Long-form Narrative
The Bitter Southerner/Coca-Cola
The Bitter Southerner is a rich online magazine chronicling life in the modern South. I wrote this piece about Ted Ryan, the chief archivist at The Coca-Cola Company.
Ted has a fascinating job, and I enjoyed the insider’s look at the countless artifacts from throughout Coke’s history. It was a good match for The Bitter Southerner, and a pleasure to report and write.
Sponsored Content
Atlanta Business Chronicle/Aprio
Tax reform can be confusing, but it doesn’t have to drive you crazy, altogether. At least, that was the mission of this package for Aprio, a CPA-based advisory firm, published in the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
I developed this content with CPAs, other subject-matter experts and freelance writers. A smart tactic by Aprio to present its partners as business advisers, not just accountants.
Company Blogging
Aprio
Aprio rebranded in 2017, after being known for decades as HA+W, an accounting firm. Its blog aimed to reveal its partners as advisers, not just accountants.
Articles addressed subjects affecting the businesses of clients and prospects. Here’s one that combines news and the firm’s agenda to produce compelling content: How developers can take advantage of law changes and the brewery boom.
Values in Action
Verizon
It’s easy to say “We Support Our Troops.” But Verizon really does. And there’s nothing wrong with showing that in a way that focuses less on the brand and more on military veterans.
It’s smart to hire veterans, and Verizon wants them. Strong message, clear presentation.
Remember, the story isn’t always about you.
Developing Original Stories
Georgia Film
Call it the Hollywood of the South. Movie and TV productions in Georgia generate an estimated $8 billion in the state economy.
Here are stories about ordinary Georgians who enjoy steady jobs and strong businesses because of shows like “The Vampire Diaries” and movies like the “Hunger Game” series.
Internal Communications
Cox Enterprises, Inc.
A large company with several divisions across the country, Cox Enterprises relied on a quarterly magazine to keep everyone informed and engaged.
We used employee-focused content, friendly design and original photography in the magazine, which also was the lead engine to drive all kinds of content needs.
Native Advertising
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The newspaper’s digital team wanted to give its client newspaper-quality content to use in sharing its perspective on complex issues with a broader audience.
But audiences are less likely to respond to advocacy than to a human, general-interest approach. That’s something that journalists, and former newsmen, know how to do.
Brand Journalism
The Coca-Cola Company
I presented the idea of “run commuting” to Coke after a friend of mine started blogging about his own adventures in jogging to work and back most days. Turns out he helped spark a movement that has grown in cities across the United States and in other countries.
What’s in it for Coke? A story about healthy lifestyles, clever commuting choices – and employees I found who are involved.
Infographics
CNN
Some stories full of numbers can be best told by creating infographics. Otherwise, the text can get bogged down in a swirl of digits, and the reader can be confused.
Few organizations are better at this than the digital team at CNN.com. Here’s an example of how we turned my reporting on a complex issue into an infographic that’s as clear as it is compelling.
Printed pieces
SunTrust
Brochures and other printed pieces are still valuable pieces of many communications plans. Don’t give them the snub reflexively in the digital age.
I produced this brochure for SunTrust employees, so they could understand the bank’s commitment to its “onUp” program (short for “onward and upward).