Brendan Tripp
1030 N. State St., 46-E / Chicago, IL 60610
Ph: 312-649-1654 / btripp@gmail.com
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CAREER SUMMARY
 
                              A communications professional with a proven track record of packaging difficult concepts and making them understandable. A manager who utilizes information technology, including web, social media, and virtual world development to increase product and service awareness. Employs innovative approaches to plan and implement multi-platform presence to meet the needs of clients. In addition, uses top-notch writing and design skills to develop creative marketing materials to ensure effective message delivery.                              

Marketing … Project Management … Writing/Design/Graphics … New Media
Editing/Layout … Web, Social Media & Virtual Development … Client Relations
Meeting Planning … Theme Development … Presentations … Press Events



PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
 
Consulting/Freelance - Chicago, IL 2009 - Present
Working with assorted agencies, companies, organizations and individuals to develop social media presences, web content and design, and communications.
 
   
  • Provided content creation for a number of agencies and web properties, writing materials for various clients across a wide array of industries. Created web and social media presences for several organizations. Produced and managed video projects, wrote press releases, developed print pieces, and performed other PR functions.
  • Consulted as Director of Communications for a green-tech “urban vermiculture” operation, including developing multiple web vehicles, promotional materials, corporate identity graphics, product packaging & design, exhibit materials, an on-going video series (“Will They EAT It?”), wrote presentations and developed a/v decks for conference programs, and created a company blog.
  • Developed an integrated “social” website for an international web-based niche education provider, pulling together disparate elements existing on various free hosting platforms into a central hub with over 1,000 groups, 1,200 pages, 1,700 videos, a free .pdf library, e-commerce functions, and other resources. Developed a Virtual World info center / classroom facility for the school in Second Life. Assisted in creating a daily web radio program, as well as assorted video projects.
  • Wrote “The Job Stalker” and “Green Tech Chicago” blogs for the Chicago Tribune's Chicago Now site. Continued writing the long-running “BTRIPP's Books” book review blog, featuring a wide range of business, marketing, and other non-fiction titles, which have since been issued in a series of annual print collections.
    


SIMUALITY, LLC / LIMINATI, INC. - Evanston, IL 2007 - 2009
A "new media" firm specializing in multi-platform communications projects, and developer creating virtual world builds and commercial "incubator" concepts for the Metaverse.
 
Director of Communications
Created, supervised, and coordinated all communications efforts for company, including the SlippCat, Avatrait, and RetailGenics divisions and various other projects.
   
  • Wrote and managed all media contacts, including virtual world specific, national press, and local mass media. Developed press/info kits for assorted industry events.
  • Oversaw, created content, and in many cases coded Web sites for company and client projects, interfacing social media with Internet and Metaverse elements.
  • Created virtual world tools for communications and awareness of Metaverse programs which drove traffic to in-world builds and developed brand awareness.
  • Developed and edited a line of art books to promote the Avatrait division.
  • Coordinated Avatrait's presence at an international art festival in Florence, Italy, including writing and shooting video presentations for company partners.
  • Wrote proposals and developed support materials for numerous new client and investor pitches.
  • Developed wide array of promotional materials for increasing brand awareness for the SlippCat division.
  • Coordinated company's "social media" image including blogs, Twitter feeds, Second Life presence and images, and "Ning" sites for clients and projects.
  • Developed concept for international organization to consolidate far-flung web assets and integrate these with various social media, web, video and Metaverse channels.
  • Coordinated virtual world aspects for several in-house and client projects.
    


CLUB Z! IN-HOME TUTORING, Chicago, IL 2004 - 2007
A franchised tutoring service newly introduced to the Chicago market.
 
Area Marketing Director
Responsible for building "brand" awareness in the downtown Chicago market, including developing information and out-reach materials to build relationships with over 70 area schools and advertising programs to reach target audiences.
   
