Team Members Archive - Elevation

President/Managing Director

I believe in perfect fits, I believe in destiny, I believe in team, I believe in todos un pueblo, I believe in passionate pursuits, I believe in leadership, I believe in living with a smile and I believe in believing! In truth, I believe that my career direction may have actually begun in a small theatre in Lima, Peru. It was there in ’65 that I saw “A Hard Days Night” by The Beatles.

I didn’t even speak English. Since then, I have been an active participant and fan of the world of creativity, art and expression. It followed me to the states in ’70 and on to Southeast Asia and even Africa through the years… just a young child taking the world all in. Today, it seems quite fitting that advertising follows – choir, theatre, fútbol, rock & roll, family and life – as my passions.

I love the business we are in. It is a garden filled with opportunities to face challenges, to grow, to fail, to win, to think, to learn, to collaborate, to manage, to inspire and to evolve. I have worked with and for some amazing people. I have served members of Fortune 100 companies and also the local dreamers (God love ‘em). I always think… I am one of the lucky ones.

To my teammates: I will always work my hardest FOR you! To my clients: I will always work and think harder than I ever thought possible. And to my contemporaries: let’s keep changing the rules. And, don’t forget, smile. Gracias!

Connect

(202) 380-3231

jim@elevation-us.com

Vice President

I take to heart what Franklin Delano Roosevelt once said: “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” You see, I am either totally crazy or a hopelessly romantic. From an early age, I was always interested in communications, always seeking new experiences. After graduating from college in my native Spain, I got the opportunity to come to the States… without knowing a word of English… without knowing a soul… well maybe one. I said, what’s there to fear? And the rest is history.

Today, it is advertising that holds most sway with me. I love the combination of creative and analytical thinking, the fast pace and the people I work with. I’m privileged to have worked with great brands, particularly Excel Communications, Procter & Gamble, Wendy’s International, The Washington Post, NIH and the Ad Council among many. And I have been incredibly blessed to have been involved with some of “Hispanic America’s” most important political races of our time.

Well, that’s my life in 200 words or less. If there is a challenge out there, just give me a call.

Connect

(202) 380-3232

pablo@elevation-us.com

(Nov 1958 – Oct 2016)

Master of the Written Word

I have always been a writer. Some of my earliest memories are of writing poems alone in my bedroom. When I was 17, I was hanging out with a high school friend who was home on vacation from college. I asked what he was studying and he replied “Mass Communications.” My long running infatuation with him led me to coo, “Me too,” even as I wondered what Mass Communications meant.

Eventually I landed on my college campus and decided to look up Communications in the course catalogue. That’s when I discovered that it really did encompass everything I loved: writing, art, creativity, persuasion, expression, media and more! So I stuck with it. . . and with that lifelong friend, Jimmy Learned, who ended up founding Elevation. I credit him not only with putting me on the exact right professional path, but also with playing cupid for my husband and me.

I am honored to have been part of the Elevation family since the beginning and to have opportunities every single day to crunch words and craft sentences.

Connect

(703) 938-7458

kim@elevation-us.com

Senior Account Executive

Working in account service, I have learned that some of the most successful account executives are those who are able to anticipate. Those who can anticipate a client’s request, a question or problem before it arises are able to build their client’s trust and create a strong relationship with them. While it is impossible to predict the future (although who wouldn’t want to be able to do that), I have always made it a goal of mine to be able to try and anticipate my client’s needs. I have worked on accounts across a wide variety of industries without having a background in them but have always prided myself on providing outstanding client service because of my personality, my organization skills and my ability to anticipate. I am excited to work at Elevation with some of the most talented individuals and be able to grow and learn with them on this adventure.

Connect

catherine@elevation-us.com

Account Project Coordinator

Connect

202.380.3237

Rachel@elevation-us.com

Senior Account Executive

I came from Argentina where my grand inspiration was my mother, who taught me that we are strong and resilient, at the same time compassionate and that life should always be guided with ethics. I always dreamed of making a difference, even if it was changing someone’s day with a smile and will to help.

Elevación is the instrument by which I can make that difference and where my work is not a job, it’s a lifestyle. Making sure that the client and the team are satisfied is my goal. I enjoy learning and growing alongside a multi-cultural team that continuously reminds me where I come from and where I’m headed.

Connect

(202) 380-3243

jimena@elevation-us.com

CD/Sr. Copywriter

As a creative director and writer, I’ve spent 30 years coming up with simple ideas to solve complex problems. I’ve been fortunate to work at some of the country’s most-acclaimed creative agencies on brands like Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Mizuno USA and Wrangler.

I believe great creative work is simple, catches you by surprise and evokes an emotional response. My work has helped clients significantly grow their market share as well as winning its fair share of awards along the way.

I grew up in the small town of Winder, Georgia, but spent much of my career in Los Angeles, making me equally as comfortable in the aisle of a Piggly Wiggly grocery as the lobby of the Beverly Wilshire hotel. My favorite band is REM and my favorite golf shot is 52-degree wedge from 105 yards – with just a little backspin. 

As a member of the Elevation family, I love seeing the energy and the impact of the work we do. It’s inspiring and humbling at the same time.

Sr. Art Director

John was born in Meridian Mississippi at a very early age.

An art director by trade, John has lent his talents to clients in almost every category including AT&T, REI, Florida Department of Citrus, BCBS Florida, Oakland Athletics, Amazon, Boston Market, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Delta Air Lines and Wachovia Bank. His work has been recognized by virtually all of the major industry shows – The One Show, Communication Arts etc. – but he is most proud of his Most Changed honors at his tenth high school reunion, and an Effie for his work on the American Cancer Society.

Before joining Sparks Grove, John was a featured attraction at many BBDOs (South, LA, SF, ATL) as well as JWT, Ogilvy & Mather and FCB/San Francisco.

John enjoys tennis, spending time with his family, and whenever possible doing both at the same time.

Senior Strategic Communications and Creative Advisor

Schulman served as Chief Creative Officer of Deloitte Digital US, previously holding the same position at SapientNitro NY. He is widely considered a subject matter expert in digital creative, content, and experiential marketing and was named a Creative All Star by MediaPost.

“Elevation has been a powerful force for creativity inside the Beltway and beyond,” said Schulman. “The power of their Hispanic, multicultural and traditional campaigns to elevate and drive action as well as results for government agencies, commercial brands and issue advocacy has made them a proven leader in both strategic communications and creativity. I am honored to be joining this great team and, in turn, working with the organizations they serve.”

Connect

(202) 380-3230

alan@elevation-us.com