Résumé - PDF Version
EXPERIENCE
Senior Writer — Ogilvy & Mather
Chicago, IL 06/07 - Present
COPY TBD
Writer/ACD — Freelance
Chicago, IL 05/06 - 06/07
You can't just relocate to a new city literally filled with ad agencies and expect to know all there is to know about it! My mom always told me, "dip your toe in the water before you jump in." And Mom always knows best. But then again, she always told me I was handsome, too. Since there are freelance opportunities abound, I've spent my time working at several area agencies, servicing accounts like Discover Financial Services, Hinckley Springs Water, Mitsubishi Machinery, Home Depot, Brunswick Bowling Lanes, and Abbott Pharmaceuticals.
Senior Writer — Integer (Omnicom)
Dallas, TX 05/05 - 05/06
After working on TV, radio, print and direct marketing – I figured why not add promotions and in-store advertising to the mix? I'm nothing if not well-rounded! Several clients also consider Integer their "general agency," so there were opportunities to work in several media. While there, I served as Associate Creative Director on the Dave & Buster's account, managing all aspects of the creative work. Other day-to-day clients included Cingular Wireless, 7-Eleven, BlackBerry and RadioShack.
Brand Planner — Javelin Direct (Omnicom)
Dallas, TX 12/03 - 05/05
After Javelin spun off from Rapp Collins (see below), it was business-as-usual at first. Same main client (AT&T) and same responsibilities – just a different building and a new name. Then I got a wild hair and asked to move to Brand Planning. Not content to merely accept creative briefs and trust they make sense, I wanted to learn how to create them – and see if I could help improve them. In doing so, I got something most creatives will never get: a firsthand look at the other side. It was an invaluable learning experience that will help me throughout my career. And hey, it looks pretty good on the ol' résumé.
Senior Writer — Rapp Collins Worldwide (Omnicom)
Dallas, TX 9/00 - 12/03
This job involved managing projects from kick-off to completion, mentoring mid-level and junior employees, and finding places to eat that weren't Mexican food or BBQ – which is no easy feat in Texas. In addition to these daily duties, I was also active in new business pitches. Clients included SBC Telecommunications (now AT&T), Sony PlayStation, DIRECTV, Dell Computers and Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Copywriter — Harris Drury Cohen
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 7/99 - 9/00
This position meant writing copy. A lot of copy. I was the sole writer on the agency’s largest account and was responsible for broadcast, print, direct-mail, and point-of-purchase materials. As part of a true team environment, I consistently helped out on other accounts as needed. Clients included Levitz Furniture, Sea-Doo Watercraft, Del Monte Fresh Produce, T.J. Cinnamons and Wyndham Resorts. I also cultivated a really nice tan.
Copywriter/Producer — Rogers Advertising
Birmingham, AL 5/96 - 7/99
Rogers Advertising was like advertising boot camp. I wrote, directed, and produced radio and TV commercials for automotive dealerships throughout the U.S. – as well as the Just For Feet national retail chain. Anywhere from 10-20 TV spots a week. About a year after I left, Just For Feet went bankrupt. Coincidence? I think not.
Copywriter/Production Manager — WACT Radio
Tuscaloosa, AL 1/95 - 5/96
There's no shortage of things to do at a small radio station. I ran the production department and wrote every local commercial on the air. I assigned talent and worked directly with the sales staff and clients. When not busy doing those things, I was host of the "WACT Action Hotline," a daily call-in talk show.
Production Crew — Diamond Film & Video
Birmingham, AL 2/94 - 9/94
This job taught me the ins and outs of video and film production, including setting-up camera, lighting, and audio equipment in both studio and on-location situations. I also got to do lots of heavy lifting!
Specialist (final rank) - U.S. Army Reserve
Huntsville, AL 12/88 - 12/94
In addition to being all that I could be and having the shiniest boots in my company, I set-up, operated, and maintained tactical radio and cable communication sights (MOS 31M). And that was all before 9:00 a.m.
EDUCATION
Jacksonville State University
Jacksonville, AL
Bachelor of Arts in Communications and English, December 1993