Seriously?

Call Me Wink

It’s a funny thing about my marketing career. No, really, as a graduate of Chicago’s renowned Second City School of Improvisatation, I’ve always used humor and insights to connect the ha-ha! to the a-ha! 

But the fun fact is, learning how to unthink and play with new ideas that challenge the status quo has always been a part of my DNA. 

It’s also the key to unlocking true innovation, along with content that suprises and delights.

Agency Background

Over the course of my 30-year career, I’ve been a catalyst for change and transformation for brands, agencies and small-to-mid-sized businesses looking to break-through the status quo.

Here’s just a brief summary of some of my professional accomplishments while serving at some of the nation’s top-ranked marketing agencies:

  • Edelman Worldwide: Began my career as the sardonic publicist for 9-Lives’ Morris the Cat, including promoting the star-studded Annual Morris Awards in Beverly Hills (who knew A-list celebrities could be so “catty?”)
  • Golin/Harris: Served as Sr. Account Executive on McDonald’s, promoting multiple national partnerships,  including 26th All-American Band program awarding the first-ever High School Grammy Award in partnership with National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS).
  • Jim Beam Brands: As National Public Relations Manager, led creative for launch of new brand, Aftershock, the most successful new product launch in company history (+2M cases sold). Conceived controversial/viral tagline, “It’s O.K. to inhale” to leverage news surrounding media’s questioning of President Bill Clinton’s recreational habits. Also launched Small Batch Bourbon Collection, which created an entire new niche in the ultra-premium bourbon category.
  • Upshot: Joined start-up agency as the 5th employee (Creative Director) and helped lead agency to PROMO Magazine’s Agency of the Year honors while directing national music, sports and lifestyle entertainment promotions for Coca-Cola and Anheuser-Busch ($20M in Combined Annual Billings).
  • Einson-Freeman (Ogilvy Action): Opened and managed newly-established Chicago office, providing day-to-day direction for agency’s largest client, Sears. Won Gold Reggie Award for Back-to-School program featuring Christina Aguilera.
  • Frankel (Arc Worldwide): As VP, Group Creative Director on Frito-Lay, conceived and executive national retail promotions for high-profile signature campaigns, including the Tostito’s Fiesta Bowl and Jeff Gordon/NASCAR sponsorships. Won President’s Award for “Win the Full Monte” campaign to capitalize on re-branding of Gordon’s team from Rainbow Warriors to Flames during Daytona 500.
  • Entertainment Marketing, Inc.: Re-branded and re-staged 17 year-old agency, winning first-ever retainer clients (Kodak, Brown-Forman, General Motors) and $4.5M in new business revenue. Earned top 20 agency ranking in PROMO Magazine, and won 2 Ex and Pro Awards on behalf of Kodak and Coty Fragrances.
  • Radiate Group: Led newly-established Agency Services Group, providing new business development and creative support to 40+ non-traditional agencies globally, including clients: McDonald’s, Bank of America, Mercedes, Heineken, Gillette, Procter & Gamble and a variety of Action Sports events.

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Awards

2021

Best Digital Marketing Campaign

National Religious Broadcasters (NRB)

2021

Best Non-Profit Video

Internet Advertising Competition (IAC)

202o

Best Online Newsletter

Grand Apex Award for Publishing Excellence 

2019

Best Digital Marketing Campaign

National Religious Broadcasters (NRB)

2012

Purple Cow Award

Best Radio Spot – Saga Communications

2004

Pro Award

House of Blues 10th Anniversary: Celebrate the Blues in Kodak Black and White  

2004

Ex Award

“Do You Kiss Like A Fish?” Experiential Mall Tour – Coty Fragrances  

2000

Gold Reggie Award

National Back-To-School Retail Campaign for Sears feat. Christina Aguilera 

1993

Silver Trump Award

26th McDonald’s All-American Band in partership with Annual Grammy Awards
 
 

Take A Look…

Wink’s Work

Have a project in mind?

If you have a great idea, reach out to me. Whether it is a small or big project, I will listen first and get back to you with a plan. 

Contact Me