The A-List Podcast

This week on the A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann is joined by Dan Lucey, Executive Creative Director at BBDO. With multiple awards to his name from Cannes to The One Show, among many others, Dan is one of the most respected and accomplished creatives in the industry.

In this episode, Dan takes us full circle, starting from his time as a student at AdHouse all the way to becoming a teacher for the program. He shares valuable lessons from his experiences of both triumph and defeat, tells the story behind his hilarious Talking Stain ad for Tide, and explains why having “unrealistic optimism” is an asset in the advertising industry.

Show notes below!

[0:00 – 1:27] Intro

[1:28 – 6:05] Dan talks about how being a student at AdHouse helped him break into the industry, and how he returns the favor today by being a teacher for the program

[6:06: 11:30] Getting an internship at Mad Dogs & Englishmen and what that experience was like

[11:31 – 13:55] How working by yourself can help you find your point of view, and why having a balance of both honesty and respect is essential in a creative partnership

[13:56 – 18:30] Dan reflects on the culture at Mad Dogs & Englishmen and what he learned from his time there

[18:31 – 21:49] Getting a full-time gig and moving into an apartment on the Upper East Side, and getting to work on Haribo Gummy Bears

[21:50 – 25:10] Dan talks about being laid off, what he learned from the experience, and why being unrealistically optimistic is an important asset in the advertising industry

[25:11 – 27:50] Freelancing for magazines and getting back into design

[27:51 – 29: 29] Getting back into advertising working on the Hard Rock Hotel for DiMassimo Goldstein before ultimately going to Saatchi & Saatchi

[29:30 – 36:18] Dan talks about what it’s like to work at a big agency and shares his mental approach to work

[36:18 – 42:55] The story behind his hilarious Talking Stain ad for Tide

[42:56 – 47:00] Moving to San Francisco to take a job at Goodby Silverstein & Partners, and what he learned from working in Jamie Barrett’s pressure-free environment

[47:01 –49:32] Dan shares a recent story that highlights the importance of staying calm in the midst of chaos

[49:33 – 55:14] Why he waited 18 months to take the job at Goodby, and the passion and intensity that Rich Silverstein has to make things great

[55:15 – 58:35] Why he eventually moved back to New York to work with Chris Beresford-Hll at BBDO, and why he loves the culture there

[58:36 – 1:00:27] Dan talks about his leadership and management style, the importance of clear direction, and not forgetting what it’s like being a young creative

[1:00:28 – 1:02:58] Dan shares what he looks for in portfolios

[1:02:59 – 1:03:41] Outro

 

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter.

In this season’s premiere episode, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann returns to the recording booth to interview John Patroulis, Worldwide Chief Creative Officer of Grey Global Group.

Prior to joining Grey, Patroulis spent six years at BBH New York, joining as the agency’s Chief Creative Officer before being named its first-ever Creative Chairman in 2015. Under his leadership, BBH became one of the most awarded agencies in New York City.

Tune in to hear how Patroulis went from swinging a sledgehammer in Toledo, Ohio, to becoming one of the most decorated creatives in the industry. His adventure-filled career journey will leave you feeling inspired.

• [0:00 – 1:26] Intro

• [1:27 – 5:02] Growing up in Toledo, Ohio as the son of teachers, and having an early affinity for reading

• [5:03 – 9:58] Patroulis talks about attending the Ohio State University without a “plan”, bouncing around different majors before eventually landing on English Literature

• [9:59 – 17:39] Spending his college summers swinging a sledgehammer at a concrete pipe factory, and what he learned from boxing

• [17:40 – 26:13] Patroulis talks about couch surfing after college, shares a funny story about being night watchman, and recounts his time working as a bartender at a punk rock club in Wrigleyville called The Cubby Bear

• [26:14 – 38:51] How Patroulis developed a relationship with a famous NYC-Filmmaker Charles Lane while bartending at the Riviera Cafè

• [38:52 – 52:38] The amazing story of how Patroulis met David Angelo, and how that friendship propelled him to get his book together, ultimately landing his first advertising job at N.W. Ayer

• [52:39 – 1:01:26] Getting an offer from Chiat/Day, the importance of working on your craft, what he learned under Gerry Graf, and the responsibility of being irresponsible.

