I love the creative process because it runs on relationships. First with team members, (account as well as creative), then with clients. If those two are solid, the work will build the relationship between consumers and a brand. I’ve done this for some of the world’s largest brands, always keeping in mind that, in a business increasingly driven by science, writing is still an art.
Experience
ACD / Writer at Rodgers Townsend
2009 – Present
As a senior writer and ACD, I’ve presented AT&T’s technically complex offerings to small business in honest, user-friendly language and every conceivable media. Then did the same for State Farm, while respecting brand and legal guardrails on their Auto, Home, and LHIPS (Life, Health, Investment Portfolio) business.
I also helped the World War I Museum and Memorial commemorate the 2018 centenary of the Armistice with a Mercury-shortlisted radio spot, sang the praises of Conway Freight’s near-spotless safety record, and pitched in on Missouri Baptist Hospital, Express Scripts, and The Hartford, while mentoring younger writers.
Senior Writer at Doner
2004 – 2009 Southfield, Michigan
After two years of print, radio and TV for PNC Bank, Bush Beans, and Green Umbrella Extended Service Plans, I switched to direct mail (which included some TV) for AAA (Michigan, Missouri, Texas), Auto Club of Southern California, ADT Home Security, Great Wolf Lodge, Secure Horizons Senior Healthcare, and Sylvan Learning Centers.
ACD & Vice President at JWT
1992 – 2003 Detroit, Michigan
Started as a senior writer on “multi-product” (Detroit-speak for anything without four wheels). Crafted TV, radio and print for Carhartt, Bosch Automotive, Delta Dental, University of Michigan Hospitals, M-Care, and Society Bank.
Moved to ACD/VP on Ford Motor in 1995, touching everything from Ford F-150 and Taurus to Jaguar. Was also tapped to write speeches for Ford executives.
ACD at Stone & Simons
1989 – 1992 Southfield, Michigan
Believe it or not, I wrote "hands" spots for Country Crock margarine and no, they're not on my site. Also hawked Hardee's restaurants and local newspapers through the magic of radio.
ACD at Doner
1984 – 1989 Southfield, Michigan
You grow up fast at Doner -- went from cub writer to group head in a couple of years. Created TV, Radio and Print (remember Print?) for the University of Michigan Medical Center, Open Pit BB, and a TV spot for Franco-American Gravy, that thery used until the packaging changed.
Other adventures: Faygo Sodas, assorted Supermarkets, Love’s Baby Soft, Handy Dan Hardware Stores, Chattam Cosmetics, Pamprin and Highland Appliance stores.
Junior Writer at Campbell-Ewald
1983 – 1984 Warren, Michigan
Was allowed to work on Gulfstream Aerospace, Mr. Turkey products, Magnavox Electronics and Delta Automotive Electronics. Good experience, but all the fun was being had at W B Doner, so I interviewed and, to my amazement, they took me.
Freelance at Assorted Shops
Assignments have ranged from USAA Insurance to a Jeep Liberty catalogue.
Education
It Never Ends, Does It? at Interlochen, Princeton, University of Michigan...
Birth – Now Everywhere
One year at Princeton University (long story), then three at University of Michigan (Ann Arbor), finishing with a BA in English Language and Literature and a Hopwood Prize for Senior Poetry. (Everything I know about advertising I’ve learned from real advertisers.)