GRATUITOUS HIGH PRAISE
My previous employers and colleagues have generously offered an ovation of disgusting flattery on my behalf. I appreciate their enthusiasm to provide testimony.
“I am delighted to recommend Matt DeGroot for any opportunity he seeks. For 6+ years, I've had the pleasure of working with Matt, during which time he's consistently demonstrated exceptional creativity, leadership, and strategic vision.
Matt’s ability to blend innovative design with effective marketing strategies has led to numerous successful projects for such brands as MINI, BMW, Atkins, T-Mobile and Intel.
His leadership skills are evident through his management of creative teams, where he inspires and guides talent to produce outstanding work. His approach is both collaborative and strategic, always pushing the envelope while aligning with client goals and brand objectives.
Matt’s strong work ethic, combined with his deep understanding of the creative industry, makes him a valuable asset to any team. I have no doubt Matt will bring the same level of excellence and enthusiasm to future endeavors.”
SHAWN SHIELDS
Creative Director, Dentsu Creative
“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.”
KELLY O’BRIEN
President, Comply Enterprises
“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 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.”
BRAD WHIPPLE
ANNE MCLAIN
Principals, Compass Digital Media
“Matt’s contributions to the USO year-end Wishbook campaign were invaluable. He was the main creative driver of the campaign, and it couldn’t have been such a success without him. Throughout the process, he showed incredible dedication and expertise, and I feel strongly that his input led directly to the client raising more funds than ever before.”
CATHY E.
Creative Director, Merkle
"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."
KRIS MILLER
Marketing Manager, DuPage Credit Union
“Matt is a dedicated, thoughtful creative who approaches each project through a strategic lens. He takes a data- and insight-driven approach to gain a deep understanding the target audience, then applies art direction and copy that resonate on an emotional and rational level.
Matt has an extensive understanding of "brand to demand" creative philosophies, and his versatile talents span the spectrum — from delivering high-level concepts to crafting response-driving content. He is also an omni-channel expert who can activate big ideas across every touchpoint, delivering compelling journeys that heighten customer experiences.
Matt is a highly collaborative teammate who leads by example through his courteous demeanor and supportive tone. He is also extremely passionate about helping others grow and succeed. For example, Matt oversaw our internal presentation club, which offered a safe, encouraging environment for those who wanted to build their skills and advance in their professional development.
Lastly, Matt is highly dedicated, always putting in extra time and effort to ensure projects get completed on schedule. He is a kind, all-around great guy who anyone would be lucky to work with!”
JENNIFER WOOD
VP, Group Creative Director, Merkle
“I am writing to recommend Matt DeGroot, with whom I've had the pleasure of spending almost four years working closely on key accounts, including MINI Cooper and BMW where he took active working and leadership roles in creating and designing digital and print media, as well as large-scale email campaigns as part of our CRM strategy.
Matt is a self-starter with a remarkable ability to engage with clients and team members. His analytical mind and creative flair have consistently elevated the quality of our work. His deep understanding of client needs and his innovative problem-solving approach have made him an invaluable asset to our creative team. Matt takes the time to truly understand the larger strategy and goal of each creative pursuit. His work on the MINI Cooper and BMW accounts stands as a testament to his ability to deliver impactful results while fostering strong client relationships.
Our organization benefits immensely from his skills and dedication, and his contributions are keenly felt. I envy any other team that will have the privilege of working with him and am confident that he will continue to excel and make a significant impact in his future endeavors.”
DANEALLE KARTHEISER
Senior Account Manager, Merkle
“Matt DeGroot is a smart, talented, and collaborative creative leader, art director, and designer, as well as being a pleasure to work with.
Matt thinks through the work in terms of delivering the best creative solutions for the business challenges a client is facing. He is committed to making the work great. If that means putting in extra hours to get there, he does it. He also gets the balance between making the work the best it can be and working within deadlines to satisfy different (and sometimes conflicting!) client constituencies. His visual sensibility draws on timeless design principles while still tapping into what’s relevant now.
Matt holds to high standards for himself and his team. Plus, he’s easy-going, buttoned-up, on top of things, and has a great sense of humor. Matt’s the real deal.”
MAGGIE POWERS
Creative Director, Dentsu Creative