• [1:01:27 – 1:02:40] How bad meetings can serve a purpose

• [1:02:41 – 1:09:29] Moving to Chiat/Day’s San Francisco office to work on Adidas, and how Chuck McBride taught him the importance of caring about every little detail, all the way to the end

• [1:09:30 – 1:13:05] The story behind the famous Adidas commercial, “Hello Tomorrow” directed by Spike Jonze

• [1:13:06 – 1:15:40] The difference between being a “doer” and a leader

• [1:15:41 – 1:19:07] Co-founding his own agency T.A.G., and launching Halo 3

• [1:19:08 – 1:23:42] Going to BBH, and what he learned from John Hegarty’s endless optimism

• [1:23:43 – 1:25:09] Working at Grey, being confident in yourself, and doubling down on creativity

• [1:25:10 – 1:26:47] Patroulis explains why he thinks it’s a great time to be in advertising, and why he’s so excited for the future

• [1:26:48 – 1:28:30] Patroulis shares one piece of advice to young creatives trying to break into the industry – “care”

• [1:28:31 - 1:29:35] Outro

 “The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter.

The A-List Podcast: 10 Lessons from Season 1 by Tom Christmann

On the latest installment of The A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann is joined by David Baldwin, the founder and CEO of Baldwin&, an ad agency based in Raleigh, North Carolina, that was named Small Agency of the Year twice in its first five years. Baldwin is also the former chairman of the One Club in NYC and was an executive producer for the Emmy Award-winning film Art & Copy.

His advertising has been recognized by The One Show, Cannes, D&D, the Clios, the Effies, the Andy Awards, and more.

Tune in below as Baldwin and Christmann share stories from working under some of Advertising’s most famous superheroes, talk about the challenges facing the industry today, offer sound advice to young creatives, and much more. Show notes below!

Show Notes

• [0:00 – 2:22] Intro

• [2:23 – 5:49] Growing up in a little West Texas town and being in advertising since age 12

• [5:50 – 10:39] Superheroes of the industry, being interviewed by Gary Goldsmith, and living on floors in Manhattan

• [10:40 – 15:00] The importance of humility and Baldwin’s transformative educational experience at the University of Texas

• [15:01 – 16:44] Baldwin talks about getting hired by McCaffrey McCall and his first assignment as a copywriter

• [16:45 – 18:15] Baldwin shares stories about his first partner, Steve Rutter

• [18:16 – 24:40] The story behind the Emmy Award-winning film Art & Copy

• [24:41 – 28:19] Working under Jerry Della Femina at Della Femina Travisano & Partners and the influential book From Those Wonderful Folks Who Gave You Pearl Harbor

• [28:20 – 32:15] Moving from NYC to Portland to work for Cole & Weber and how it was a defining moment for his career

• [32:16 – 34:40] The existential conversation that led to Baldwin starting his own agency

• [34:41 – 36:49] Baldwin&’s ethos, being benevolently selfish, and living your point of view

• [36:50 – 39:02] The McDonald’s Women’s Day stunt and why he loves working for companies that create positive impact in the world

• [39:03 – 42:30] The Polaris Duel Campaign he worked on at McKinney

• [42:31 – 44:13] Baldwin discusses his writing process

• [44:14 – 46:15] Facebook’s recent scandal, how the industry is changing, and the pros and cons of being an independent agency

• [46:16 – 50:27] Creating his own brand, Ponysaurus Brewing Company

• [50:28 – 53:25] Baldwin talks about why he started his agency in North Carolina and why young people should look for a boss to work for, not just a company

• [53:26 – 56:54] How Baldwin is building more doors into his agency, being committed to creativity, and what he’s excited for moving forward

• [56:55 – 58:00] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter.

After a short hiatus, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann returns to the booth for another exciting (and hilarious) episode of The A-List Podcast! This time, he’s joined by Paul Caiozzo, an award-winning creative and the cofounder of Office of Baby, a youngish creative independent agency that’s mature enough to work for companies like Google, Etsy, Zocdoc, and StreetEasy. Before starting his own agency, Paul served as the executive creative director at Goodby Silverstein & Partners.

In this inspiring interview, Paul shares the unique story behind how he got into advertising, how negativity is poison, the challenges and balancing act of starting a new business, why creativity is still the core of advertising, and where he sees the future of the industry. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes

• [0:00 – 1:36] Intro

• [1:37 – 4:59] The meaning behind the name “Office of Baby”

• [5:00 – 8:08] Looking back on his time freelancing, Paul shares the lessons he learned from being around a variety of different agencies

• [8:09 – 15:20] The power of remaining positive, even in the face of uncomfortable situations

• [15:21 – 18:03] How a young web designer from Long Island found himself at a start up in Silicon Valley.

