Here are a few client testimonials about my work at Stephen A. Smith & Associates, Consonant Custom Media and Education Dynamics, LLC.
Talented and Hands-On
“I have worked with Steve Smith and his team on variety of projects including product branding strategy, campaign development and again when he produced our award winning, custom publication Better! at Florida Hospital Zephyrhills. Steve is a talented, hands-on writer, editor and creative director who also understands the importance of finishing projects on time and within budget. Whether you’re looking for content marketing, branding, traditional advertising, a social media campaign or custom publication, Steve can cut through the clutter and build a strong, memorable brand or campaign.”
Lyn Acer MBA, Former Director, Service Line Development, AdventHealth
Adding Value
“A top-notch storyteller, Steve demonstrates great writing chops and a keen understanding of SEO strategies. Over a two-year period at Education Dynamics his work brought about a substantial improvement in quality of content for a major higher education client, while also boosting search results and inquiries. I can say emphatically that his talent, collaborative spirit and let’s-get-it-done productivity will add value to any content marketing program.”
Charles Stiles, Associate Creative Dir., Education Dynamics, LLC
A Rare Pleasure
“It is a rare pleasure to work with someone who handles so well both the logistic and creative aspects of a project. Steve is truly a consummate professional.”
Alex Stafford, Photographer
Obsessive? Really?
“Is Steve Smith a perfectionist? Absolutely. Is he tireless, virtually relentless in his pursuit of perfection? Oh yeah. You might even say he’s a bit obsessive about every word and image. Which is why I, and the rest of his creative team, not to mention his clients, all loved working with him at Consonant Custom Media. He was always pushing us to do our best. He listened, to the team and to the client. The ideal creative director, always ready to take a suggestion or make one, and always a smart one. And he did it all with a sense of humor. That’s rare these days, but then Steve’s a rare individual. If only there were more like him.”
David Chesnick, The Copywriter
Motivating the Team
“I first worked with Steve when I was in talks with St. Petersburg-based Republic Bank to become their new VP of Marketing. Steve and I partnered on the development of a brand positioning strategy that reinvigorated the bank’s brand by layering on complementary elements of advertising, event marketing and media relations to connect the bank with its target consumer and B2B audiences. This work ultimately enabled the bank to be more nimble in its communications to external audiences and stakeholders. What impressed me was how Steve took on the project and marshaled his team to help me refine the bank’s brand positioning and key messaging, and the project management skills he leveraged to keep those efforts on track. Those who’ve worked with Steve know his impressive command of marketing and advertising principles. But, In addition to his concepting and copywriting, the difference-maker on our project was how he managed and motivated his agency team, charting the course, earning the buy-in from those around him and moving the project forward.”
Ben Prescott, Edward Jones
Praise From a Grateful Nonprofit Leader
“I am delighted to report how successful [Journey] has been in reaching our constituents and contributing to meeting our goals. Dr. Dattoli and the Foundation board are quite happy that our fundraising has more than doubled over this time last year. A great deal of this success is due to providing donors with the high quality, news-you-can-use content of Journey. The look and feel of the project is one of professionalism with a highly personal side. Thank you, Steve, for your direction and leadership in making this project a reality for our Foundation, and a product of which I am extremely proud.”
Virginia (Ginya) Carnahan, Dattoli Cancer Foundation
Making a Difference
“I had the great fortune of having Steve involved in the process of developing my website. Not only does he have a great eye for style and detail, he has the ability to take an idea to the next level by giving it his all and then some! I would highly recommend Steve and look forward to working with him again for any other marketing needs I may have. I found his professionalism, expertise and passion for branding and advertising made a huge difference in putting the project together smoothly.”
Paula Coburn, Realtor
Is it “Buttoned-Up” or “Buttoned-Down?”
“It’s rare to find someone as affable and friendly as Steve who is also incredibly competent and just plain “buttoned up” in his work. He loves advertising – and he cares about his clients like they are family. Steve knows that strategic advertising works and he will grab on to the right strategy for each client and never let go until success is at hand.”
Stephen Lasky, Multimedia Producer/Director
No, She’s Not My Sister
“Steve is a consummate professional. He is very creative and has proven his capabilities to handle large projects with extreme professionalism and integrity.”
DeWanda Smith Soeder, MA, CDP, CCMP
Certified Diversity and Inclusion Professional, President, Smith-Soeder Enterprises, LLC