What is your role at LIFT?
I'm a problem solver, bent on creating strong point-of-puchase presentations for our clients. I also happen to have known SPROCKETS longer than anyone else around. I created the little critter back in 1991 while working for Mervyn's. Look how far he's come today!

How did you come to LIFT?
I've been very fortunate to have known and worked with all the principals at LIFT on many projects and campaigns over the last two decades. This history is still among my happiest and most fulfilling professional experience to this day, and I'm completely jazzed to be continuing the journey.

What is a typical Wednesday like for you?
A typical Wednesday is juggling several different projects while still trying to find time to work on a new sketch or concept for my next promotional piece. Keeping in touch with my creativity and constantly exploring new directions keeps my fire burning.

When you were younger what did you want to be?
Ever since I first saw Jack Lemmon laboring over his drawing table through the night to meet a deadline in The Odd Couple, I realized that that was the life for me. Funny, but something just instinctively appealed to me from an unusually early age about the challenges of creating compelling advertising, and with that initial, crucial spark in my heart I've followed my dream ever since.

What is your favorite part about working with LIFT?
My favorite part about working with LIFT is being on the team from the very start – being hands-on and involved from the overall big-picture concept discussions all the way through to execution. Mix in crystal-clear communication and the highest standard of excellence of each and every one of the seasoned and dedicated players and you're always on a winning streak. Never a dull creative moment.

What's the one thing you MUST do for yourself each day?
I absolutely must have cuddle time with my kitty cat, Stella, and my cockatoo, Casper.  They keep everything in perspective.

For more on Benjamin http://www.liftxl.com/people/senior-associates/benjaminfretwell.html

 

What is your role at LIFT?
I am the the public relations and social networking go-to gal. My job is to build and strengthen the relationship between clients and the media. I love telling clients' stories!

How did you come to LIFT?
I met Frank and Thom at Mervyn's waaaay back in the good ole days. We worked together to promote special events, branding and community programs. Some of my best relationships were formed at Mervyn's in the late '90s when the company was struggling to survive.  Sadly, Mervyn's is no longer, but those relationships thrived and out of the ashes came great new ideas for helping other companies and business partners thrive. I think when good teams work, no matter where you are, it's important to nurture them.

What is a typical Wednesday like for you?
There is no such thing as typical in my line of work.  One day I might be writing a story for a client's magazine, the next day writing a new business proposal or making calls to get the word out about a client's event or new line of clothing.  I'm always checking Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and other blogs, reading tons of news feeds and looking for a fit for a potential story. No matter what my day always starts with my kids jumping into my bed and waking me up!

When you were younger what did you want to be?
I wanted to be Anna Wintour. Her style, connections and aura of power amazed me. I can hardly imagine my kids jumping into bed with her though!

What is your favorite part about working with LIFT?
LIFT's virtual team is such a great concept. At Mervyn's I telecommuted for many years. Despite the distance people in the office universally complimented me for always answering the phone, when often the person in the next cubicle couldn't be reached.  I travelled the country with Mervyn's Community Closet program, organized the annual ChildSpree with store leaders from all over and held many a media interview with the company president --all from my home office. I believe telecommuting can save the world --or at least the workers in this country-- if more companies would be as open-minded.  I know I can do the same job (or even better) when I have the flexibility to work around my own schedule.   

What's the one thing you MUST do for yourself each day?
Go to the gym.  I trained for and completed a half Ironman over the summer and now one hour a day just feels... insufficient.

Anne-Marie's bio: http://www.liftxl.com/people/senior-associates/annemariereid.html
Contact Anne-Marie at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

November 12, 2009 --LIFT is excited to announce Brian Withiam has joined the company. Brian is responsible for special projects and team support. He is currently researching cause marketing programs for businesses within the private and nonprofit sectors.

Brian began a career in hospitality over 20 years ago. In Houston, he was part of L'Hotel Meridien's management team, helping launch their first property in the United States. Later he relocated to San Francisco, where he worked with Kimpton Hotel Group, a company that managed boutique hotels and restaurants.

His experience in the hospitality industry evolved, during which time he worked for an internationally renowned private men's summer retreat for 10 years. Brian was responsible for the day-to-day planning and management of one of the club's premiere camps, which included world leaders and numerous top executives of Fortune Global 500 corporations.

Brian is an active volunteer for a diverse number of nonprofit organizations. His efforts included work for Project Open Hand where he delivered food to housebound people suffering with AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses. He also has volunteered for the Potomac --Franklin Delano Roosevelt's Presidential Yacht.

A graduate of the University of Oklahoma, where he has a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts in the Humanities, Brian has continued his life long passion for education with post graduate studies focusing on International Relations. He is an ardent Francophile, currently in development on an historical biography on post-Napoleonic Europe.