resume — DAN CATTERSON THE WRITER

With nearly two decades of experience in creative direction, brand storytelling, and fully integrated advertising, I’ve worked across the spectrum—from global ad agencies to leading the internal creative team of an iconic brand. I bring a full-funnel approach to messaging, ensuring that every touchpoint, from top-of-funnel brand awareness to bottom-of-funnel conversion, is strategically crafted to drive engagement and results.

Currently, I serve as Head of Brand Creative and Content at Carhartt, where I lead a team of writers and collaborate with agency partners and freelance talent to shape the brand’s voice across all consumer-facing channels. Every day, I adapt between roles—from junior copywriter to group creative director—depending on the needs of the business, ensuring that every piece of creative aligns with brand strategy while resonating with our diverse audiences.

My role extends beyond just writing and creative oversight—I safeguard Carhartt’s brand identity across brand campaigns, direct-to-consumer (DTC) communications, wholesale partnerships, and more. I also work closely with product teams to develop product and seasonal color names, reinforcing consistency in Carhartt’s product storytelling. Managing and mentoring a team of writers, I foster an environment of collaboration, strategic thinking, and creative excellence.

Before moving in-house, I spent over a decade in the advertising agency world, leading creative for major global brands at top agencies like Cramer-Krasselt, Energy BBDO, and Leo Burnett. My work has spanned industries from automotive to CPG to hospitality, shaping campaigns for brands including Corona, Porsche, Heinz, McDonald’s, Samsung, Bud Light, Coca-Cola, and Ziploc.

At Cramer-Krasselt, I cut my teeth as a copywriter and worked my way up to Associate Creative Director, leading fully integrated brand campaigns across TV, digital, social, print, and experiential. From writing super bowl ads to global product launches, I gained extensive experience in concepting, storytelling, and strategic messaging.

At Energy BBDO and Leo Burnett, I took that experience further—executing high-impact international campaignsfor brands like Raid, OFF!, and Kellogg’s, while also helping pitch and win new business. Beyond the work itself, I honed my skills in mentoring creative teams, presenting to C-level executives, and guiding brand messaging from ideation through execution.

Outside of my full-time roles, I’ve contributed as a writer for FantasyPros.com, turning my passion for fantasy sports into engaging content for a dedicated audience. Additionally, I’ve helped shape the next generation of creative talent as an instructor at Chicago Portfolio School, teaching aspiring copywriters and art directors how to develop compelling work that gets noticed.

Having worked both agency-side and in-house for a major global brand, I bring a unique perspective on how to build and scale creative that is both strategically sound and deeply resonant. Whether developing a fully integrated brand campaign, refining product storytelling, or leading teams through the ever-evolving creative landscape, I thrive on making brands matter.

August, 2014 – Present
Senior Copywriter / Cramer-Krasselt
Corona, Casa Noble, Cedar Fair Amusement Parks, All Aboard Florida, Porsche, Heinz. New Biz.

2013 – 2014
ACD / Energy BBDO
Raid, OFF!, Ziploc, King's Hawaiian, Bud Light, Rosetta Stone and New Biz.

2012– Present
Instructor / Chicago Portfolio School
Helping aspiring copywriters, art directors and designers eventually take my job.

2012 – 2014
Senior Copywriter / Leo Burnett
Samsung, Nintendo, McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Greater Chicago Food Depository, Kellogg's, New Biz.

2007 – 2012
Copywriter / Cramer-Krasselt
Corona, Porsche, Hyatt, Hilton, GSK, Heinz, Edward Jones, AirTran Airways, Crocs, Southwest Airlines, Key Bank, New Biz.

2007
Chicago Portfolio School
Learning how to convince creative directors that I could write.

2002 – 2006
Columbia College Chicago
B.A. in Marketing Communications with a focus in Advertising.
Student member of the AMA
Vice President of the Columbia College Advertising Program

1980 – Present
Chicago sports fan (1980), athlete (1985), gym rat (1990), husband (2005), father (2007), fantasy sports junkie (2005).