Yamamoto

Yamamoto Sponsors Eyeo Festival

Jackie — Fri, 18 May 2012 20:16:43 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS — May 18, 2012 — Minneapolis agency Yamamoto is a sponsoring partner for the second-annual Eyeo Festival, a bar-raising innovation summit featuring the industry’s brightest coders, data viz pros, designers and artists.

“The work Eyeo is doing to take collaboration in the creative tech space to a new level is truly inspiring,” reports Yamamoto CEO Kathy McCuskey. “Cross-pollinating with thinkers of this caliber is essential for solving the kinds of 21^st-Century problems our clients are facing every day. We’re excited to partner with the organization to make sure the most important innovations of tomorrow get off on the right foot today.”

Debuting in 2011, the Eyeo Festival’s mission is “Converge to Inspire.” The festival bills itself as “three days of inspirational talks, demos, and labs and plenty of opportunities to connect with people whose extraordinary creations are pushing the envelope. The line up is amazing. 40 brilliant individuals, one amazing collection of talent and insight.”

“The organizers of the Eyeo Festival do a phenomenal job of bringing the best and brightest talent in the world of data visualization,” Reports Paul Saarinen, Direct of Digital Strategy for Yamamoto. “It’s a must-attend event for anyone interested in communicating ideas with Big Data.”

Now in its second year, the Eyeo Festival is extremely popular in the technology and design sector. When tickets went on sale for this year’s event, they were completely sold out within 8 hours. There is a waiting list for those still interested in attending.

This year’s festival runs June 5-8 at venues around the Twin Cities and features speakers representing leading thought in:

Art & Technology / Sound & Technology
Creative Code
Data Visualization
Design
Experience Design / Storytelling
Interactive Installations / Architecture & Interaction
Physical Inputs / Gestural Computing / Kinect Hacks
Physical Outputs / 3D Printing / Arduino
Processing / OpenFrameworks / Cinder

More information and registration is available at www.eyeofestival.com.

About Yamamoto
Yamamoto is a full-service Minneapolis-based agency that moves mountains for clients by harnessing the power of simple ideas and brilliant execution. We are an MDC Partners agency and a co-sponsor of Brand Matters, the leading speakers’ forum on marketing in the Twin Cities.

Saarinen to Present at Social Media Conference

Jackie — Fri, 18 May 2012 20:06:06 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS — May 18, 2012 — Paul Saarinen, Direct of Digital Strategy for Minneapolis agency Yamamoto, will be presenting a talk entitled “It’s in Your Genes” at the upcoming Predictive & Social Media Analytics and the World of ‘Big Data’ Conference.

Mr. Saarinen’s much-anticipated presentation explores bleeding-edge considerations at the fascinating intersection of marketing and genomics, such as:

Does your DNA predispose you to having more influence?
What genetic traits give you a higher Klout score?
What are future moral and ethical considerations for using DNA information in marketing, advertising and health care?

“More and more, marketers are looking to tap into data to determine the value of a person,” explains Saarinen. “Tools like Klout, PeerIndex and Avenue Empire are developing their businesses around your influence. The question we have to answer is: How might this data hold the key to the future of marketing, advertising and lowering the cost of health care?”

The Predictive & Social Media Analytics and the World of ‘Big Data’ Conference brings together Minnesota business leaders to explore the newest ways social data is being used in business today.

The conference runs from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Monday, May 21, 2012 at the Medtronic Campus.

More information and registration is available at www.minneanalytics.eventbrite.com.

McCuskey honored with Women in Business Award

Jackie — Fri, 18 May 2012 19:56:46 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS — April 13, 2012 — Kathy McCuskey, CEO of Minneapolis agency Yamamoto, has been selected by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal for its highly sought-after annual Women in Business Awards. The award honors professionals with a track record of success who have emerged as leaders in their field.

Ms. McCuskey took the reins of the agency in 2011 and has overseen one of the most successful growth years for the company in recent memory, boasting new client wins such as Merrill Corporation and Virtua Health System.

“I’m honored to receive this award,” said McCuskey. “There are so many talented women in our business community. To be counted among them is very rewarding.”

McCuskey has more than 23 years of business and consumer marketing experience spanning retail, healthcare, consumer goods, financial services, technology, restaurant, and outdoor and recreation. She’s worked with top brands like Disney/Buena Vista, Kmart, Nickelodeon, Papa Murphy’s, Department 56, American Express Financial Services, Dairy Queen and Suave Hair Care.

McCuskey is capitalizing on her wealth of experience to build on the strengths of Yamamoto, one of the Twin Cities’ top 20 largest agencies. Just one year after joining as CEO, McCuskey is already moving mountains. She recently led a company-wide rebranding effort that repositioned the agency as a full-service creative agency and shortened the name to “Yamamoto.” She also led the agency in adopting the mantra of harnessing the power of simple ideas, brilliantly executed to “move mountains every day” for our clients.

The change McCuskey instigated has been good. 2011 was a record revenue year, with the agency achieving 11 percent growth and adding nine key clients to its roster. In addition, 12 new staff members were hired.

For each year’s awards, the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal honors women with awards in two categories: Women to Watch and Industry Leaders. McCuskey was selected as an Industry Leader among a prestigious group of 26 women from around the region who represent a myriad of industries.

All of the honorees will be featured in an exclusive publication on May 25 and recognized at a luncheon on May 23. More information and registration for the luncheon is available at www.bizjournals.com.

