Chip Sterling Apthorp

sterlingapthorp@gmail.com | Denver, CO | Available to travel up to 75% | 720-507-8363

Account Director Tier ll Expert

Strategic & Entrepreneurial Leader | Charismatic Relationship-Builder | Analytical, Insightful Problem-Solver
Professional with progressive experience in the advertising industry, including 8+ years of leadership roles in
full service ad agencies serving leading consumer brands.
Tier ll and lll expert who effectively contributes to national brand strategies and then formulates go to market
plans for regional consumer segments specializing in the restaurant and automotive industries.
Committed to deeply understand the consumer and how best to reach them. Skilled in leveraging diverse media to
drive achievement of business goals through innovative strategies.
Engaging, attentive client relationship manager, earning the trust of Fortune 500 executives and managing team
delivery of complex marketing initiatives. Appreciated by dealers and franchisees for commitment to their success.
Open, empowering leader by example who coaches team members and direct reports to cultivate key strengths
and elicit innovative ideas with intensity, urgency, and integrity to assure flawless execution of critical initiatives.

Experience
Account Director | Brand Leader, DONER ADVERTISING & ENGAUGE MARKETING - Minneapolis, MN

2011 2015

Directed Tier II regional marketing and advertising efforts for Perkins Restaurant & Bakery to develop and deliver
integrated advertising programs for 183 franchised and corporate-owned stores in 34 DMAs in the U.S. and Canada.
Orchestrated and led strategic efforts of Creative, Media, Social, Email and Digital teams as well as directly
managed Project Managers and Administrative Assistants.
Successfully persuaded the Perkins executive team to transition an increasing percentage of advertising spend to
online marketing.
Drove development and test of a mobile coupon application designed to instantly boost store traffic as needed.
Increased brand recognition and event marketing through a joint sponsorship between Perkins, Fox Sports North,
and the Minnesota Twins.
Diligently reviewed competitive activity and pricing to recommend adjustments on a yearly and quarterly basis.
Instrumental in driving 5-15% YOY comp sales increases over a 49-week period after 8 years of decline.
Analyzed spend for TV, radio/DJ spokespeople, and cable, as well as charitable and sports sponsorships making
adjustments as necessary.
Tracked and analyzed sales trends to forecast yearly budgets.
Successfully guided demanding franchisees in developing winning advertising programs.
Sales Executive, SHASTA POOLS AND SPAS One of the nations largest pool builders, Phoenix, AZ
2007 2011
Led consultative design and sales of in-ground swimming pools and backyard hardscapes. Reported to Sales Manager.
Exceeded sales quota of $1.62MM in 2008 and $1.30MM in 2009.
Earned a 5-star client satisfaction rating with 100+ customers per year in 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
Account Director, THE DESIGNORY, INC. Ad agency with a staff of 300, Nashville, TN

2006 2007

Recruited to lead national and regional marketing collateral efforts for the multi-million dollar Nissan account with
850+ dealerships selling 17 product lines across North America. Managed a staff of 19. Reported to SVP.
Drove collaboration with Nissan and 3 agencies in successful market launch of the Rogue and the GT-R as team lead.
Partnered with corporate and Dealer Advisory Board sourcing new print supplier, reducing annual costs by $700K
while maintaining client and end-customer satisfaction.
Orchestrated $175K design, production, and distribution of turnkey event marketing kits for the Nissan Bottom
Line Event (annual consumer sales event) held at all dealerships. Continued Page 2

Chip Sterling Apthorp

Page 2 | sterlingapthorp@gmail.com | 720-507-8363

Experience
Continued
Field Account Director, WB DONER & CO. Full service ad agency with a staff of 500, Atlanta, GA

2004 2006

Recruited to lead advertising, marketing, and promotional strategies for Mazdas Tier II Southeast Region. Managed a
$17MM regional budget. Orchestrated campaigns for 126 Dealers. Managed 2 Assistants. Reported to SVP.
Co-authored with Region and Like-Minded Dealer Board maturing yearly and quarterly comprehensive business
plans accounting for seasonality indexes, new vehicle introductions, new/closing stores, current and anticipated
model mix, market spend, and BDM/CDM data to achieve corporate sales expectations.
Led agency teams to restructure marketing mix and messaging of traditional and interactive media in down
markets, contributing to a +10% swing in sales toward objective in SER while continuing to leverage the Zoom
Zoom program.
Directed development of the industrys first Tier II marketing program with Autotrader.com.
Field Account Manager, GOODBY, SILVERSTEIN & PARTNERS Ad agency with a staff of 500, Atlanta, GA
2002 2004
Hired to manage a Tier II regional marketing budget of $8.3MM for Saturn with 40 facilities in 26 DMAs as well as
consulted with retailers and their Tier III advertising strategies. Reported to Regional Account Supervisor.
Co-led quarterly regional meetings. Managed communications with the regional field staff as well as dealers.
Conducted focus group research and developed new TV advertising strategy utilizing Saturn marketing funds to
more effectively reach a diverse Hispanic market. After message adjustment, achieved a 7% spike in new car
sales to Hispanic customers during a 7-week media window.
Prior to 2002
Tier II Field Marketing Manager AFC Corporation Churchs Chicken
Field Account Supervisor Simon Marketing - McDonalds
Tier II Field Account Executive Doner Advertising - Ponderosa
Tier II Field Account Executive CGRW Advertising - Chevrolet

Education | Skills
Bachelor of Arts Journalism Advertising, INDIANA UNIVERSITY, Bloomington, IN
Continuing education: Mobile application user requirements and functionality, social media, and digital advertising
Technical skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), knowledge of Google Analytics