Our People

President

For over 25 years, David has inspired the agency’s achievements in creating innovative branding and marketing programs in the public and private sectors. He has led the agency’s teams in such pursuits as making Wild Blueberries the “Number 1 Antioxidant Fruit,” positioning Maine as a must-see destination known as “The Way Life Should Be,” helping Bentley University present “Business In A Whole New Light,” and transforming the 5 A Day health and nutrition program into the re-energized, behaviorally driven, “5 A Day The Color Way.”

David is co-founder of the greaterthan › conference, past president of the Portland Community Chamber of Commerce, a current member and past chair of the Business Advisory Council of the USM School of Business, a member of the Board of Advisors of Working Villages International, and a member of the Board of the Maine Center for Creativity.  David earned a bachelor’s degree in Art and Art History at Colby College and master’s degree in Media and Technology from Boston University.

“Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb. That’s where the fruit is. ” - Arthur F. Lenenhan

Managing Partner

At six-foot-four, Adam stands out in a crowd. And its not just because he’s tall—it’s also the result of his experience pioneering results-focused marketing programs for a range of national clients. From his work positioning Bentley University as a leading business institution in partnership with TIME magazine, or his efforts to make Mott’s apple products leaders in “whole body health”.  Adam’s prior agency experience includes Arnold Worldwide, and Ogilvy and Mather Worldwide where he worked on leading brands, including: Verizon, Ocean Spray and McDonald’s.

“When a client says: ‘That’s a smart idea, we wouldn’t have thought of it, and we can’t wait to try it’ we know we’ve won the trifecta. We’re making a difference and earning our keep.”

Managing Partner, Travel, Tourism & Economic Development

Steve’s fascination with planes, trains and boats started when he was kid. As he grew that fascination continued, but somewhere along the way the toys were traded for the real thing. Today, Steve’s track record of boosting airline, train and cruise passengers and visitors to hotels, resorts and destinations is, to say the least, remarkable. Take, for example, Steve’s bold destination marketing strategy for Bay Ferries Ltd./The CAT, which led to eight consecutive years of record-breaking inquiry generation. Steve also managed the five-year, integrated communications for the Maine Turnpike Widening project and is currently leading our work in tourism and economic development efforts for the state of Maine. His prior experience includes senior marketing positions at American Classic Voyages/The Delta Queen Cruise Line and Continental Airlines — expertise that has proven to be a valuable resource to Swardlick Marketing Group clients.

“Eloquence in communication has always inspired me. From the spoken or written word, to the communication of mood and emotion through a superbly written piece of music or a powerful moment on stage or in film—the ability to create a lasting and meaningful connection with others through any medium elevates communication to a fine art.”

Managing Partner, Food and Nutrition

The agency’s wise man on the mountain, John is an experienced marketing professional and a thought leader in the food industry and commodity sector. His ambitious and highly successful client programs are a direct result of his
brand building vision, which is in turn informed by his unique executive background and knowledge in foodservice management and operations as well as advertising, promotion, research and strategic planning. While serving as the executive director of the Wild Blueberry Association of North American (WBANA), John helped transform blueberries from a commodity to a brand. At the agency, he is the mastermind behind the ever-growing success of our food clients, including The Cheeses of France, Wild Blueberries and Oakhurst Dairy.

“Figuring it out…making it work for the client…and doing it with a bunch of remarkable people who are into it. How great is that!!”

Marketing Director

Always a great a champion of his clients, Josh’s comprehensive experience in marketing communications is coupled with a highly strategic approach to project management. He has directed online and offline marketing communications programs for clients that include L.L.Bean, Bentley University and Gorham Savings Bank. From 2000 to 2003 Josh served as Client Services Director at Internet consulting and development firm Portland Webworks, where he focused on needs analysis and information architecture consulting—skills he brings to his clients at Swardlick Marketing Group.

“We’re in the business of generating ideas. And you never know when a new one will hit you. Some ideas are born when you’re sitting at a desk, but I find that the good ones come in unexpected places. Like sitting on a chairlift.”

Marketing Director, Food & Beverage

Before joining Swardlick, Mike spent time in New Zealand promoting Guinness and setting up Irish-style pubs. He brings Swardlick invaluable expertise in beverage and food marketing, which he has put to excellent use as leader of the agency’s Oakhurst Dairy and Cheeses of France teams. Previously at Diageo, Mike developed and executed commercial marketing strategy for Smirnoff Vodka, with US net sales of over $700 million, and spearheaded a number of Diageo innovation projects including the development of Ciroc luxury vodka and Smirnoff Twist flavors.

