DO GOOD, DO WELL
The new "Golden Rule" definitely has its benefits.
 

ACCOUNTABILITY
Take responsibility and learn from decisions and actions.
 

LEAD BY EXAMPLE
Practice what you preach.
Hypocrisy is unbecoming.
 

STRONG LINKS, STRONGER CHAIN
Champion independent strength in collaborative values and efforts.
 

TRANSPARENCY
Be open to sharing honest, direct communication.
 

SCIENTIFIC PROCESS
A journey based on logic and reason leads to true discovery.
 

CAUSE & EFFECT
Know there is a consequence for every decision and action.
 

MEASURE TWICE, CUT ONCE
Investing time upfront more often saves time, material and cost.
 

BUDGET/QUALITY/TIME PARADIGM
Every project requires a balanced expectation.
 

PROFILE

I strongly believe in brand-forward marketing, advertising and design. My goal and approach to every project is focused on creating positive, memorable interactions and lasting impressions that turn prospective audiences into brand advocates.

Contributions to employers and clients to date prove my capability to independently and collaboratively envision, lead, create and produce full-scale B2B and B2C campaigns and initiatives that connect through every media channel and leverage owned, earned and paid media platforms.

QUALIFICATIONS

My fourteen years of experience have encouraged growth and refinement in my ability to:

• Conceptualize direction in combination with strategy to address qualified target market challenges and capitalize on opportunities
   
• Present ideas, concepts and design solutions to creative and non-creative audiences and owners
   
• Scope, plan and manage the development and execution of competing projects, timelines and budgets of full-scale campaigns effectively and efficiently
   
• Interface with clients and lead multidisciplinary internal and external teams including designers, copy writers, developers, photographers and videographers
   
• Embrace a flexible management style focused on personal accountability, utilizing a straight-forward, transparent approach to communication and direction
   
• Combine effective oral and written communication through person-to-person interaction, online meeting formats, teleconferences and email
   
• Champion a proactive, forethought approach to troubleshooting and problem solving
   
• Creatively achieve project goals and objectives to meet client expectations

SKILL SETS

Singularly or in combination, I provide creative/art direction, content development, information architecture, design, UI/UX, copy writing and editing, production, process development and management of initiatives involving:
 

BRAND
Discovery, building and identity creation
 

MARKETING & ADVERTISING
Full-scale inbound and outbound campaigns
 

ENVIRONMENTAL
Two and three dimensional wall graphics and signage, space layout and decor
 

PRINT
Advertising, collateral, signage and direct mail
 

SOCIAL MEDIA
Strategy, creation and maintenance
 

DIGITAL MEDIA
Websites, landing pages, advertising, HTML email, multimedia presentations
 

PHOTO & VIDEO SHOOTS
Concept, coordination and direction
 

VIDEO PRODUCTION
Storyboards, content, script, directing post-production editing, sound engineering and motion graphics
 

TRADE SHOWS
Attraction and engagement, collateral, booth graphics,  structural design, floor plans and decor

ON-SITE EVENTS
Presentation media, live rehearsals, scripting, audio/visual, technical staff, live talent and technical direction

COMPLY ENTERPRISES, INC.
2008 – 2014

Company Overview—Comply Enterprises is a full-service brand-centric marketing and creative agency serving clients in education and training, professional services and engineered products.

Roles & Accomplishments—Leading and producing integrated campaigns for organizations such as DeVry University, Capgemini, Wheaton Eye Clinic, Castrol and more, my initial title with Comply was Art Director. From identity and branding, to print collateral, direct mail and traditional advertising, to interactive multimedia presentations and engagements, to video, websites, social media, online advertising and remarketing campaigns—I managed the entire creative process, roles and expectations.

The scope of my involvement was expanded to include the Account Director distinction to utilize both creative and management capabilities. As the primary contact for many retainer-based and new accounts, I worked directly with client liaisons and decision makers—marketing managers and directors, VP's and CEO's—presenting concepts that creatively and strategically achieved project goals and objectives, while identifying project scope, developing estimates and proposals, and managing budgets.

With approved concepts, I utilized "lead creative" skill sets to oversee or directly execute and deliver solutions that aligned with the determined strategic initiatives and channel direction.

Reporting to the VP of Creative Services, I successfully moved seamlessly between various roles and tasks as needed to meet and exceed expectations of all parties—challenging my skill sets and continuing to build upon my previous experience to ensure successful outcomes for clients.

