I've been around. Not in advertising. But before that. As a magazine writer, I interviewed a Playmate of the Year and Jerry Springer. (Separately.) As a food-truck investor, I lost my shirt selling globally-inspired sausages. As a lawyer, I represented Argentina. (Yes, the country.)
In 2010, I met Terri Meyer and Sandy Greenberg, two ad industry greats who had decided to hang their own shingle. I liked them. I also liked the idea of using them as an excuse to bully my way into a more creative industry. But I had no advertising degree. No portfolio. No references. So I made the ladies an offer they couldn't refuse. I told them I'd work for free.
I joined what was then an agency of two people as a 30-year-old intern. Two years later, I was running Gerber, the largest baby food brand in America. Since then, I've won the accounts and been creative lead on Nutella, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Freshpet, Aspercreme, Gold Bond, and a smattering of other household names. Along the way, I helped transform that little agency of three people into an Ad Age’s Small Agency of the Year and the #1 most effective independent agency in North America.
Also, they do pay me now.
While you’re here, meet my good friend, creative partner, and polar opposite, Mike Cicale.