Work History

Mattel, El Segundo, CA (remote) • 2022 - Present
Head of Brand Messaging

I helped create the voice of Mattel and its adult collecting platform, Mattel Creations. I helped launch MattelCreations.com, created brand materials, and helped organize event activations, while supervising a team of writers handling all content, web copy, brand statements, and brand videos for both Mattel and Mattel Creations.

Freelance, Charlotte, NC • 2020 - 2022
Creative Director
Creative Director/ Senior Copywriter

I created copy and content for brands, including Novant Health, BB&T/Truist Bank, Mattel Creations, Weleda, Wells Fargo, and Leonard Trucks.

Luquire, Charlotte, NC • 2010-2020
VP, Group Creative Director
Group Creative Director

I led campaigns and copy for North Carolina Tourism, BB&T Bank, Colonial Life Insurance, Novant Health, Piedmont Natural Gas and RSM.

Mullen, Winston-Salem, NC • 2001 - 2009
VP, Associate Creative Director
Associate Creative Director
Sr. Copywriter

I led campaigns and wrote copy for TJ Maxx, Wachovia, SunTrust, La Quinta Inns and Suites, and Sealy.

Long Haymes Carr, Winston-Salem, NC • 1997-2001
Senior Copywriter
Copywriter

I wrote copy for Hanes, Hanes Her Way, BellSouth, Thomasville Furniture, Zatarain’s, and Champion.

Brand experience

Mattel, Mattel Creations, Visit North Carolina, BB&T, Wachovia, Truist, SunTrust, Colonial Life, RSM, Blum, Novant Health, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, La Quinta Inns and Suites, Hanes, Sealy, Champion, Thomasville Furniture, The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte.

Education

UNC-Chapel Hill

Recognition

AAF Best in Show, Gold and Silver
Telly Awards
Showsouth
Adweek Spot of the Day
Adweek Best Spots
Olive Awards

Contact

jjtothej@mac.com

Fun fact

My very first commercial featured the GOAT himself, Michael Jordan. According to my creative director at the time, it was rare for a junior writer to get to work with a superstar, and he said to me, “You realize, it’s all downhill from here.” I’m happy to say I’m still proving that creative director wrong over 25 years later.