Three ways in, and the talent work.
Concept-Stage Consult, Brand Reinvention and Fractional CMO: the three engagement models, plus talent and brand pairing. Every one is senior and direct. Pick the problem that looks most like yours. Based in Ohio and working nationally, including Cleveland and Northeast Ohio.
- IBrand strategy · Concept-Stage ConsultPositioning, naming and campaign architecture, decided at the concept stage while everything is still movable.Best when the idea, the name or the launch is not locked yet.
- IIBrand reinventionA defined engagement with a beginning and an end: reposition, redesign, relaunch. In, done, and out, with the work standing.Best when an established business has outgrown how it is seen.
- IIIFractional CMOSenior marketing leadership without the full-time seat: strategy, team and execution, run the way a 23-year tenure taught him to run them.Best when marketing needs an owner, not another vendor.
- IVTalent & brand pairingChoosing the right celebrity spokesperson or ambassador, and the creative idea that makes the pairing mean something.Best when a brand needs a face, or talent needs the right brand fit.
How an engagement works
With a conversation about what you are building, who it needs to reach, and where the creative direction is missing. If it is a fit, the work is scoped; if it is not, you will hear that instead.
Stephen, directly. The strategy and the creative direction are his work, not a team he hands you to.
For selected website engagements, he develops the strategy, identity, copy, design and build. For broader campaigns, he leads creative direction and works with your in-house team, agency or specialist production partners.
Availability, fees and terms go through the talent's authorized representatives. He is engaged and paid by the brand. For the public record of which legends have sold what, see Hollywood Legends in Advertising.
Bespoke, and set after a first conversation. Scope is shaped by four things: how many decisions are in play, how many audiences the work must reach, whether the engagement ends at a recommendation or runs through launch, and how long senior involvement is needed. There is no price list on this site.
Not ready to engage? Start here.
Two complimentary offers for selected submissions, with no obligation.
The record behind it
Bring the problem, not the brief.
The brief usually comes later. The first conversation is about what you are building and who needs to believe in it.