Creative Director • Writer • Brand Storyteller

Never dull. Marketing as a profession requires that you always stay sharp, inventing new ways to challenge yourself to create new ideas, perfect new skills, or stretch budgets just a little further. And as a reward, you will always have the most interesting stories at your wife’s cousin’s wedding. Unless Elon Musk shows up. 

 

My career in Advertising includes working at the two biggest agencies in Chicago, a medium-sized agency, a small agency, an in-house agency, and a few stints as a freelancer. After earning my degree in Advertising from the University of Illinois, I began my career at The Kimball Group agency in Chicago and San Jose. From there, I joined DDB Chicago as a writer and eventually a Creative Director on the Chicago Tribune and Capital One. I moved to Leo Burnett as a Creative Director on McDonald’s, and then did a complete 180 from McNuggets to work as a Creative Director on healthcare brands at SPM Marketing. From there, I joined the new in-house agency Ace Creative, serving Ace Hardware Corporation. Some of my greatest accomplishments include shooting 34 spots in one day and taking a spot from concept to fully-produced in just 2 days. My articles have been published in AdWeek, and my work has been recognized at Cannes, The One Show, D&AD, the Clios, the Healthcare Marketing Awards, the In-House Creativity Awards, and the Telly Awards.

 

I have experience in a wide variety of categories, including QSRs, packaged goods, automotive, health care, retail/fashion, beer, financial services, pet goods, home improvement, and real estate. I can manage projects, new business pitches, or write for assignments that include TV, print, radio, social, digital, OOH, and experiential tactics. On a large or small scale, I can help build your brand from the tagline up.

 

In between it all, I helped run two Quiznos restaurants, completed seven car restorations, and I am currently helping my Aunt and Uncle with marketing for their pet shop. I live in the Chicago area with my wife and our son. 

 

Thanks for taking the time to hear my story.

 

 

EXPERIENCE:

 

Freelance – Creative Director/Writer, current

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Ace Hardware Corporation - Senior Copywriter, May 2020 – Jan 2026

Managed the Copy Department at Ace, including the creation of brand guidelines for the Ace Hardware brand, Ace Rewards, Ace Hardware Home Services, Ace for Business (B2B), and Loud Mouth Barbeque. Developed integrated campaign elements in digital, print, circular, and social media formats. 

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Freelance – Creative Director/Writer, Sept 2019 – May 2020

 

SPM Marketing & Communications – Creative Director, Nov 2017 – Sept 2019

Spectrum Health, Froedtert & the Medical College of Wisconsin, Nuvance Health, Dana Farber Brigham & Women’s Cancer Center, University of Iowa Healthcare, UNC Healthcare

 

Freelance – Creative Director, Aug 2016– Nov 2017

 

Leo Burnett Chicago – Creative Director, Oct 2014 – Aug 2016

McDonald’s Brand and Happy Meal

 

DDB Chicago – Creative Director, Jan 2007 – Oct 2014

CD on Capital One, Capital One Bank, Chicago Tribune, Redeye, Metromix 

Writer on McDonald’s, State Farm, Skittles, Bud Light, The Field Museum

 

Co-Owner/Operator Quiznos Franchise, 2004-2010

 

DDB Chicago – Copywriter, May 2000 – Jan 2007

Writer on Chicago Tribune, Redeye, Metromix, Illinois Lottery, JCPenney, McDonald’s, General Mills, L’eggs, Johnson & Johnson, Aveeno

 

The Kimball Group – Copywriter, Feb 1997 – May 2000

Kodak, Cornerstone Computer Monitors, United Homes, AIT Freight Forwarding

 

EDUCATION:

 

University of Illinois, BS in Advertising, May 1995

Chicago Portfolio School, May 1995-Feb 1997

 

 

AWARDS:

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2025 In-House Creativity Awards, Gold, Loud Mouth Barbeque, Animated Social Posts​

2025 In-House Creativity Awards, Silver, Loud Mouth Barbeque, Product Packaging

2019 Telly Awards, Gold, Spectrum Health “Delivery System”
2019 Healthcare Advertising Awards, Gold, Silver, Spectrum Health “Delivery System”
2019 Healthcare Advertising Awards. Gold. Chicago Department of Public Health “Save Yours”

2019 Healthcare Advertising Awards, Bronze, Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin “Adrienne”

2013 Cannes, VW “Sign Assist” Radio

2013 One Show, Skittles “Cranky”

2013 D&AD Awards, Skittles “Cranky”

2012 Cannes, Skittles “Cranky”

2007 Clio Award, JCPenney “Crazy Beautiful”