DUPAGE CREDIT UNION
2004 – 2008

Company Overview—DuPage Credit Union is a financial institution offering an extensive portfolio of banking, savings, credit cards and loans—serving members in seven branch offices/county chartered regions in the Chicagoland area.

Roles & Accomplishments—Throughout my four years as a team member of the in-house marketing department, I was responsible for conceptualizing and executing new campaign and product line promotions that targeted variable audience demographics and customer relationships. Tactics and media channels included print and online advertising, collateral, forms, newsletters, corporate and retail environmental graphics and signage, POS displays, direct mail, html email, the DCU website and intranet site.

Utilizing my ability to independently and collaboratively seek out and identify organizational and product specific challenges, I developed and presented unique and creative solutions that encouraged internal productivity, expanded external brand awareness and increased sales opportunities.

My roles included consistent and fluid transitions between team leading, mentoring and educating, to design and art direction, copy writing and editing, managing and overseeing production and fulfillment of campaign and promotional media solutions. I also shared an instrumental role in providing creative direction for the design, content creation and development of the redesigned DuPage Credit Union website.

COMPASS DIGITAL MEDIA
2001 – 2004

Company Overview—Compass Digital Media is a boutique agency focused on the creative development, production and management of live events, video, multimedia and websites.

Roles & Accomplishments—Comfortable shouldering multiple responsibilities, my contributions began with project scope estimation and management as well as content direction, design, production and coordination; and quickly expanded to include driving roles as Director of Art, Production and Management of live events and video production, post-production and editing. I also provided technical direction for live event presentations, meetings and breakout sessions.

Servicing a diversified client portfolio, I was an integral team member in the creation and delivery of solutions for education clients such UIC College of Architecture and the Arts, U of I Foundation; healthcare clients including Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University; consumer product clients Skil and Wilson.

My contributions to Compass and their client's initiatives enabled successful project execution while meeting predetermined goals and objectives regarding awareness, fundraising and sales.

NIU OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS
2000 – 2001

Company Overview—The Office of Publications provides graphic design and creative services to meet the communications needs of NIU clients while being consistent with University brand standards and policies.

Roles & Accomplishments—During my year-long paid internship, I worked under the direction of the department's lead designer. While owning projects from start to completion, I met with clients, conceptualized and presented ideas, designed and output final identity, print collateral and promotional solutions for University departments, alumni and prospective student outreach initiatives.

Valued for my creativity and passion for design, the Publications Office enabled me to learn about the client/service provider relationship, and encouraged me to utilize and refine new skillets acquired through my formal education.

KELLY O'BRIEN
Comply Enterprises
President
 

"Besides being a pleasure to work with, Matt is a take-charge person who is able to present creative ideas and communicate the benefits. He is very knowledgeable over a wide range of job responsibilities and works effectively with others. I highly recommend Matt for employment. He is a team player and would make a great asset to any organization. I am happy to act as a reference for Matt and can speak to his interpersonal skills, work ethic and professionalism."

DAWN FEND
Comply Enterprises
VP Creative Services

"I would recommend him for a position with your organization. Matt consistently provided targeted solutions that have been well-received by our clients … Comply looks for employees with talent, ambition and a genuine interest in all forms of visual and written communications. We look for people of high character, individuals who exhibit elevated values and pursue every opportunity to improve and contribute. Matt was successful in meeting all expectations."

KRIS MILLER
DuPage Credit Union
Marketing Manager

"Matt excels at the creative process. He is able to self-construct ideas as well as add value to collaborative campaigns. Matt has the ability to "step into the shoes" of his audience and create and maintain brand initiatives for products surrounding these targets. Matt has excellent communication skills. In addition, he is extremely organized, reliable and always willing to offer his assistance. Matt can work independently and is able to follow through to ensure that the job gets done. He also works well within a team environment and has built an excellent rapport with other team members. Matt would be a tremendous asset to your company and has my highest recommendation."

BRAD WHIPPLE
ANNE MCLAIN
Compass Digital Media
Principals

"It is our pleasure to testify on behalf of Matt DeGroot. During Matt's employment at Compass, we found him to be an intelligent, thoughtful and dedicated person. Matt impressed us with his ability to wear many hats whether in design, project management or client relations. He is eager to learn and takes initiative in comprehending new skill. He is able to grasp new concepts quickly and accepts constructive criticism and instruction concerning his work. He works very well with others and quickly developed a rapport with our clients that was admired and respected. Matt will be a great addition to your organization."