• [18:04 – 20:25] Paul shares the inspiring story of how a favor for a friend turned into a lifelong passion for advertising

• [20:26 – 24:20] Packing up his life in San Francisco and leaving to go an advertising school in Atlanta, where he discovered how ideas can be applied to art

• [24:21 – 28:27] The mentor who convinced Paul to stay in the industry after a rocky start

• [28:28 – 31:29] What he’s learned from starting a business and how to deal with the challenges that come with it

• [31:30 – 35:08] Paul shares some of his favorite philosophies he learned working under advertising legend Alex Bogusky at Crispin Porter + Bogusky

• [35:09 – 38:33] Paul reflects on his time as the executive creative director of Goodby Silverstein & Partners, building a satellite office and selling a vision

• [38:34 – 40:34] Tom and Paul chat about “global agencies” and how the fragmentation of people solving a problem can be a problem of its own

• [40:35 – 49:06] The current landscape of advertising, and how even in a sea of data and numbers, creativity still reigns supreme

• [49:07 – 1:01:29] The future of Office of Baby, the company’s vision, why you should never chase money, and how being kind to others will ultimately reward you

• [1:01:30 – 1:02:22] Outro

 “The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter.

This week on The A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO is joined in the studio by Sandy Greenberg and Terri Meyer, co-founders of TERRI & SANDY, an award-winning, brand-igniting agency that was recently named Ad Age’s Small Agency of the Year.

Before founding their own agency, both Sandy and Terri left their creative marks on some of the biggest agencies in the world, helping to build some of the most iconic brands, including Mars, Kraft, Campbell’s, Disney and Nestlé. Along the way, they've won virtually every industry award, including twelve Effies. Terri and Sandy’s work has permeated popular culture, and has been featured on TBS’ Funniest Commercials, Conan, CNN, The View, Fox News, Access Hollywood, and Today. For a little under an hour, Terri and Sandy tell Tom all about starting their own agency, why young creatives struggle with strategy, the importance of building a strong client relationship, and so much more. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes

• [0:00 – 1:42} Intro

• [01:43 – 4:03] Terri talks about growing up in St. Louis, and how she knew she wanted to be an Art Director from as early as age 15.

• [4:04 – 7:17] Sandy talks about moving all over the East Coast during her childhood, and getting her first gig at D’Arcy in St. Louis.

• [7:18 – 9:51] Sandy and Terri recall how they first met, and why it took some time for the two to become friendly with each other before eventually becoming partners.

• [9:52 – 14:07] What it was like being a female team in the early 90’s, and why politics are the dark side of advertising.

• [14:08 – 17:39] The two creative mavens discuss each other’s strengths, why loyalty is so important to a good partnership, open communication, and screaming until you laugh.

• [17:40 – 21:46] The two discuss some of their early work together, like the Twix “Oh Yeah” spot, and why young creatives struggle with strategy.

• [21:47 – 28:33] The story of Sandy becoming Terri’s birthday present, remembering the wisdom of Richard Levenson, and the importance of not burning bridges.

• [28:34 – 32:39] Terri and Sandy talk about starting their agency 7 years ago, and how not having a plan took them from a couch at Terri’s house to on office on Broadway.

• [32:40 – 39:10] Building a great client relationship through honesty and listening.

• [39:11— 41:00] Growing an agency culture.

• [41:01— 44:08] Terri and Sandy talk about some of the favorite campaigns they’ve worked on, including Avon’s “This is Boss Life”

• [44:09 – 50:00] How advertising has changed since the Mad Men era, and why agencies need to unite more to give back.

• [50:01 – 50:52] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter.

On a very special edition of The A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann switches seats and becomes the interviewee. Lauren Slaff, founder, president, and director of podcast sponsor AdHouse Advertising School plays the role of host as the two longtime friends talk about conquering fears, the importance of leaving your ego at the door, creating a personal brand, and so much more. Full episode and show notes below!

• [0:00 – 2:30] Into

• [2:31 – 6:32] Growing up in New Jersey, and how his childhood love to draw and write stories was inspired by his father “Mongo”

• [6:34 – 13:32] Tom talks about the benefit of going to college in Manhattan and the difficulty of getting a job in the recession

• [13:33 – 20:11] Getting his first gig at Ogilvy direct, and how young creatives can promote themselves today

• [20:12 – 22:39] Living on his own for the first time in Hoboken and rebuilding his portfolio after two years at Ogilvy

• [22:40 –24:05] The transition from a big direct agency to working at Kirschenbaum

• [24:06 – 31:38] Tom talks about the nerves he first had when meeting Richard Kirschenbaum, why he shaved his mullet, and growing up in the industry

• [31:39 – 36:14] Working at the agency of the future, TBWA/Chiat Day

• [36:15 – 41:40] Tom recalls his time working with people he long admired in Gerry Graf and Eric Silver at BBDO, and the speech that saved him from being fired.

