Hi, I’m John. Through three decades working in every single aspect of advertising, marketing, and film/television production, I’ve lived a rich and successful professional life. I’ve experienced more than I ever dreamed of and have met people and been places that have enriched my life greatly. Mostly, I never stopped learning or pushing for my quest of the disruptive idea and inspiring my teams to envision them, nurture them, make them a reality, and distribute them. My passion for creativity and unique ideas is endless.
I started my career as one of the youngest copywriters ever hired and the great and famous Leo Burnett Chicago. I moved through the ranks there, made some award-winning work for McDonald’s, Hallmark, and others and left for DDB Chicago when a great opportunity beckoned – the chance to lead creative work for the legendary Anheuser-Busch Budweiser and Bid Light brands.
While at DDB, my teams and I created some of the most legendary campaigns in Anheuser-Busch history. Real Men of Genius, True, and others. We won every award in the advertising world many times over and The USA TODAy Ad Meter Poll seven times. We also creates some great advertising for McDonald’s, Manco, Wrigley and other brands on the side.
I left DDB to venture out on my own as a writer/director for almost ten years. I created the NBC pilot “Dante” with Steve Levitan of “Modern Family” fame, based off a series of commercials I wrote and directed for A-B. I wrote and shot a variety of short films/long form content for the internet. And directed commercials nationally and internationally for brands like VW, Chrysler, Coca-Cola, ESPN, Hallmark, Metro PCS, Heineken, Verizon, IFC, Yellow Book, Galbusera, Renault and others and picked up more awards along the way.
In 2012, I wanted to expand my chops in the world of precision-targeted digital content and joined Fortune 500 company Alliance Data Systems as Chief Creative Officer. Over 7 years I oversaw a team of over 300 creatives, created the position of the first data-driven creative agency, and built a creative department that became nationally recognized as one of the tops in the AAF’s rankings.
Now I’m hungry for my next challenge. To use my wealth of knowledge to work with others and disrupt businesses that need disruption. To do things in new ways. To grow businesses in new ways. To think up ideas that are fresh and creative, but based in pragmatic reasoning and experience. I’m ready to soar with other forward-thinking leaders and accomplish what others never thought possible.