John pursues deeper meaning in where, how and why brands and people connect. A marketing hybrid, he has been a creative and an account manager in traditional, media and digital agencies putting those experiences together to be a truly integrated marketing planner. He has successfully applied his strategic vision to the wild, ever-evolving world of marketing, media and advertising.
In addition to teaching at the Brandcenter, he leads strategic planning on Mentos, LivingSocial and co-leads on Pizza Hut. In addition to client responsibilities, he has spearheaded the development and implementation of Brand Experience Planning throughout the agency, which provides connective tissue in creative development, strategy, media and digital. He also founded The Martin Order of the Digerati – an intraagency think-tank responsible for pushing forward in digital. Previous account work includes Walmart Corporate Affairs, ChapStick and Discover Card.

 

Previous to Martin, he was part of Starcom MediaVest Group in Chicago where he helped build the ‘consumer context planning’ practice on P&G and Gillette. In his experience, he added dimension to the consumer for several P&G brands so they can connect in more relevant and engaging ways. On Secret, he helped make the shortlist at Cannes by getting women to reveal their deepest secrets for all to see.

 

He cut his teeth in advertising with DDB Chicago as a production artist and graphic designer; then onto Agency.com as an art director where he won awards for the redesign of Compaq.com and HP.com.

 

He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics from Kenyon College and a Master of Science degree in Integrated Marketing Communications from Northwestern University. The common thread in his experience and education has been his insatiable pursuit of what makes people tick – from Ancient Roman citizens to NASCAR fans.

 

John is proudly married with three children, Janie, Cogan and Margaret. An avid cook, John can be found on the weekends concocting explosive batches of chili and award-winning ribs.