Olivet Nazarene University graduate Demetri Morris ’20 has achieved a prestigious spot on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in the Marketing and Advertising category. As the Founder and CEO of MORR, Morris attributes this honor to years of dedication, meaningful relationships, and impactful experiences.
“This award reflects years of hard work, deep connections, and meaningful experiences,” said Morris. “It’s validation of our mission. What we are building is both meaningful and needed. The world we operate in—and the industry we’re growing into—is focused on connecting with people at their best. We can’t take our clients for granted.”
The Road to MORR
Demetri’s entrepreneurial journey began well before the launch of his agency. From studying YouTube tutorials and experimenting with app startups to serving as Creative Director for the worship ministry Community Music and taking on freelance projects, he was always eager to grow his skillset.
“When it came time to graduate from Olivet, I faced a choice: enter the workforce or build on the freelance work I had started in college to create what is now MORR,” Morris explained.
Morris chose the latter, establishing MORR with a mission to humanize brands in an increasingly transactional marketplace.
“There’s a lack of care in the brand-to-customer relationship, which often feels impersonal,” he said. “I want to help brands connect authentically with their audiences. Humanized brands understand the power of authenticity and won’t settle for less.”
This focus on authenticity has led MORR to partner with industry leaders such as Adidas, Chick-fil-A, Uber, and Ekso Bionics, helping them build trust and stand out in a crowded digital landscape.
“Seeing the success of our clients in forging meaningful connections—and hearing the stories that emerge from those successes—reaffirms our mission,” Morris said.
Grounded in Faith and Community
Morris credits much of his success to the support of his faith and his community.
“I’m blessed to have so many people around me who provide spiritual, mental, and vocational support,” Morris said. “Mentors like my grandfather, Jesse Morris, and others like Jon Ross, Dr. Jeff Williamson, Raad Mobrem, Bill Shaw, Dillon Morgan, and my wife Janelle (McDowell) Morris ’21 have been pivotal.”
His faith remains a central pillar of his work.
“My focus is on what Scripture teaches in Ephesians 5 about the fruits of the Spirit,” Morris explained. “Aligning with those principles—not market-driven standards—guides my business strategy and purpose.”
Looking Ahead
As MORR continues to grow, Morris is eager to support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
“We’re excited to mentor future innovators and cultivate a culture of creativity and innovation,” Morris shared.
Morris recently returned to Olivet for the CREATEUR Conference and Pitch Competition, where he advised aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their ideas boldly, block out distractions, and build brands rooted in authenticity.
For more information about MORR, visit morragency.com.
For more information about The McGraw School of Business or to apply for admission in undergraduate or graduate business degree programs, visit olivet.edu.
