Capitol Communicator is running “Up Close and Personal” profiles of communicators in the mid-Atlantic. In this profile we feature Jerold Williams. Photography for the series is by award-winning Cade Martin, wardrobe styling by Pascale Lemaire and Sybil Street for THE Artist Agency; and hair and makeup by Patti D Nelson, Janice Kinigopoulos and Lori Pressman for THE Artist Agency.
Jerold, please tell us a bit about yourself.
My current title is Creative Producer, Project Manager and Creative Wrangler
I am the ultimate hybrid, multi-faceted marketer.
I started out my career off at Earle Palmer Brown back in the late 80’s as a media biller. I was responsible for billing and paying invoices for clients like Roy Rogers, Dominos and Bob’s Big Boy. While working at Earle Palmer Brown, during a quarterly meeting, the creative campaigns were shared with the agency and I got bit by the advertising bug. After that, I wanted to know everything about how these campaigns came to life. From that point, working in the front of house became my goal.
For the next few years I gained a lot of experience while working as a traffic manager. I was blessed to have some of the most knowledgeable people that helped me hone my skills.
After a few years of learning the creative ropes in smaller shops around DC, I was fortunate enough to get hired as an account executive at Arnold Worldwide just before the dot-com era. As much as I appreciated the client interaction, I realized that producing and managing creative projects was my niche. I had the pleasure of working with some of the most creative minds in the industry. This experience allowed me to gain insight of the strategic and creative 360-degree view of advertising. I’m currently consulting for several clients helping develop internal workflow and project management infrastructures.
What are the things you are most proud of?
The D.C. advertising community is very small. I’ve had the pleasure to meet and work with great people over the years. To consistently have worked in advertising for the past 25 years and to continue to be considered a key asset in any creative department is my greatest accomplishment. In 2020, I continue to be one of the few black men sitting at the table. I have withstood the test of time and my hope is that soon, there will be others following in my footsteps. I’ve never compromised my beliefs in god, burnt any bridges I didn’t intend to cross back over.
Who are your role models?
My mother and father were always there to support me with any and everything I’ve wanted to do my entire life. They were the most encouraging parents anyone could ask for and I will continue to make them proud.
Did your parents offer professional advice that helped you in your career?
Be the very best at whatever it is you do.
What professional advice do you have for others?
“lay in the cut” “be patient” “sometimes you need to walk away”
What’s on your Spotify and Pandora playlists?
I am not a Spotify or Pandora listener. I’m an apple iTunes listener.
I like to listen to all types of music, but the playlist that is in consistent rotation is a gospel playlist it takes me back to my childhood and singing in the choir. It also helps to let me know that there is something bigger beyond me.
What’s your favorite restaurant?
I prefer to cook vs going out.
Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?
I was born Germany.
Cade…THANK YOU for this lovely piece on Jerold!!! I was blessed to work alongside him for close to 2 years! He is such an incredible person!