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General info

I’ve always loved words. And I’ve always loved advertising. Even as a wee Gari, I remember watching TV with eyes wide and mouth a-drool—not just at the cartoons, but at the commercials. The visuals, the copy, all of it fascinated me. So I never had trouble with the “What do you want to do when you grow up?” thing. Couple that with my obsession about all things digital, social and tech, and today this business is more fun than ever (if you ask me). Lately I’ve upped the ante by getting new insights from the digital brilliance at Making Digital Work in Boulder, Colorado—people like Edward Boches from Mullen, Matt Howell from Arnold, Scott Pringle from CP+B, Gareth Kay from Goodby Silverstein & Partners, Kim Laama from AKQA, and others. So if you’re looking for someone who can think up big ideas (and small ones), write for different audiences no matter where they’re experiencing the brand, and collaborate with various people on your team—from digital to creative to account service—then we might make a good match. Give me a ring or send me an email and let’s yak: 423.618.1712 / garicruze@gmail.com

Experience

  • Senior Copywriter
    Chattanooga, TN
    Jan 2006 - Present
    The Johnson Group

    Collaborate, concept and write projects across all media, including digital, social media, print and broadcast. Oversee and advise agency copywriters. Also create social media plans including content strategy, messaging and crisis communications.

  • Copywriter
    Jacksonville, FL
    Apr 2005 - Jan 2006
    St. John & Partners

    Concepted and wrote online and offline projects for national clients like Ford Motor Company and Clearwire Wireless Broadband.

  • Copywriter
    Various Locations
    Dec 2002 - Present
    Freelance

    Concepted and wrote online and offline projects for clients like Little Debbie Snack Cakes, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, EPB Telecom, EPB Electric Power, Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation, NGRM Concrete, and others.

  • Copywriter
    Chattanooga, TN
    Jun 2000 - Apr 2002
    DD+N Advertising

    Concepted and wrote online and offline projects for Phisoderm Acne Wash, BP, WebMD, Carpets of Dalton, Mary McGuire’s Irish Pub, Hamilton Medical Center, Bradley Memorial Hospital, Geisinger Healthcare, United Way, Patcraft Commercial Carpet, Shaw Industries and others.

  • Copywriter
    Chattanooga, TN
    Dec 1997 - Feb 1999
    ARS Advertising

    Concepted and wrote in-store promotions for Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Kenmore and Sears.

Education

  • B.A. Journalism / B.A. Public Relations

    Southern College

Awards


  • ADDYs 2011
    PRINT Magazine 2009
    PRINT Magazine 2008
    ADDYs 2006
    ADDYs 2004
    ShowSouth 2004
    OinkInk Dead Radio Awards (Finalist) 2004
    ShowSouth 2002
    Comeback Player of the Year (Little League)

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