• [41:41 – 48:29] Creating a personal brand and entering into the Freelance world. The importance of personal toughness.

• [48:30 – 50:57] Writing every day, the value of being yourself and getting people to start knowing you for your thinking.

• [50:58 – 53:10] Networking. Getting over social anxiety and conquering fears

• [53:11 – 56:36] Tom gives advice to young creatives and sheds light on an amazing industry

• [56:37 – 57:32] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter.

The A-List Podcast: Bobby Hershfield by Tom Christmann

In the fifteenth installment of the A-List Podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann is joined by Omid Farhang, the Chief Creative Officer at experiential agency Momentum Worldwide. Over the course of forty-five minutes, Farhang quotes the Wu-Tang Clan, talks about growing up as the child of an Iranian cowboy, and shares some of the most valuable lessons he learned working under and alongside the biggest names in the industry. Show notes below!

o [0:00 — 1:36] Intro

o [1:37 — 8:05] Farhang tells Tom about growing up the child of an Iranian cowboy, and the pressure he felt to become a doctor or a lawyer

o [8:06 – 11: 53] How Farhang discovered advertising, and the emotions that ran through his head when he first walked into the Chiat Day office

o [11:54 – 18:14] How the Honda “Grrr” spot inspired him to go into advertising

o [18:15 – 20:55] Wanting to be a writer and going to ad school with a sense of purpose and urgency

o [20:56 – 22:55] How the definition of titles are changing in the industry, what he learned from the Wu-Tang Clan, and how he has been influenced by comedy and hip hop

o [22:56 – 27:25] Starting as an intern Crispin Porter + Bogusky, living in a basement, and the benefit of writing 200 headlines

o [27:26 — 31:18] The lessons Farhang learned working as a young creative on Miller High Life

o [31:19 — 36:12] Farhang walks us through his plea to Alex Bogusky for a full-time gig and why he dropped out of ad school without a job.

o [36:13 – 38:37] The interview process towards becoming a first time CCO, Momentum Worldwide, and the power of an honest business relationship

o [38:38 – 41:00] Working with the children of NBA superstars for SAP’s “The Simple Report”

o [41:01 – 46:00] The benefits of freelancing, releasing ideas into the wild and experiential advertising.

o [46:01 – 47:50] What “Malicious Obedience” is, and how young creatives can avoid it

o [47:51 – 48:45] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter.

In the latest episode of “The A-List” podcast, host and DiMassimo Goldstein CCO Tom Christmann is joined by the hilarious Roger Camp, Partner and Chief Creative Officer of San Francisco based Camp+King. During his 20+ years in advertising, Camp has been awarded every major creative award under the sun and has worked on some of the world’s biggest brands, such as Amazon, Nike, Virgin Atlantic, Coca-Cola, and Adidas. He’s about as A-list as they come.

Tune in to hear all about how Camp likes to get naked with his dad, the three-fail rule, how to make brands and businesses conversation worthy, and much much more. Full episode and show notes below!

Show Notes:

[0:00 – 1:36] Intro

[1:37 – 7:08] Roger talks about growing up in Jersey, getting naked with his salt of the earth father, and his childhood aspirations of becoming an artist

[7:09 – 10:24] Attending SVA and falling in love with advertising

[10:25 – 19:30] The importance of being able to make mistakes, Roger’s first ads, and working on Comedy Central

[19:31 – 22:48] Heroes in the industry, getting fired, and the power of remaining optimistic

[22:49 – 27:53] Roger discusses his short stint at BBDO and finally getting a gig at Cliff Freeman & Partners

[27:54 – 31:28] The culture at Camp + King and the importance of working with people you like

[31:29 – 35:54] The importance of a brand voice and more advice for young writers

[35:55 – 37:44] Brand behaviors

[37:45 – 41:59] Cliff Freeman’s “Cliffisms”

[42:00 – 49:00] Working at Wieden+Kennedy, the actors strike, and the value of a planner

[49:01 – 51:49] The Camp+King positioning and being conversation worthy

[51:50 – 52:41] Outro

“The A-List” is a podcast produced by DiMassimo Goldstein, recorded at the Gramercy Post, and sponsored by the Adhouse Advertising School, New York’s newest, smallest, and hippest ad school. You can subscribe and rate the show on iTunes or listen along on SoundCloud. For updates on upcoming episodes and guests, be sure to like the A-List Podcast on Facebook and follow host Tom Christmann on Twitter.