Doug deGrood

Creative Chairman @ Modern Climate

A one-time musical prodigy with perfect pitch, Doug has been orchestrating creative campaigns that drive business results and social change for over 30 years.

After cutting his teeth waxing poetic about natural fiber clothing for the Lands' End catalog in the late eighties, Doug went on to make a name for himself at Fallon McElligott during its meteoric rise in the early nineties. A prolific ad writer and creative director, Doug has authored dozens of thought-provoking, award-winning campaigns for brands big and small. His work has been awarded by every major industry organization (Clios, Cannes, One Show, CA, Andy, NY Art Directors, 4A's).

In 1996, his work for Ralston Purina pet food was recognized by the American Marketing Association's Effie Awards as the most effective campaign of the year. It is believed Doug has received more awards from the Outdoor Advertising Association of America than any other single writer in the history of the competition. He has written, directed and even acted in several of his own award-winning commercials. He created the name and identity for the successful apparel brand, Hammer Made. The agency that bears his name, GdB, was twice named the most creative small agency in America by the 4A's (American Association of Advertising Agencies). And in 2014, Doug and his business partner, Tom Gabriel, sold their successful agency to EPI, a media holding company in Charleston, South Carolina. Doug continues on in the role of Creative Chairman of Modern Climate, which merged with GdB in 2018.

Creativity propels Doug's life outside of advertising as well. His trumpet playing was featured on former Replacements drummer, Chris Mars' CD, Tenterhooks. In 2010, he recorded his own jazz CD titled, I Play Trumpet. And in 2018, he, alongside other prominent local jazz musicians, performed a concert at St. Paul's Landmark Center titled Cancer Blows benefitting the University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center.

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Feb 4, 2019 @ 5:30PM - 8:00PM

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