John Karlson, Owner

John Karlson has helped shape some very respected brands with diverse challenges including:

Retail/traffic driving: Staples, US Bank, Chi Chi's Mexican Restaurants, The Chicagoland Oldsmobile Dealer Association, Hughes Markets California

Packaged goods: Bumble Bee Tuna, Casa Marquez Frozen Mexican Foods (frozen burritos), NutraSweet, Anheuser-Busch (Michelob Golden Draft and new products), Brown-Forman (Korbel, Bolla wines)

Technology: Apple Computer, Pioneer Electronics, Gateway Computers

Durables: Volvo Trucks, Mack Trucks, Outboard Marine Corporation, Schwinn, Polaris/Victory

Customer acquisition and direct marketing:
L.L. Bean, The Minnesota Office of Tourism

John has held account management, strategic leadership and general management responsibilities in some fairly innovative agencies including BBDO Los Angeles, Chiat/Day Los Angeles, Carmichael Lynch Minneapolis, Martin/Williams Minneapolis and Fortis+Fortis Chicago.

A few Accomplishments of note include:

Helping author the strategy that redefined a powerful computer as the one people actually use for Apple Computer.

Helping Staples Office Products stand out from nearly indistinguishable competitors by positioning them as the "Easy" option for time starved small business owners.

Helping restore the rough edges that once distinguished
L.L. Bean after decades of being sanded smooth in the never ending quest for greater efficiency.

Two consistencies emerge over the course of John’s career:  Shrewd insight coupled with outstanding creativity.  The result has been: persuaded consumers, multiple EFFIE Awards for marketing effectiveness, numerous creative accolades and very satisfied clients.

Since January of 2007, John has been providing strategic insight and direction to clients of all sizes through his consulting practice.  He is also a partner in a start-up business that brings pro-caliber athletic training technology to amateur athletes.

John received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Drake University's School of Journalism and Mass Communications.