Who

Our CEO first came to The Accel Group as a client. She started Credit Union Lending Systems, an indirect lending credit union service organization, around the same time Darrell Bahr founded The Accel Group, but the credit union industry brought them together years before. Angie holds master’s degrees in both Marketing and Finance from Maryville University, which comes in handy when running two successful companies. Outside the office, she loves to spend time with her daughter and hit the gym – all while listening to Disney’s greatest hits and rock’s beloved hair bands. When Darrell was ready to retire, Angie was his first call, because he knew her determination would be needed to carry on the company’s vision.

Jennifer came to The Accel Group as an account manager/copywriter in 2006, when Darrell rescued her from a soul-killing job at a mail order company that sold aftermarket motorcycle parts. Jennifer graduated from the Journalism School at the University of Missouri – Columbia, which is why she’s known around the office as the “Grammar Hammer.” In addition to being The Accel Group’s Director of Client Service, Jennifer is married to the most patient husband in the world (OK, this side of the Mississippi). They live in Festus with their old-lady dog and two inseparable cats.

Jean and Darrell have worked together since 1985. He knew any marketing company of his wouldn’t succeed without Jean’s presence, so he hired her as The Accel Group’s Art Director in 2002. As a lifelong St. Louis native, Jean thinks it’s important that you know she went to Bishop DuBourg High School and graduated from St. Louis Community College – Meramec. Jean married her high school sweetheart, and they enjoy traveling and visiting their two daughters. She also keeps busy designing surface patterns and other creative artwork. You’ll never hear a swear word from Jean’s mouth, unless she’s out of chocolate.

Our team has a deep bench of support staff who have wide-ranging experience and diverse backgrounds. Everyone is here to help ensure that we execute our clients’ strategies on time and within budget. 

Darrell, a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism, began his professional career with Famous-Barr (May Department Stores), working primarily in newspaper, direct mail and catalog advertising. He joined the Missouri Credit Union Association in the early 1980s as manager of League Marketing Services. He was soon named vice president of the in-house agency, and annual gross sales quadrupled under his leadership. In 2001, he created The Accel Group, working out of his daughter’s old bedroom. He quickly climbed the executive ladder, and was named president of the one-person agency early in 2002. Known for his inherent curiosity, it was not unusual for him to wander from one staff member’s office toanother, asking, “What?”