“If you can dream it, you can do it.” -Walt Disney
“If you can do it, you can do it better.” -Mike Collins

Marketing Director

A true blue Wild Blueberry maven, Sue is responsible for strategic direction and campaign management of many of the agency’s food and nutrition marketing programs. Sue brings strong expertise in public relations and her work with the Wild Blueberry Association of North America’s national marketing and media relations campaigns has helped “earn” millions of dollars in print and broadcast coverage. Sue was instrumental in developing the Produce for Better Health Foundation’s 5 A Day the Color Way campaign and also led an integrated national communications campaign for the introduction of DOLE® Frozen Fruit, a new branded line of fresh frozen fruit.

Media Director

Vicky is a "Mainah" who knows media. An expert in results-oriented media planning, Vicky develops media strategies and plans, and deftly negotiates and implements media buys. She pioneered work to develop high-ROI broadcast campaigns for the Maine Office of Tourism, combining direct-response and image-building strategies. She has driven client success across a broad range of sectors and clients, including L.L.Bean, the Unitarian Universalist Association and the Maine Turnpike Authority.

Director, Internet Marketing

Affectionately referred to as “Brew” around the office, David is a Web 2.0 pioneer who guides our clients’ interactive program development. His website planning and design and development of online marketing programs—including search marketing, online advertising and direct email—is notorious, in a good way. David provides our clients with valuable insight and strategies for integrating traditional and interactive communications programs.

Creative Director

If you’re walking through the office and hear someone speaking French, chances are Paul is hard at work generating more international business. An experienced creative director with an emphasis in television and film, Paul brings a unique combination of strategic planning and creative development to his award-winning work in Travel, Tourism and Public Sector marketing. Paul has helped develop inspired programs for clients such as the Californian Department of Public Health, the Cheeses of France, Oakhurst Dairy, Maine Tourism, Bay Ferries/The CAT, the United Way and Central Maine Power. Paul is also quite an accomplished painter.

“In anything at all, perfection is attained, not when there is no longer anything to add, but when there is no longer anything to take away.” -Antoine de Saint Exupéry

Creative Director

John’s trademark (in addition to polar fleece and funky glasses) is managing the creative product from conception through implementation of many award-winning client programs. He has led the complete product re-branding and package redesign for the full Oakhurst line of products, in concert with new television and print campaigns. John’s creative oversight also introduced The Cheeses of France to American audiences through consumer and trade print, online and supermarket POS campaigns. His prior agency experience includes senior creative positions in Boston at Hill Holiday Connors & Cosmopulos; Ingalls, Quinn & Johnson; and Gearon, Hoffman, Inc.

“Want to know a good way to measure the value of one’s job? At the end of the day — when your kids ask ‘what did you do at work today?’ — two things happen. One, they actually listen. And two, you truly have something interesting to tell them.”

Associate Creative Director/Senior Copywriter

The glue that keeps the creative process together, Ann has been a key member of the Swardlick creative team since David recruited her from the world of radio. She brings a unique blend of strategic thinking, writing talent and a wide range of experience in numerous sectors. Ann has played an important role in the branding and promotion of Wild Blueberries as “Nature’s Antioxidant Fruit” on behalf of the Wild Blueberry Association of North America. She is also integrally involved in programs for Bentley University, Oakhurst Dairy and The Cheeses of France.

“Copywriters know a little about a lot of things. It’s the perfect liberal arts profession. If you stay at it long enough, you’ll know a little more.”

Production Manager

Paul misses his classic Corvette and his motorcycle that family life ultimately forced him to abandon. He is, nevertheless, highly effective at managing multiple client programs from start to finish, ensuring quality results, on schedule and budget. All of the agency’s diverse print advertising, collateral, trade show and specialty advertising programs fall under his meticulous direction. Paul brings to the agency many years of experience in print production and project management, including nine years directing graphics and digital printing for Moss, Inc., the international provider of tensioned fabric based in Belfast, Maine.

“I heard a quote once that I always liked: ‘Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.’ That’s what inspires me to get up in the morning. I enjoy working in a creative, fun, and challenging environment, where there is a great sense of teamwork and camaraderie, it just doesn’t get any better than that!”

Senior Art Director

Witty, imaginative and a bagpiper to boot, Doug is instrumental in creating the vision and bringing to life a number of regional, national and international client programs in print, radio and television. His work has leapt off the page and the airwaves to capture attention for clients ranging from Bentley University to the Unitarian Universalist Association and Bay Ferries/The CAT. Prior to joining the agency, Doug was a freelance art director and illustrator. He was also art director for Chipco International and a digital artist for Portland Photographics. Before moving to Portland in 1994, Doug worked in New York as a freelance illustrator, cartoonist and painter.

“I don’t like pina coladas. I do like walking in the rain, as long as it’s not raining pina coladas. I also like most of the music that I like, long walks off short piers, conversations with cats, India Pale Ale and autumn smoke, riding my bike downhill, Sherlock Holmes, mockingbirds, sneakers and ‘I Am the Walrus.’”