Based largely on understandings gained from experience on both the agency and client side of the
advertising equation, we pioneered the concept that understanding a company’s and separately
agency's unique corporate culture was a hidden key that if unlocked, would allow people to
build agency-client partnerships that work... and even stand the test of time. We have advanced
this philosophy in a number of ways, creating tools and process to make this the basis of how we work.
My career prior to consulting includes agency account management experience, working with very
disciplined and strategic consumer packaged goods clients at advertising agencies Needham,
Harper & Steers, Ogilvy & Mather, and Lowe Marschalk. I had the opportunity to put
into practice "all the ways to be a better client" when I was the the VP Marketing for
Ameritrust, now KeyCorp, at a time when the historically operationally-focused banking
industry was first applying principles of marketing and branding to its business.
I attended Northwestern University where I fell in love with Chicago.
I received my undergraduate and graduate degrees from the Medill School of Journalism, graduating with highest academic distinction.
An important influence in my background was the opportunity to be raised in a long-standing
family business. I am currently an owner and board member of an industrial manufacturing
company founded by my great-grandfather. I've come to think an entrepreneurial spirit
(read resiliency) is part of my DNA.
My faith is also an important part of what shapes my view of the world. Without it I would
not have been able to battle a nasty cancer or even answer all the fun "why?" questions I get
from my four children, ages 6–15.
In my spare time, I enjoy fundraising for the American Cancer Society and serving on the
Advisory Board for the Graduate School of Theology at Malone College.
"May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He make his face shine upon you and be gracious to
you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." — Numbers 6: 24-26
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