Jim Tindaro’s diversified background is the backbone of AM Strategies’ philosophy: Solid creative and branding based on factual research along with state of the art media and marketing technology. Beginning with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering from Drexel University, Jim headed west to complete an MBA from the University of Southern California. Jim continued at USC and attended their prestigious film school. His work in Los Angeles included the notable ad agencies Doyle Dane Bernbach and Chiat/Day.
Kathy Cunningham is a seasoned marketing strategist and co-founder of AM Strategies. Equipped with a Business degree with an emphasis in Marketing and Advertising from Cal State Fullerton, Kathy has carved out a successful track record of managing campaigns at the national, regional and local level. “Get Measurable Results!” is her mantra. Kathy has led her team in the development of the AMS 3-D approach to ensure measured results by applying the strategic process of Discovery, Definition and Deployment to the brand management of every client.
Utahna Hadden, a San Diego native, obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business with an emphasis in Marketing at San Diego State University. Utahna spent some time working in the online world and with Red Door Interactive in San Diego. She returned to AM Strategies in 2005, bringing her online expertise to the agency where she continues to integrate traditional campaigns, online campaigns, web research, Search Engine Optimization, web management and social media campaigns.
From the hallowed halls of the largest agencies in the world, Michele Marlo brings tremendous strategic skills and amazing creative capabilities to the team. Her past experience includes leading national brands such as Blockbuster Video, La-Z-Boy, HGTV, Nine Lives, The Detroit Zoo, Lexmark, TripRewards, OnStar, Corian, Helzberg Diamonds, The May Company, Minute Maid, Cox Communications, Buick’s Tiger Woods campaign, the Detroit Red Wings hockey franchise, Delphi, Opel, Kroger, Penske, The Detroit Institute of Arts, and General Motors. Currently, Michele heads the AM Strategies Creative Department with strategic, results oriented, creative thinking.
A man of many talents, Elliot Rose is an accomplished writer, broadcast producer, and voice-over actor. Over the last decade, he has helped develop winning marketing strategies and creative executions for a wide range of clients. Elliot has a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Regents College in New York, a professional degree in Advertising and Sales Communication from the San Diego State University School of Extended Studies and has studied media writing and broadcast production at San Diego City College. He studied Spanish for many years and is able to produce commercials for AMS in both English and Spanish.
Vince Heald. With more than 22 years of high-level experience in public relations, business development, media training, special event promotion, marketing and crisis communications, Vince Heald has experienced an unparalleled track record of generating and sustaining the highest level of targeted media exposure for his clients. Leading all public relations campaigns for AMS for the past 10 years, Vince brings a track record of success including representation of such respected brands. As a strategic partner, media placement specialist and highly effective media trainer, Vince has earned excellent rapport and respect among news media locally and throughout the nation and is considered a partner in story development and execution. His career has included extensive work with local, regional, national and international media, both print and electronic, as well as trade media in many industries. Vince works directly and personally with agency clients to develop and implement media campaigns with impact, including special events, crisis communications action plans, press conferences, social media, media training and marketing materials.
David Ripley. Our resident genius, David holds a Master of Science degree in Software Engineering from National University as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration with an emphasis in Computers in Business and an AA in Accounting. This unique path through the formal education system gives David a unique perspective of how computers can be integrated into different environments successfully, and how to avoid pitfalls that others may miss. David joined US Promotions in 1986 as an auditor in the accounting department and soon became the driving force behind all MIS initiatives. Over the years, David’s role has evolved and expanded to encompass creating proprietary software for our agency ranging from accounting, surveying, competitive reporting and media verification. This software continues to allow our agency to provide cutting edge services our clients well ahead of the industry curve. David’s vast knowledge has also allowed for the integration of a variety of industry systems and data sets seamlessly into the agency.
Roger Ripley has a Master of Science degree in Informatics with a concentration in Software from the University of California Irvine in addition to a Bachelor of Science degree in Information and Computer Science. In the academic world, Roger is known as one of the top software systems builders in the country. Roger’s in-depth knowledge of the Java programming language and database server technology allow him to create industry leading enterprise applications. Roger is always searching for ways that technology can be harnessed to increase efficiency and provide new and innovative solutions. Together, Roger and David form a dynamic duo that continually drives the AM Strategies knowledge-based engine to new levels.
Our graphics guru Rachel Inopiquez started with AM as a creative department intern and worked her way all the way up the design ladder to Art Director. Rachel has played a critical role in developing the look and feel for a wide range of clients including Quechan Casino Resort, Mossy Nissan and IKEA San Diego to name just a few. She is skilled at blending her strong graphic design training with her finely honed marketing sensibilities to create print, web, outdoor and direct mail pieces that are both eye catching and effective. A San Diego Native, Rachel earned a Bachelor of Arts with an Emphasis in Graphic Design from San Diego State University.
Mark Stevens, a New York native, obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Corporate Communications and a minor Psychology. After studying in London for a year and interning at CNBC NY, Mark officially launched his career at world renowned advertising agency Messner / Euro RSCG. He gained invaluable experience as a Media Planner and Buyer for Volvo Cars of North America, on both the national and regional level. Thereafter, he assumed media responsibilities at Saatchi & Saatchi NY for Proctor and Gable products and Reynolds Metals. Now with several years of automotive and packaged goods under his belt, he was off to the land of sunshine! Closer to the heart in San Diego, Mark was the CMO for a consumer electronics company where he developed highly sophisticated e-commerce campaigns. His experience in planning and buying traditional and non-traditional media offers a wealth of knowledge in the field of marketing and advertising.
Jordan Garrison joined the AM Strategies team in August 2011, and she’s quickly made a big impression with her can-do attitude, tenacious work ethic and in-depth marketing knowledge. Jordan graduated Magna Cum Laude from San Diego State University with a Bachelor’s in Communication, emphasis in Advertising in 2008. Upon graduation she was hired as an Account Coordinator at full service advertising agency L7 Creative Communications where she clawed her way up the ranks to Account Executive. During her time at L7 Jordan developed, executed and analyzed strategic marketing plans that spanned across multiple mediums for clients including as Eisenhower Medical Center, Palomar Pomerado Health, Kids Included Together, redIT, CLO Systems and Nik Software.
Bonnie Carlson takes multitasking to a whole new level! In addition to serving as office manager, she also oversees employee training and HR duties, books client meetings, and travel arrangements, handles account receivables/payables, oversees media invoicing, serves as an on-site IT assistant, supervises our energetic young Interns, inputs and tracks the hours for the Creative Department and maintains the company database. Oh, and in her spare time she plans employee parties and company events. The all around “go to” gal, her attention to detail keeps the AMS engine firing on all cylinders!
Amy Budzynski is beginning her professional career at AM Strategies as an account coordinator, and she is a great addition to our team! Amy graduated Summa Cum Laude from San Diego State University with a degree in Journalism and Media Studies with an Emphasis in Advertising. She completed marketing internships at the SDSU Office of Housing Administration and at Notabilities, Inc where she gained valuable experience in social media, public relations, research and creative. This real world experience along with her take charge attitude and outstanding organizational skills are a proving to be a great benefit to our clients here at AM!
