Our Firm
When companies need to influence their customers’ decisions, they turn to Sullivan. We are a communications strategy and design firm that helps blue-chip companies influence their customers at pivotal points in the buying decision. Founded in 1990, we’ve built a reputation for marketing and functional communications that increase sales effectiveness—online, offline, and front line—by getting to the heart of what makes a customer say “yes”.
SULLIVAN OVERVIEW »
(52K PDF)
LEADERSHIP
Barbara Apple Sullivan, Managing Partner »Close X
“Challenge conventional wisdom.”
Sullivan doesn’t rely on preconceived notions. Instead, it looks to uncover opportunities and believes conflict and collaboration lead to better ideas. Barbara founded this firm with a singular vision: to create an agency that actually understands the needs of its clients’ customers. Today, she continues to lead both the firm and select client relationships, working hands-on to challenge how organizations think about and act at the critical moments when a customer makes a decision.
EXPERIENCE
Chemical Bank, Senior Vice President of Retail Marketing
American Express, Vice President of Marketing, Corporate Card and Travel Management Services
Pillsbury Company, Product Manager
Carmichael Lynch Advertising, Account Executive
EDUCATION
Harvard Business School, MBA
Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, BS, with majors in Marketing and Management of Entrepreneurship
AFFILIATIONS
Washington Ballet, Board of Directors, Chair of Marketing Committee
AWARDS
John Paolini, Partner, Executive Creative Director »Close X
“Creative can change your business.”
As Executive Creative Director, John supervises all aspects of creative development across all media. For almost 20 years, he has worked closely with writers, designers, and technologists to create communication experiences that shape perceptions and change behavior.
EXPERIENCE
Siegel & Gale, Creative Director, Interactive Group
Waters Design, Design Director
EDUCATION
Virginia Commonwealth University, MFA
Ohio University School of Fine Arts, BFA, Graphic Design and Art History
AFFILIATIONS
American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)
Nicole Ferry, Principal »Close X
“To find real answers, we go to the primary source.”
Our business isn’t just about building marketing communications. That’s why we have a totally unique, ethnographic approach to engagements. Instead of beginning with the premise that a client needs a set of print materials or a Web site, we start with a blank slate. Before we make anything, we need to understand the anthropology of a decision.
EXPERIENCE
Siegel & Gale, Senior Consultant, where she received the Chairman’s Award for Excellence
BBDO, Account Supervisor, Brand Strategy and Product Development, Campbell’s Soup
Grey Advertising, Account Executive
EDUCATION
University of Virginia, Echols Scholar, BA in English with a concentration in Marketing
Nancy Schulman, Principal »Close X
“The point of decision is more important than ever.”
In the past decade, the number of choices available has exploded, and decision makers are bombarded with information. Between new products, constant enhancements, and access to information, decision making is more complex than ever. And while this is true across the board, it’s particularly tricky in service businesses, where the benefit feels ephemeral. Understanding and influencing the critical moment of decision is the only way to overcome this. As Principal, Nancy bears executive responsibility for the overall client relationship and the quality of the marketing strategy development.
EXPERIENCE
Kingsland Capital Management, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Investor Relations
Digitas, Senior Vice President
Ammirati Puris Lintas, Executive Vice President and Managing Director
Ketchum Advertising, Senior Vice President and Group Account Director
Hal Riney & Partners, Senior Vice President and Group Account Director
HDM Worldwide, Vice President Management Supervisor
Hertz Corporation, Director of Marketing
EDUCATION
Hofstra University, BBA in International Marketing
AFFILIATIONS
American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)
CAPABILITIES
Brand and Product Positioning
Collateral
Communications Architectures
Event Design
Functional Communications
Identity Systems
Interactive Experience Design
Messaging Frameworks
Sales Support
INDUSTRY EXPERTISE
Financial Services
Healthcare
Media
Not-For-Profit
Professional Services
Travel and Luxury
RECENT AWARDS
2010, a BtoB Magazine Top Agency of the Year
2009, a top 3 BtoB Magazine Agency of the Year
2008, a BtoB Magazine Top Agency of the Year
2008, an Inc. 5000 Company
Bronze, 2008 FCS Annual Portfolio Awards, Schwab Institutional Numbers Direct Mail
Bronze, 2008 FCS Annual Portfolio Awards, Schwab Institutional Considering Independence Inserts
Silver, 2007 FCS Annual Portfolio Awards, Fidelity Smart at Work employee campaign
Bronze, 2007 FCS Annual Portfolio Awards, Schwab Institutional public Web site
Finalist for Television Commercial, 2006 Midas Awards, Fidelity Investments’ “Benefits Are No Joke”
First place, 2006 Webby Awards, Real Estate category, NRDC Building Green Web site
Gold, 2006 FCS Annual Portfolio Awards, MetLife Lifelong Income program
