MARK WELTE

mark@thegrocerysf.com

Strategic Marketing Writer

PROFILE

More than 12 years in marketing strategy and communications for companies including Nokia, HP, Ditech, Microsoft, Yahoo!, Virgin, Agilent, Hilton, startups and others. My chief strength is the translation of complex and myriad information into attractive and meaningful messages that resonate with audiences, to help companies achieve their marketing goals.

EXPERIENCE

Mabel Chong,   San Francisco      Chief Marketing Officer2008-present

Charged with the creation, execution and management of the voice, brand, and outbound communications for this SF-based jewelry designer across traditional and social media.  In four years the company has grown from a home business to having three stores in San Francisco, presence in national media and local TV, and an international wholesale business. Sales have grown 25%-50% year-over-year since 2005.

Contra Integrated, San Francisco/LondonCreative Strategist2000-2008

Contra was the agency of record for Nokia Networks. I worked with our offices in Europe, the US, and Asia to create communications, strategy, and advertising for tech clients across all media, including: print, trade shows, DM, online, mobile, word-of-mouth programs, video, and various PR road shows.

-Led creative team of five on Nokia Network’s “Solutioneer” campaign, re-defining the company in 2006 and still in use today, post Nokia/Siemens merger.

      -I created Nokia’s “Let’s Network” global campaign, and led a team in its creative execution, which developed a $1M campaign into $5M. Innovated campaigns across non-traditional platforms: mobile, experiential, events, interactive. Won European Technology Advertiser’s Award.

      -Wrote strategy and creative communications for international roster:  Nokia, Compaq/HP, Beretta/Sako, Add2Phone, LifePrint, Virgin Radio, Lumene, The Singapore Marathon

SELECTED FREELANCE ENGAGEMENTS

Organic, San FranciscoSenior Copywriter     Current

Contracted for all copywriting duties on overhaul of Hilton Worldwide corporate website. Consolidating information from six disparate Hilton organizational websites and multiple collateral pieces into one distinct brand voice.

The Linus Group, EmeryvilleCreative Strategist     Feb/Mar 2011

Contracted for concept and copywriting work on Life Sciences/Pharma account. Working with strategic and creative personnel, I authored two creative campaign concepts for Agilent Technologies. One concept bought, currently being executed against.

Rufus Publishing, San FranciscoCreative Strategist/Social MediaFeb/ongoing

Leading the online and social media strategy for a small publisher, I am the architect for re-branding the company, guiding strategy and website development, and social media strategy and initial execution.

Creative B’stro,   San Francisco/Vancouver      Creative Strategist2010

Helmed with re-branding a 20+ person digital advertising agency, I coordinated and lead creative and business teams in new business proposals. Led strategy and creative pitches to Ralph Lauren, Wunderground, Snapfish (won) and TELUS (won).

OgilvyOne, San Francisco Senior Copywriter   2006

Worked in launch days with the agency as a Senior Copywriter

•Created and wrote interactive campaigns for Yahoo! in Travel, Auto, and Messenger categories

•Wrote “Flip” Yahoo! Auto campaign, which ran for 22 months online

California Closets, San Raphael      Senior Copywriter2005

Created brand and promotional advertising across a national franchise with unique geographical considerations. Wrote the California Closets' advertising campaign for 2006.  Additionally:

Named, introduced, and executed the launch of the Professional Organizer service offering; and

Concepted and wrote promotional/advertorial brand video scripts

Landor Associates, San Francisco          Copywriter1999

As a Copywriter and Namer, I worked on naming products and companies, corporate taglines, and brand assets for a variety of Fortune 500 companies. Clients included: Microsoft, Lilly, PowerBar, HP, Andersen Consulting, GE, Visa, Key Bank, Wunderman.

EDUCATION

B.A., Kalamazoo College. School for the Visual Arts, Bennington Writer's Workshop

EXTRA

Teacher at the Miami Ad School. Speak conversational German and Italian, Taproot Volunteer, Published fiction writer. Blogger.