Creative Director Group
Resume:
James Ward
****************@*****.***
badasscopywriter.com
Experience
(May 2022 - Present) Group Creative Director
Wray Ward
Charlotte, NC
My primary role is to create positive environments where people are inspired and empowered to do their most fearlessly creative work. That transcends all disciplines and all teams. But most intensively, I work to empower an extremely talented creative group of writers, designers, art directors, design directors, digital artists, ACDs and CDs on major brands including VELUX skylights (during three of their best sales years ever to-date), Clopay Garage Doors, UNC Keenan Flagler, and others. I’m also the collaborative bridge across all departments and maintain close partnerships and participate with strategy, media, content, PR and others. I have personally initiated over $1mm in organic growth across clients mostly just by providing great results for clients, but also by spotting opportunities to move their businesses forward. I serve on industry-progressive initiatives and committees, including one centered on AI (presenting two webinars, one panel, and counting) where we address company approaches as well as optimizations for the best performing work possible), and also a Value Pricing committee, working to launch and bolster a value based pricing strategy to eliminate reliance on hours and doing timesheets (that one has made me a folk hero around this place). There is nothing I enjoy more than a great idea that moves the world forward and touches the souls of real, live human beings.
(April 2021 - May 2022) President, Executive Creative Director big (Big Idea Group)
Charlotte, NC
Led a full service agency with a collaborative and inclusive approach overseeing Account Service, Digital, and a group of creatives and creative strategists for brands like Avelo Airways
(including a wildly successful brand launch), EnergyUnited (One of the largest energy co-ops in the country), Sam’s Xpress® Car Wash Franchise, Felicetti Pasta, ASSA ABLOY Entranceways, Monarch Mental Health System, Harlem Stage, and more. Learned valuable lessons about leadership transition and executing successful account turnarounds.
(September 2013 - April 2021) Partner, Chief Creative Officer Saturday
Charlotte, NC
Ran an agency through all kinds of adventures, including a successful navigation of the pandemic and uncertain times. Led good teams to do good work to sell good products to lots of good people. Built the agency from four people in a loft apartment to a $5 million revenue agency and a team of 24 that produced fully integrated campaigns, and strategically-honed campaigns. Brands included InBev (Appalachian Mountain Brewing), East Coast Wings + Grill Franchise, CATS Transit System, Catawba Riverkeeper, Onslow Memorial Hospital, Brixx Pizza Franchise, NoDa Brewing, The City of Charlotte, Center City Partners/South End, Music With Friends, The Uwharries/Montgomery County Tourism, City of Kannapolis, and more.
(March 2011 - September 2013) Associate Creative Director, Writer Wray Ward
Charlotte, NC
Category immersion, brand strategy, client relationships, creative development and production, all ultimately to build brands and measurably improve businesses. Developed print, digital, television, radio, mobile, and non-traditional messaging. Brands included Duke Energy, Sunbrella, Rheem, Atrium Health, TUUCI, Premier, AdvanTech, Center City Partners, Wix Filters, and more.
(April 2004 - March 2011) Associate Creative Director, Writer archer > malmo
Memphis, TN
Oversaw a group that developed brand strategies and executions for clients including McAlister’s Deli, Valent USA, YMCA, Fulmer Helmets, Memphis Car Audio and Memphis AAF. Served as creative bridge to digital for developing impactful, cutting edge user experiences that got results and maximized social media.
(February 2000 - April 2004) Copywriter
Publicis
Dallas, TX
Developed creative for blue chip brands for print, Web, television, radio and more. Companies worked on included Nestlé (including Powerbar), Denny’s, TGI Friday’s, Penzoil, Zales, BMW Certified Pre-Owned, Glaxo Smith-Kline, Eurocopter, American Ironhorse, Ironkids Bread, and more.
(November 1998 - February 2000) Copywriter
The Zimmerman Agency
Tallahassee, FL
Developed creative work for brands like Continental Tires, Okaloosa County Tourism, The Lucayan, The Roosevelt, Bonita Bay, and more. Began working on digital advertising and websites all the way back then.
(2019-2024) Board of Directors, Community Link
Charlotte, NC
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to help individuals and families obtain and sustain safe, decent, affordable housing in the Carolinas.
Education & Training
(Ongoing) Lifelong learner and fan of the industry
(2015) One Show Leadership
(1996-1998) The Creative Circus, Copywriting
(1992-1995) Ithaca College, BS Communications, Advertising TV/R Minors: Mathematics, German
(1988-1991) Kent School
References & Awards
Available upon request
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