  • Developed various direct-mail campaigns for reaching targeted potential client populations, professional referral sources, and community groups.
  • Designed and placed advertising in assorted magazine, newspaper, and phone directory media vehicles. Wrote or cooperated in the development of promotional media stories.
  • Created web presence for both downtown Chicago franchise and for area participants in the NCLB program.
  • Developed on-line advertising program including search engine ads and banner ads placed on strategic sites.
  • Coordinated production of "outreach" materials for area school personnel, and supervised the distribution and contact program.
  • Developed presentations for key CPS program meetings, introducing Club Z! and its services.
    


ESCHATON PRODUCTIONS, INC., Chicago, IL 1993 - 2004
An entrepreneurial start-up consisting of a publishing company, Eschaton Books, and a meeting planning company, E.P. Events.
 
President
Oversaw all management functions including customer and author relations, print buying, accounting, warehousing, order fulfillment and shipping. In addition, edited, designed and typeset numerous books and a magazine and created graphics for covers and other illustrations. Also, offered meeting planning and seminar expertise to a wide range of clients.
   
  • Established and edited a quarterly literary journal to increase reader awareness of available books and new releases.
  • Identified and contracted with distribution group to streamline order fulfillment which reduced usage of 6 national wholesalers and expanded placement of books into major bookstore chains.
  • Planned and produced advertising and promotional programs to support new book releases and ongoing sales which included the development and maintenance of an award winning website.
  • Reduced printing costs by 15% by negotiating price differential for larger quantities.
  • Spearheaded the release of a specialized psychological book by rewriting the manuscript and redesigning the training manual.
  • Acted as a consultant for a gourmet health food product for by developing a marketing plan and strategic direction for the product.
  • Provided consultation for leadership conference for an alternative religion including scheduling speakers, timing and structuring events.
  • Sought out manuscripts and developed 25 book projects that included editing, typesetting, designing and manufacturing the books as well as promotion and distribution.
    


MARIAN TRIPP COMMUNICATIONS, INC., Chicago, IL Previously
A "boutique" Public Relations firm specializing in the promotion of consumer packaged food products and companies within the food and beverage industry.
 
Vice President
Reported to the President. Responsible for the overall management and direction of press conferences and media events including working with clients, developing press materials and kits, coordinating press and hotels, supervising catering staff for recipe run-throughs, and ensuring the meeting rooms and facilities met designated standards. Responsibilities also included project management, developing promotional copy and press releases, event sponsorship, promotional events, arranging media tours, working with home economists on product usage, and researching and identifying appropriate speakers.
   
  • Developed and implemented public relations programs for major food product companies resulting in increased sales, successful new product introductions and expanded customer loyalty.
  • Created meetings, conferences and special events for groups ranging from 30-350 participants that included press fly-ins, briefings, new product events, major conferences and quarterly meetings for food product companies and food associations.
  • Consistently demonstrated resourcefulness in meeting client requirements within budget and achieving quality standards.
  • Produced public relations programs through a wide spectrum of vehicles including press conferences, award programs, radio contests and media tours resulting in increased product awareness.
  • Designed ongoing publicity materials to the food press for client products, including writing copy, coordinating recipe creation, and over-seeing photography.
  • Developed and maintained press contacts for public relations campaigns resulting in ongoing exposure and special placement of key product stories.
  • Created innovative approaches for communicating client stories to the press
    



EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
 
Degrees:
The Chubb Institute, Chicago, IL
Diploma, Web Development and Business Programming, 2003
 
Lawrence University, Appleton, WI
B.A., Religion/English/Art, 1979
 
Additional Studies:
Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Radio/TV/Film
 
Illinois State University, Bloomington-Normal, IL
Communications
 
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Publishing
 
Industry Accreditations/Memberships:
Certified Meeting Professional
Convention Liaison Council , 1994
 
Chevalier
Confrerie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs, 1990
 
Toastmaster
Extreme Toastmasters Club - Club #595201, Dist #30, 2006