2019 - present
William C. Mericle
ECD Encore Worldwide
I am the creative lead at this full-service experiential marketing agency, creating share-worthy brand experiences for Fortune 500 companies and brands.
2006 – 2015
CCO Palm+ Havas
Potbelly, Michelob, Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, Fulgor, OfficeMax, Blockbuster, Ursus Vodka
Palm+Havas was formed as a separate boutique agency inside Havas, reporting directly to the CEO with clients all our own – making me a man with two hats.
2005 – 2018
Executive Creative Director, Havas/Chi (formerly Euro RSCG)
Cracker Barrel, Sprint, Circuit City, firedog, Birds Eye, HSUS, Jim Beam, Western Union, Lysol, Wells Fargo, General Mills, (and RPA clients Graco, GMAC Real Estate, Direct Buy, H20+, Calphalon)
After five plus years of running our own place, my two partners and I chose to throw down with what was then Euro RSCG. We had clients that needed more support than our structure with RPA/Santa Monica would allow. Since we owned a majority share of ourselves, we negotiated an amicable exit, bringing 78% of our people and 100% of our clients to an agency that – at the time – only had one “above the line” account: Summer’s Eve Douche. It was a win-win for all concerned.
1999 – 2005
Rubin Postaer & Associates/Chicago
Founding Creative Director
Gardenburger, Morningstar.com, Potbelly Sandwich Works, buy.com, Waldo’s Dollar Mart, Bacharach Men’s Clothing, Lamaze Toys, Thomas & Friends Wooden Railway, Kitchen Distributors of America, Learning Curve, The Cereal Board (Kellogg’s, Post, Quaker), H20+ Cosmetics, Graco, Calphalon, Direct Buy
After being sold by Hal, I turned down an offer from Publicis to stay and run the joint (with Ted Barton) and instead took an offer from Gerry Rubin and Larry Postaer to open an independent Chicago office of RPA with their backing. Unpacked the copier, bought the popcorn machine, the bonzini foosball table. Built the office (literally). Worked long hours. Had way too much fun.
1991 – 1999
Hal Riney & Partners/Chicago
EVP, Creative Director, Founding Partner
John Deere, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Chicago Historical Society, Subway Restaurants, Serta, Kinkos, MCA, Bally Total Fitness, Williams Entertainment, Solo Cups, Aveda, Budget Rental Car
I was Jonathon Harries’ first hire when Hal tapped him to try to save this office. Became lead creative after he left in 1996. Learned how to pitch business. Learned how agencies work. Was part of small management group negotiating to buy ourselves away from Hal when he sold himself (and us) to Publicis in 1999. We had a great run here. I hired and worked with some incredibly talented people. I also met my wife.
1986 – 1991
The Leo Burnett Company
Copywriter - ACD - Creative Director
Kellogg’s, Seven Up, Diet Seven Up, Dean Witter, Whitney’s Yogurt, McDonald’s, Star-Kist Tuna
My first advertising job. I learned about clients and agencies. Saw the end of martini lunches and regularly intoxicated executives. Ate sushi for first time. Was there when Burnett topped a billion in billings. By the time I left I was running a group that included 7UP, Diet 7UP, Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes and Corn Flakes. Little did I realize my group's billings were more than a lot of agencies.
Awards
Cannes, Clios, Best of Ad Age, New York Festivals, Art Director’s Club, Adweek Best, Hugo, Addy, Effies, Tempo, Obies, Silver Microphone, Racies, Chicago Film Festivals, FWAs, Genesis Awards, The Webby Awards, The Pinewood Derby