the principal of Deco by Tate/Cummings, he helps associations stand out by creating design and copy for them. One life motto he’s always stood behind: “Don’t live in fear—you can do anything you set your mind to.” Here are some highlights from his career journey.

### A Working History

**1982–1985:** Babysitter

**1988–1994:** Public relations manager at Barneys

**1994–1996:** Cofounder of the Internet Resource Alliance

**2001–2006:** Principal of Brand Touch

**2006–2014:** Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, at Kellen Company

**2014–:** Principal of Deco by Tate/Cummings

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 [#Communications](https://associationsnow.com/tag/communications/)
 [#consultants](https://associationsnow.com/tag/consultants/)
 [#Marketing](https://associationsnow.com/tag/marketing/)
 [#rebranding](https://associationsnow.com/tag/rebranding/)

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