Jenny Dahl, account director. Jenny Dahl has over 14 years experience in marketing including agency, entrepreneurial/startup and corporate environments. In prior roles at Cactus and Crispin Porter + Bogusky, Dahl oversaw strategic and tactical execution on several accounts including Best Buy, Vail Resorts, Smashburger and Charter Media. Dahl’s skills cover all areas of brand management—from market research and strategic planning to execution and project management of multi-channel marketing initiatives. At Amélie, Dahl leads a team of account managers in day-to-day interaction with clients, as well as planning and strategy.

Shannon Leighton, director of traffic and production. Shannon Leighton has over 12 years of experience combining the roles of traffic manager and art buyer to pull together top-notch creative campaigns from start to finish. Prior to joining Amélie, she held senior positions at Starz Entertainment Group, McClain Finlon Advertising and Thomas & Perkins Advertising. Leighton brings experience in both corporate and advertising agency settings and developing processes to fit the dynamics of each. Her organizational and project management skills will be an invaluable asset to the agency.

Gordy Hirsch, creative director. Gordy Hirsch captains Amélie’s creative department, working in concert with Amélie designers, copywriters and other specialists to develop themes and concepts that will have the greatest impact on a target audience. He ensures that the creative brief meets clients’ objectives and that the final deliverable exceeds them. Hirsch has brought to life many of Amélie’s most visible campaigns to date including the Smart Meal campaign for Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, motorcycle safety awareness campaigns for the Colorado Department of Transportation, the dramatic Lockdown creative concept for the Coloradans

Against Auto Theft coalition and the “Give Trucks More Room” spectacular billboard on behalf of Colorado State Patrol which was recently received a 2011 Communication Arts advertising award.

“The expansion of our account services and creative leadership teams alongside our experienced PR department will help continue the momentum of Amélie’s growth and strengthen its reputation as an integrated full-service agency,” says Benoît Guin, Amélie Company principal. “This combined expertise will help facilitate a long-term engagement between brands and consumers which ultimately translates to greater results for our clients.”

I am a failed account person. After a very smart Creative Director pointed out that I was spending more time in the creative department than in the account services department I realized, DUH, I was meant to be in the creative department. I spent two years sharpening my skills as a copywriter and developing tough skin at the Miami Ad School – San Francisco. Since then, life has been a walk in the park. Or not. It’s actually the daily challenges of working in advertising that I love so much. At Amélie, I look at each client as an opportunity to do the best, new, creative work I can to help them achieve their goals. And, make my fellow employees, laugh. If I achieve those things, then I’ve won.

I believe there is a greater opportunity and reason to build something together than there is to try to do something alone. I was drawn to Amélie because it represents a team of people with diverse backgrounds and experience; people dedicated to working together to bring out the very best in each other and their clients. When I chose to go into this field, I told myself I would never promote an idea or product that I didn’t believe in myself. Amélie creates work with passion and integrity. I feel proud to be part of a team that sees the opportunity to work together to uncover connections that are meaningful and real.

I’m always up for a challenge. Finding innovative ways to marry creativity with great results is the most exciting (and often most challenging) part of this business. It’s not just about getting the job done; it’s about producing great work, engaging our clients and making a splash. Sometimes the best ideas rise out of the most challenging scenarios. Oftentimes, creativity is the only way to find actionable solutions. My biggest thrill comes from following a big idea from conception through execution to get the job done. And done well.

I believe that traditional advertising has seen its heyday, and it’s dying. A successful campaign today not only has to be fully integrated through social media, online, and print executions, but also via one-to-one consumer interaction. My design style is diverse because every brand has its unique stylistic need. When you limit yourself to one exclusive style you are only capable of targeting an exclusive audience. Personally, I’m an active, independent artist, designer and illustrator with my work having been featured in various galleries including the Denver Art Museum.

What I like most about this business is the delivery of a great idea. The first question I’ve asked myself each day for the past 15 years in production is, “what’s the best way to make this work?” Nothing good comes easy and it’s my belief that you get the best results when you work smarter, harder and in complete collaboration. I learned my way around at some pretty creative places, but what I like most about Amélie is the wonderful people here, the strength of our ideas and the way we can make those ideas work for your brand.

Growing up I always enjoyed creating something from nothing, taking an idea and watching it take form.  That creative process is what has always drawn me to the advertising world.  I graduated with a degree in Technical Journalism and focused on Public Relations at Colorado State University. After college I was involved with traditional and interactive marketing. I enjoy the challenge of making a difference through communication. I feel so fortunate that I get to do something that I love, which is maintaining and nurturing relationships. Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get to work!

Everyone has a story to tell and helping an organization find its voice is what makes my job so unique. Whether it’s business or personal, I think the key to uncovering the most interesting details of a story is to be a good listener.  When it comes to PR, there is so much more to it than placing a story, securing an interview or getting media to attend your event. While these activities are still mainstays of the industry, social media has given a voice to all and we now have the opportunity to engage audiences and influencers to ultimately cultivate conversations and relationships. In this day and age when technology is at our fingertips and we replace phone conversations with text messages, social media has allowed us to put a face with a name to personify our clients and ourselves, in order to help tell a complete and compelling story.

I am not a fan of advertising. Advertising jumps down your throat with sales-y phrases like “but wait there’s more!” and takes nothing into account about who or where you are in your life. What I am a fan of is cultural movements. When an agency and its clients aspire to create a cultural tidal wave, true behavior change results. Designing a cultural movement requires an intimate knowledge of the target audience and what’s important to them, and then making creative that speaks to them in their daily lives. That’s what we do at Amélie Company. Whether we’re encouraging a healthy lifestyle with Smart Meal, promoting safe driving habits with the Colorado State Patrol and CDOT, or encouraging financial education and empowerment through NEFE and Great-West Retirement Services, we strive to know our target audience inside and out. This is when great creative happens; when we create a cultural movement.

I am an individual driven by passion and a love for what it is this industry thrives on – inspiration, disciplined creativity and intellectual rigor.  Marketing is an asset for any organization, and it needs to have a clear and differentiated strategy to rise above the clutter. My personal brand rings true with authenticity – hard working, relentless dedication, and a versatile micro-macro perspective to immerse in details and the big picture. I juggle many hats, work well with others, dive deep into an organization’s culture to understand its needs, while working to achieve internal and client visions. I’m really, truly passionate about what we’re doing here at Amélie.