Bill Oakley Email & Phone Number

United States

Responsible for managing all aspects of marketing communications for the largest residential landscape operation in the country.

Lake Forest, Illinois

I write, create, and produce media content that helps to solve the marketing problems that keep you up at night. I bring insight and experience I've gained working on award-winning campaigns for brands like McDonald's, Kellogg's, United Airlines, Milk, Wilson, The ABA, Steelcase, Crate & Barrel and many others. I've worked at agencies in the US and the UK. I think strategically across media, deliver insight-driven ideas grounded in human behavior, and can create message maps for a busy retail environment. My marketing experience ranges across broadcast advertising (TV and Radio); print and out-of-home communication; integrated retail marketing programs; digital experience; new product launches; national youth meal programs; writing for different brand voices across media channels adapted for different audiences; the complete production of video content (concepting, writing, shooting, editing); presenting and selling creative work to C Suite level audiences. My experience in education is broad and diverse, including: teaching the common core (reading, math, sci and social studies) to grade school students; English lit to middle school students; school director of a college access program for first-generation, low income students of color, building it from fifteen to seventy students in a suburban high school, working with students, parents, faculty and administrators. The cumulative result is an understanding of how to effectively create content, work with a vast variety of academic curricula, and tell brand stories-whether that brand is the world's most iconic covering the globe, or one student in Round Lake, IL trying to differentiate herself on a college app. Currently I seek work with smaller organizations where collaboration with key stakeholders and a hands-on approach enable more nimble action, yield meaningful results, create changes of perception, establish brand position and value, and facilitate better consumer experiences across all touch points.

As School Director I was responsible for the successful administration of the Schuler Scholar Program, a high competitive college access program created ho help primarily low income, first generation students of color gain access to and through top colleges and universities. As our program at Zion Benton Township High School grew, my role grew from working with fifteen students and a team of three to over seventy students and a team of seven. I worked closely with students, faculty and school administration.

Round Lake High School

I was responsible for the academic growth of 65 Round Lake High School Schuler Scholars. The Schuler Scholar Program selects these students in 8th grade and then works closely for the next four years to help them achieve academic excellence and gain entry to America's elite colleges and universities. Our scholars are academically promising high school students who are typically first generation college bound, minority, and below a specified income threshold. On any given day I am unequal parts counselor, coach, cheerleader, teacher, motivator, and trainer. It was a privilege to make a real difference in the lives of these students at a time when we are helping them alter the trajectory of their lives and make the most of their potential.

Lake Bluff Elementary School / Middle School

I taught fourth and fifth graders in a multi-age classroom and then third graders in a self-contained classroom. Prior to that I student taught English Literature to Language Arts students at Lake Bluff Middle School.

ADVERTISING and MARKETING PROFESSIONALOver twenty years’ experience with expertise in traditional ad mediums (TV, radio, print, out-of-home) plus retail, catalog and promotional. I create — I concept, write, provide creative direction and produce award-winning advertising, marketing and brand-building messages. I know how to give a brand a voice. Experience in America and the UK.

McDonald’s. Create national TV advertising. Happy Meal commercials for Star Wars (2.3 million units sold daily), Polly Pockets/Spy Gear (2.1 million units sold daily), and Madame Alexander (2.2 million units sold daily). Helped write and create current national outdoor advertising for McDonald’s promoting chicken + beverages + breakfasts.

McDonald’s. Creative team lead responsible for adult retail merchandising programs. Responsibile for program development including strategic and creative direction + copywriting + message prioritization + design + client contact. Creative lead for Arc’s Out-Of-Home advertising initiative + creative lead for HCM Retail Communication development + Copy Team Lead.

Wrote and designed store catalogues for Home Depot.

Wrote for Steelcase new product launches, developed concepts for IBM and AMGEN’s annual reports.

Ba, English Composition

Activities and Societies: Little 500 1980-1983, 1983 Most Valuable Rider, Record Holder for Most Laps.

Master'S Degree, Education

English

High School Diploma