Following my graduation from Florida State University I earned the unique opportunity to serve as the advertising spokesman for Pet Supermarket. This was the experience of a lifetime and it allowed me to utilize my love of story telling, performing, and creative writing to speak to the masses on behalf of an entire company. Pet Supermarket is a privately owned chain of pet supply stores that operates in eleven states across the country. Their advertising is handled by a South Florida based agency called Lipof Advertising. It was through Lipof Advertising that I was employed to function as Pet Supermarket's advertising spokesman, brand image and writing assistant for the campaign. Our target market was women and children where as it was believed that women and children were the majority of the store's patrons. This was a five year contract which all started with a bark. It was during the audition process that the ad agency took notice of my ability to bark like a dog. As silly as it sounds, this bark in my mind summed up the mission statement of this store, which was that Pet Supermarket understands what pets want. Once hired, the ad agent added in the memorable slogan, "We Speak Pet," and when fused with my bark, the campaign was truly born. From that point on I was given a crash course in advertising as I participated heavily in the process to create this successful campaign. Throughout it's entirety I served as the brand image for and assisted in the development of eight television commercials, a series of radio ads, mailed coupons, in-store P-O-P displays, newspaper FSI's, training videos, and trade show appearances. Aside from my assistance in creating the slogan, I was afforded the privilege to help write commercial segments alongside the talented team of people who brought this campaign to life. My principle role as the spokesman gave me a certain amount of creative freedom while performing on-camera and I was allowed to use my talents and personality to help relay the message this store wanted to convey. This was the first time I was able to use my love of story telling and passion for media to help tell a story at a national level. Aside from being a great opportunity, this experience functioned much as an education. I was able to increase my understanding about how advertising works all while being able to shape my personality and skills that are essential to the life in broadcasting I am working to create. Like all good things though, the campaign ultimately came to an end. The five years went by fast but the hands on experience and knowledge I gained will last a lifetime. 

   This experience would not have been possible without Lipof Advertising. Owner and President Mark Lipof along with Creative Director Nathan Lowery, were the true brains behind this advertising campaign. Lipof Advertising is one of the most notable ad agencies in South Florida and their client list boasts some of the largest companies in the state of Florida. Their kindness, patience, and willingness to instruct allowed me to gain priceless knowledge of the advertising industry and I am grateful for them on not only a professional level, but a personal level as well.