MIKE BEDNAR
614.208.2228 | michaeljbednar@gmail.com
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
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JARFISH Raleigh, NC
Chief Creative Officer 2019-Present
• Built a unique creative content practice exclusively focused on brand strategy, creative ideation and production of all forms of branded communications.
• Oversaw all creative assignments, working collaboratively with multi-disciplined teams providing creative direction, strategy development, digital channel expertise, budgeting and production.
• Key lead for all agency partner relationships and new business development initiatives.
• Creatively consulted on COTA brand repositioning, transforming company from a typical transit authority to a new-age mobility solutions provider.
• Won ‘22 Gold International Davey Award and ‘21 Silver International Davey Award for Badcock Home Furniture &more’s branded entertainment series, “Roommates.”
REVOLOCITY/TSY Irvine, CA/Columbus, OH
Partner/Chief Creative Officer 2011-2018
• Led branded content start-up Revolocity that merged into TSY, a digital media agency.
• Oversaw a 25+ multi-disciplined creative team across all offices.
• Developed a branded content practice expanding client scope and increasing profitability for Scotts Miracle Gro, WD-40, Fantastic Sam’s, American Electric Power accounts.
• Led AEP rebranding, developing the “Boundless Energy” marketing campaign featuring 38 docu-shorts from the company’s 11-state territory.
• Instrumental lead for the agency’s new business generating over $30 million in revenue.
ENGAUGE Atlanta, GA/Columbus, OH/Pittsburgh, PA/Orlando, FL
Chief Creative Officer 2006-2011
• Responsible for creative development of agency creative work across all offices.
• Built award-winning, multi-faceted, 60+ person creative department–integrated branding & advertising, entertainment marketing, design & experiential marketing and social/digital creative.
• Creatively led winning new business pitches throughout the agency network that brought in over $40 million in client revenue.
• Transformed ZonePerfect marketing plan into a branded entertainment & digital/social platform helping the brand exceed sales goals and grow 13% in a declining category.
CRAMER-KRASSELT Milwaukee, WI/Chicago, IL/Phoenix, AZ
Writer/SVP/Executive Creative Director 1992-2006
• Built and managed an award-winning, multi-disciplinary, 40+ person creative team.
• Created and operated C-K Branded Entertainment division, working nationally and internationally with networks, production studios and major brands.
• Grew Bombardier into Milwaukee office’s largest account, developing marketing programs and campaigns that led its global brands–Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo, Evinrude, Can-Am–to reach #1 in their categories.
• Led new business efforts within the network as the agency grew to the 3rd largest independent.
• Cannes Lion winner for re-launch of Rexall’s Osteo Bi-Flex brand.
SELECTED ACCOUNT EXPERIENCE
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Kraft, ConAgra, White Wave, Hershey’s, Bird’s Eye, Coca Cola, Mars, Dove Ice Cream, ZonePerfect, Snickers Ice Cream, Nestle, Pert Shampoo, Sure Deodorant, World Kitchen Brands, Reddi-Whip, Scotts, Badcock Home Furniture & More, Corona Extra, Miller Beer, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Van Gogh Vodka, NGK Spark Plugs, Monroe Shocks, Tenneco Automotive, Snap-On Tools, Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, Evinrude Outboards, Can-Am ATV’s, Spyder motorcycles, Airborne, GE Healthcare, Roche Pharmaceuticals, Rexall-Sundown, Logitech, Best Buy, Johnson Controls, SkillPointe, Wausau Insurance, AEP,WD-40, Master Lock, Skil/Bosh, Home Depot, Dremel,In-N-Out, GNC, Chick-fil-A, Sonny’s BBQ
SKILLS
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Strategic Development Non-traditional Media New Business Development
Creative Direction Team Management IP & Brand Partnerships
Branded Entertainment Social/Digital Marketing Video Branding
Brand Positioning UX/UI Creative Direction Producing/Directing
ADDITIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS
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Created and directed “Gardenieres” a retail-based marketing program for Scotts Miracle Gro winning The Home Depot’s Innovator of the Year award.
Created, organized and produced award-winning “Sea-Doo Films” and television series "Bombardier's The Ultimate Playground" on ESPN2.
Received MediaWeek’s Non-Traditional Campaign of the Year for Airborne with integrated entertainment campaign.
AVIA select board member and Jurist, 2023 to present.
Over 100 National/International awards in all major industry shows and festivals, including Gold Effie’s, Cannes, One Show, CA Annual, Webby, and NY Festivals.
EDUCATION
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Marquette University, BA in Marketing & Journalism.