Mark Graf Email & Phone Number

Stern AdvertisingManagement Supervisor (December 1999 – Present)ACCOUNTS:The Ohio Lottery. Supervise the account group that manages $18-million+ annual media and production billings. Develop advertising strategies for 5+ new product launches per year, with heavy sales promotion and event involvement. Oversaw strategic planning and implementation of re-branding campaign.The Plain Dealer. Directly manage $1-million+ annual media and production billings for Ohio’s Newspaper of Record. Extensive radio, print, trade advertising and promotion experience.Sterling, Inc. Help to manage a $48-million+ annual advertising budget for this national jewelry retailer, under the Kay Jewelers, J.B. Robinson, Jared and Sterling (seven regional brand names) divisions. Heavy national and regional broadcast media / creative involvement. Develop grand opening strategy for new Jared division, including promotional activity plans for individual stores. Directly supervise team of three employees; indirect supervision of creative and media teams.

As Management Supervisor, led a consumer account group that handled advertising programs for a wide range of brand names, and managed several accounts personally:Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. Supervised the account group that managed $17-million+ annual media and production billings for Dirt Devil brand vacuum cleaners. Helped to develop the celebrated “Fred Astaire” television campaign. Launched several new products to the category.Libbey, Inc. Managed all trade and consumer advertising programs for this well-known glassware brand. Developed communication strategy to announce Libbey’s entry into the tableware and silverware segments of the food service industry. Heavy sales promotion and trade show involvement.Mr. Coffee Managed all production and media billings for Mr. Coffee and for Health-o-meter brand scales. Launched the Mr. Coffee Water filter, “Mrs. T” teapot and the “Iced T” tea maker.

As Management Supervisor, managed several accounts personally:American Greetings, Inc. Managed $12-million annual production and media billings for this national manufacturer of greeting cards. Developed non-traditional, brand imaging, advertising programs based on "Celebrity Birthday Greetings", including: the groundbreaking in-program segment that aired nightly on ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT; and a weekly birthday salute and charity endorsement in PEOPLE MAGAZINE.Developed national promotions with various retailers within the Chain Drug, Grocery and Discount retail channels.Also handled all trade advertising and direct mail communications for American Greetings subsidiaries: AG Industries and Wilhold Hair Care Products.Consumer Brands Division, Sherwin Williams Co. Supervised the development of all in-store merchandising programs for the various consumer brands (Cuprinol, Dutch Boy, H & C Stains, Martin-Senour, Pratt & Lambert, Ralph Lauren, et al.), including: label and package design; point-of-sale signage, structures and literature; retailer specific promotions; and Sunday supplement advertising. Extensive contact with retailers in the Hardware, Home Center and Paint Store distribution channels.Altegra Credit Company (Pittsburgh) Within one year, successfully launched 18 regional offices of this direct-lending subsidiary of Integra Bank. Developed and executed extensive print, television and radio campaigns in local markets throughout the eastern and southeastern US.After one year, most offices reported strong presence within their respective markets. When Integra eventually merged with National City Bank, Altegra was the only division deemed unique enough and strong enough to remain independent.Integra Bank Managed $1-million annual production and media billings for the Pittsburgh and Western PA region. Extensive brand imaging and product specific campaigns in local print, television, radio and out-of-home.

As Director of the Housewares Group, responsible for the management and strategic direction of the agency's existing housewares clients, and for developing new business within the housewares industry.Royal Appliance Mfg. Co. Developed and executed national advertising programs for the Royal Vacuum and Dirt Devil brands. Dirt Devil net sales doubled each year over the period.Launched product introduction campaigns for six new Dirt Devil models over four years. Wholesale orders exceeded client projections; end sales exceeded retailer expectations.Introduced the Dirt Devil brand to the United Kingdom, German and French markets.Anchor Hocking Active involvement on brand imaging and new product introduction for Glassware and Plastics divisions.Salton/Maxim Housewares Led agency team that won this new business. Developed comprehensive new product launch for the Salton ProSteam iron, Carrera electric shaver and Glacier Pure water filtration system.Vice President/Account Supervisor (May 1989-March 1992)Consumer Brands Div., Sherwin-Williams Co. Helped manage $14-million in production and media billings for Dutch Boy and Martin-Senour brands. Market share more than doubled in the three year period. Organized change from spot market to network television media buying strategy. Launched national television campaign for introductory Dutch Boy and Sears paint sale. Gallon sales increased by 72% in first week.Account Supervisor (February 1986-May 1989)Account Executive (May 1985-February 1986)American Electric Power Managed $7-million annual production and media billings. Developed on-going strategic advertising programs for eight operating companies of major regional power company. Key customer value perceptions of service increased 14%; customer awareness of benefits of targeted product -- electric heat pumps -- increased 13% in first year of program.