RESUME
THIS
I am an independent creative director with an extensive track record for conceiving and delivering integrated marketing programs for top-tier brands across North America. A writer by trade, I am adept at providing a unique voice for clients who expect and demand brand distinction, strategic intelligence, and insightful vision for their marketing initiatives.
I sometimes contract with advertising, marketing and promotion agencies. I also work directly with corporate clients who prefer to circumnavigate the monolithic agency quagmire in the interest of getting more responsive service, better work, and a greater return on their investment.
I live on the north side of Chicago. I know where to park for a night game. I grill a mean New York Strip. Sometimes Stan poops on the floor.
ALLEGED SKILLS
• Creative Strategy & Direction
• Copywriting/Content Marketing
• Brand Development
• Shopper Marketing
• Social & Mobile Integration
• Direct Response
• B2B Marketing
• Corporate Communications
• Hoagies & Muffelettas
THAT
RGB Creative Services – Owner
2001 - Present
Since wandering off on my own in 2001, I have led multifaceted product introductions for clients as diverse as Microsoft, Whirlpool, Kraft, and Hyatt. I’ve crafted multi-layered communication strategies for numerous universities and financial organizations. I’ve created a meaningful brand voice and personality for numerous clients in the travel and entertainment industry. I even did a complete brand overhaul and corporate marketing strategy for a shopper marketing agency.
Ogilvy – VP Group Creative Director
1996 - 2001
Before assuming the position of Creative Director responsible for the Microsoft, MSN and Minute Maid accounts, I worked on other agency clients, including Kraft, Kellogg's, Jim Beam, SC Johnson and many others. I learned a lot about a lot here.
Columbian Advertising – Lead Instigator
1991 - 1994
This was a weird place to work; lotsa crazy rules about toilet paper and coffee. But I did have a chance to meet a handful of good people and do some interesting work for Sears, Martini & Rossi, Haagen-Dazs, and Pier One Imports.
Foote, Cone & Belding – Senior Copywriter
1988 - 1991
I had an office with a giant steel pillar smack dab in the middle of it. When I wasn’t stubbing my toe, I cranked out a ton of direct mail for Fidelity Investments, Amana, and Zenith Data Systems. The cafeteria was pretty nice.
Saffer Advertising – Masochist
Sunrise 1988 - Sunset 1988
When this Toronto-based retail agency won the Montgomery Ward account, they hoodwinked me into becoming the only copywriter responsible for writing and producing about 9,000 TV & radio spots every week.
QUALIFIABLE EXPERTISE
• Higher Education
• Financial Services
• Travel & Entertainment
• Shopper Marketing
• Boozy Beverages
THE OTHER
University of Illinois
BS/Advertising
Hard to believe, but I went to college to get a degree in advertising. I barely survived the media planning and market research requirements, but I held my own on the creative side. Brought up the GPA with Japanese Tea Ceremony and Classical Mythology. Bad football. Nice Quad. Three Little Kings for a dollar on Thursday night.
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