Many smaller companies and entrepreneurs simply do not have the resources needed to properly develop their branding strategy or an effective communications platform. These components are critical to effectively reach a target audience in a way that truly resonates, and then motivates them to act. With a keen desire to support local businesses in their quest to truly connect with their customers, The Brand Connection with Scott Slade was created to help small to medium size enterprises build these long-lasting relationships. The goal of The Brand Connection is simple; to help clients attract and retain ideal customers in a way that translates into Brand Loyalty.

A fully-engaged client partner directly involved in all aspects of effective brand management, from proof-of-concept (market research) through branding strategy (positioning, messaging & brand identity), product launch (creative execution), and ongoing brand support (instructional & educational), to enhance the end-user experience. Accounts and major assignments include ...Johnson & Johnson, Inc. – Diabetes Franchise: LifeScan (Glucose Monitors) ● Animas (Insulin Pumps) ● Calibra (Insulin Delivery Patch)•.Created User Manual for new diabetes management mobile App for the iPhone.• Wrote extensive instruction manual for “Ping”, a combo insulin pump and remote control blood glucose meter.• Scripted and produced instructional video for OneTouch UltraMini.Carl Zeiss Meditec - Ophthalmic Diagnostic Instruments• Branded the Preview PHP, a new visual field loss instrument - developed all brand launch materials.Grifols / formerly Novartis Diagnostics (Immunohematology/Pre-transfusion Safety Instruments)• Created promotional strategy and all launch materials for the U.S. introduction of the Grifols line of fully- and semi-automated line of blood typing instruments.• Developed a comprehensive Style Guide, used to ensure a consistent “look and feel” executed across all marketing collateral and communications.Bausch & Lomb Specialty Vision Products (Lenses and Lens Care Solutions)• Created brand name, organizational structure, and branding elements for Specialty Vision Products (SVP), a new B+L division dedicated to specialty lens fitting (specialty lenses, lens care, education and specialty applications). • Developed all exhibit artwork and tradeshow collateral for the GSLS, an annual specialty contact lens symposium and critical marketing event for SVP.Senseonics (Continuous Glucose Monitoring System)• Branded the company’s first system “EverSense” and developed promotional campaign and patient instructional materials.

Spearheaded agency’s aggressive new business effort and created a comprehensive managed care initiative for largest client, LifeScan, to ensure reimbursement for multiple blood glucose meter brands and test strips.• Secured Coloplast (ostomy / skin care products) as a new client / Re-positioned flagship brands to appeal to and motivate those living more “active” lives.• Developed several managed care promotional strategies for LifeScan and presented for consideration / implementation.

New and “forward-thinking” agency position created to leverage my expertise in Managed Care. The key objective was to develop promotional strategies and programs specifically for client pharmaceutical companies, in support of their Managed Care marketing efforts. Responsible for program development for both the San Francisco and New York offices.• Developed managed care promotional campaign for the Glaxo Wellcome drug Advair, approved for two chronic respiratory diseases, asthma and COPD.• Managed care “new business” effort secured a new client G.D. Searle and the global branding initiative for Celebrex, a new COX-2 inhibitor for arthritis.• Secured Santen (ophthalmic pharmaceuticals) as a new client. Orchestrated all activities related to this Japanese company’s entrance into the U.S. ophthalmic market.

Strategized all Managed Care marketing and contracting activities, and orchestrated the distribution of this "start-up" company's flagship pharmaceutical brand, Condylox, and the Cordran line of topical Rx corticosteroids.• Secured Condylox formulary inclusion/reimbursement throughout all major managed care plans and pharmacy benefit managers in the U.S. • Integrated the Cordran line of psoriasis topicals, acquired from Eli Lilly, into the Oclassen product portfolio, an acquisition that helped diversify the company and doubled its annual sales revenue.• Launched Iodosorb, a new chronic wound dressing for ulcers, used in an in-patient care setting.

Directed all trade and institutional launch activities for a new division’s initial product, Voltaren Ophthalmic; the first NSAID approved for the control of inflammation following cataract surgery.• Prepared distribution plan and secured broad placement of Voltaren Ophthalmic throughout all major retail pharmacies & distributors and gained inclusion on key hospital formularies.

Orchestrated all distribution and Managed Care marketing & contracting activities for both Rx and OTC ophthalmic pharmaceuticals.• Co-created the Johnson & Johnson Family of Pharmaceutical Companies (Iolab, Ortho, Janssen and McNeil), used to gain formulary inclusion and negotiate favorable contracts with managed care organizations (HMOs, PPOs, and GPOs).• Established national network of food brokers to increase retail distribution of major OTC Ophthalmic brand, HypoTears.• Chaired J&J Managed Care Advisory Board; which included pharmacy benefit managers from major health plans, such a Cigna, HIP of N.Y., and HealthNet.• Charter “industry” member of the newly-formed Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP).

Began career in pharmaceutical sales while employed by CooperVision, a marketer of both Rx and OTC ophthalmic solutions and specialty contact lenses for ophthalmologists and optometrists.• First Sales Representative (August 1980-April 1982) hired by CooperVision upon college graduation, and with no prior sales experience.• Created company’s preceptorship program (shoulder-to-shoulder interaction with ophthalmologists while performing surgery).• Due to high success and accomplishments in national account distribution and in the sale of the ophthalmics to ophthalmologists was promoted to Key Account Manager May 1982-October 1986 and transferred to Dallas, TX, then promoted to Director of Sales – Western Region, San Francisco Bay Area in November 1986-March 1988.