Capitol Communicator is running “Up Close and Personal” profiles of communicators in the mid-Atlantic. In this profile we feature John Siddall. Hair, make up and wardrobe by Heidi Winton-Stahle. Photography for the series is by award-winning Cade Martin.
John, please provide us a short bio.
I served as the chairman and founder of Richmond-based Siddall Communications since 1975. I started as a copywriter in New York, but have become more of a marketing and communications consultant. Clients I most admired include the new town of Reston, Virginia, Freddie Mac and the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.
Today, I am working on behalf of the state of Virginia to help AMTRAK Virginia rebound from the fallout of the pandemic and rebuild ridership throughout Virginia. I am proud that in the last quarter of 2022 AMTRAK has reported record ridership.
I attended the University of Pennsylvania from 1962 to 1967. And have been fortunate to have been recognized for creative work in numerous advertising competitions.
I was formerly the Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Henricus Historical Foundation and served on the Marketing Committee for the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
What are the things you are most proud of?
My long lasting relationships with the people I have worked with. Many of these relationships span four decades.
Who were your personal role models?
My personal role models were people I encountered growing up and in my early career. They are not well-known people but critically important to my personal development
Did your role models offer professional advice that helped you in your career?
It sounds corny, but the most powerful advice I got was to make sure I always tried to be honest in what I said and follow through on what I promised I would do.
What professional advice do you have for others?
Be true to yourself. The best work comes from people who express what’s best within them.
What’s on your Spotify and Pandora playlists?
I’m a big fan of John Prine, Neil Young and Willie Nelson
What’s your favorite restaurant?
My favorite is Heritage in Richmond.
Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?
I feel that I have been very lucky in my life. I love the work. And I love almost all the people I have worked with.
John Siddall – my goodness! So good to see your profile here. I worked with you and the team way back on a very fun campaign for Entre Computer Centers in the WSJ and our franchise owners. Happy for all of the success you had had over the years. Congrats!