Advertising has rarely felt like a job to me, it's a passion. A craft. You need a "maker" mentality, with the vision, conviction and perseverance that helps inspire a team from ideation through execution. This approach has helped me earn leadership roles on key accounts at several agencies.
Some of the brands I've worked with:
Played a key role in winning pitches for:
McDonald's, U.S. Army, Alfa Romeo, Norton, Humana, Dot's Pretzels, One Protein bars, Fulfil protein bars, Scott's Miracle-Gro, La Quinta, Barilla, Carfax, Lavazza, Madame Tussaud's, Wranglers Hockey
CURRENT
The Hershey Company, Hershey, PA - Director, Creative Lead, 2022-current
Developing advertising for Hershey's portfolio of iconic brands. Partnering with brand leadership to translate marketing objectives into engaging and effective creative campaigns. Leading Hershey's growing in-house agency operation and providing counsel on external projects. Brands include Hershey's, Reese's, Kit Kat, Twizzlers, PayDay, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers and any more, as well as a growing salty-snack selection.
FULL-TIME PAST
DDB, Chicago - Group Creative Director, 2015-2022
Partnered with creative, account, strategic and client leadership to produce campaigns across all mediums. Provided direction, inspiration and mentorship for teams of 20+ creatives. Led work for State Farm, US Army, McDonald's International, Lifelock/Norton/Symantec and La Quinta. Wrote and produced campaigns for Jeep, Capital One, McDonald's, MolsonCoors, ConAgra, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Alfa Romeo, Skittles and Lifelock.
Contributed extensively to new business wins for US Army, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Norton, Barilla and Scotts Miracle-Gro. Helped defend and consolidate State Farm, McDonald's and Lifelock/Norton/Symantec. McDonald's win resulted in the formation of dedicated agency, We Are Unlimited.
Y&R, Chicago - VP Creative Director, 2013-15
Led teams of up to twenty creatives on Bel Brands, Butterball and CPG International. Led winning pitch for CARFAX, earned project work from Lavazza. Wrote and produced work for Craftsman and Land Rover.
Leo Burnett, Chicago - Creative Director, 2011-13
Led Allstate's National Retail, Goodhands Roadside Assistance, Motorcycle and African-American work. Guided creative teams in developing and executing campaigns across multiple platforms.
DDB, Chicago - Associate Creative Director, 2009-11
Accounts: State Farm, McDonald's, Capital One, Anheuser-Busch
Goodby, Silverstein & Partners, San Francisco - Copywriter, 2007-09
Accounts: Anheuser-Busch, Sprint, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Dreyer's, Comcast
DDB, Chicago - Copywriter, 2005-07
Accounts: State Farm, McDonald's, Capital One, Anheuser-Busch
R&R Partners, Las Vegas - Copywriter, 2003-05
Accounts: Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, Paris Las Vegas, Wranglers Hockey
DDB, New York - Copywriter, 2000-03
Accounts: Westin Hotels, Starwood Hotels and Resorts, Hershey's, Madame Tussaud's
FREELANCE PAST
FCB Chicago, DDB, High Dive, Vitro, Pereira & O'Dell, Devito/Verdi, OKRP, M&C Saatchi, Anton & Partners
HIGH FIVES
Cannes Lions
One Show
Communication Arts Annual
Webby YouTube Ad of the Year
Effies
Jay Chiat Awards
National Addys
AICP
Clios
Art Directors Club
LIAA
Radio Mercury Awards
YoungGuns
MPA Kelly Awards
Lurzer's Archive
Adweek Best Spots of the Year
Shoot Online - Best Work You May Never See
HOO-HOO-HOOSIERS!
Miami Ad School - Miami, Minneapolis, NYC
Indiana University, Bloomington - BS Business Marketing + BA Telecommunications