01/11/2023
The new start to a new year is always a time full of reflections. I want to share mine.
At the close of 2022, I submitted entries to the Summit International Awards, which recognize creative excellence by small and medium-sized agencies worldwide. The awards are judged on the strength of the idea, quality of ex*****on and ability to persuade. With 19 countries, 62 categories, 3400+ submissions, I'm humbled to share that the team I led creative for earned two Golds, a Best of Show Award, and a 2022 Top Agency Award. Gold was awarded for New Corporate Brand Launch of Great Lakes Cheese (OH), the nation's largest natural cheese packager. A Gold and Best of Show was awarded for the Logo Redesign of CuliNEX, a food innovation & product development company (WA).
In the hopes to inspire others whether independent contractors, agencies or clients, I share that what stood out in these projects is relationships, energy and a fresh approach to doing business. Our clients were (and continue to be) an active part of our team-- our collective family of diverse talent. There were no walls, we trusted each other, and remained flexible, open and transparent. Not often does work happen this way between a team of independent contractors (or an agency) and clients.
Winning is not an easy feat; it's an honor. It's hard work, and it can be fun especially if the collection of people on the team are super strategic, truly experts in what they do, and have great approaches and personalities. I’d like to personally thank Kathryn Huhn for her strategic lead on all projects, big or small. Our partnership has been invaluable and I appreciate the out-of-box thinking, attention to detail and knowing every project we do together is always strategically solid. I’d also like to thank Linda Diteman for her creative genius and being my design wingman over the years. It’s so fun to share these awards with you both, as you had an integral part in not only the success of these award-winning projects, but so many over the past years that I can say I’m really proud of.
So it goes without saying, that together, you can achieve excellence. Choose the right people to surround yourself with, and consider a fresh approach - as well as have a blast at your job!
Many thanks goes to Kathryn Huhn, Linda Diteman, Great Lakes Cheese, Rachel Bisbee, Amber Jakab, CuliNex & Culinex Kitchens, Mark Crowell, Kathy Stephenson, and Lucinda Salinas