Yamamoto Presents at South by Southwest

Jackie — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 18:41:57 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS — March 19, 2012 — Paul Saarinen, Direct of Digital Strategy for Minneapolis agency Yamamoto, presented a talk entitled “It’s in Your Genes” at this year’s South by Southwest conference, the world-renowned film, interactive and music festival held annually in Austin, Texas.

Mr. Saarinen’s much-anticipated presentation explored bleeding-edge considerations at the fascinating intersection of marketing and genomics, such as:

Does your DNA predispose you to having more influence?
What genetic traits give you a higher Klout score?
What are future moral and ethical considerations for using DNA information in marketing, advertising and health care?

The full audio of Saarinen’s presentation can be found at www.schedule.sxsw.com

Creative Leader to Regale Industry New Comers with Tales of Momentous Pitches of Yore

Jackie — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 23:10:24 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS — February 20, 2012 — From his first attempt at getting a raise in allowance, which involved a crayon-drawn pie chart and a miniature schnauzer, to hawking sitcoms at NBC, Yamamoto Chief Creative Officer Darryl Kluskowski has ever been the consummate pitchman. As such, Mr. Kluskowski has been invited to present at Best Pitch: Selling Your Ideas with Style, sponsored by the University of Minnesota College of Design.

“It’s a major honor to be asked to present at the College of Design,” Mr. Kluskowski said. “I’ve got a few cautionary tales I’m exited to tell.”

Mr. Kluskowski will share pitching anecdotes, insight and tips from his career. He’ll also relate the rousing tale of Yamamoto’s recent rebranding, complete with the short film that reintroduced it to the market.

Best Pitch brings together graphic design professionals to share their best pitch-making stories and techniques to showcase the variety of ways designers pitch their own work and project ideas for maximum impact. Design professionals and students are encouraged to attend and bring their own portfolios or project samples and pitch-making ideas to share during the reception immediately following the program. Other presenters include Rett Martin, Creative Director, Clockwork; Jane Tilka, Founder, Tilka Designs; and Jes Lahay, Director of Creative Content, LaBreche. The event is presented by the Graphic Design Program and Design Student and Alumni Board of the University of Minnesota College of Design.

Date: 02/29/2012
Time: 6:30 PM doors, 7:00 program; portfolio and pitch reception to follow
Location: 33 Twin Cities, McNeal Hall
Cost: Free

At press time, the miniature schnauzer, Mr. Knuckles, was unavailable for comment.

About Yamamoto
Yamamoto is a full-service Minneapolis-based agency that moves mountains for clients by harnessing the power of bold ideas and brilliant execution. We are an MDC Partners agency and a co-sponsor of Brand Matters, the leading speakers’ forum on marketing in the Twin Cities.

Yamamoto Wins Service Industry Advertising Award

Jackie — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:09:34 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS — February 17, 2012 — What is art, but beauty in the service of humankind? For its work with the Weisman Art Museum, Minneapolis agency Yamamoto took home the Silver Award in the Total AD Campaign at the ninth annual Service Industry Advertising Awards (SIAA).

Yamamoto was selected by the Weisman Art Museum to promote its reopening and expansion last fall. The agency drew on the transformative power of the museum’s art to create the “WAM! Now that’s art.” campaign. The central element of the initiative was empty picture frames placed throughout the city, each capturing artistic elements such as green-spaces, architecture and community art. Installed in high-traffic areas, the frames invited citizens to view iconic scenes and landmarks with a fresh eye. The campaign was also supported by print and outdoor ads.

The ads and frames also invited the curious to download a mobile app that made “WAM! Now that’s art.” their own. The WAM!Photo app lets users take a picture and place a frame around an element they want to highlight – a detail, a person, a swath of color – creating an image that displays a framed artistic element surrounded by the context that makes it so striking. These personal artistic interpretations can then be uploaded and shared via social media and a microsite gallery at nowthatsart.org.

“We’re honored to be recognized by SIAA,” reflects Darryl Kluskowski, Yamamoto Chief Creative Officer. “It speaks volumes about both the creative work and the great relationship we have with one of the Twin Cities’ finest cultural establishments.”

Desiree Bergquist Hired as Senior Copywriter

Jackie — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:06:45 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS — February, 13 2012 — Minneapolis agency Yamamoto hired Desiree Bergquist as Senior Copywriter. Bergquist brings over 20 years of marketing experience to the agency, with expertise in a full range of on- and offline media for national accounts like 3M, Microsoft, Red Baron Pizza and Target.

“We couldn’t be happier to welcome Desiree to the creative department,” reports Yamamoto Chief Creative Officer Darryl Kluskowski. “She is a recognized freelance talent who has worked with some of the best agencies in town. We’re delighted that when she was ready to transition from freelance, she landed here. She combines great creative instincts with an ability to empathize and get into the mindset of the consumer. Our clients will benefit from her insights from the get go.”

Bergquist has spent the last decade providing strategy development, creative concepting and campaign planning in a freelance capacity to agencies and brands in the region. Previously, Bergquist developed key creative work for Bozell.

YMM Becomes Yamamoto

Jackie — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:32:18 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS — January 17, 2012 — In keeping with a New Year’s resolution to shed a few pounds, Minneapolis agency Yamamoto Moss Mackenzie (YMM) has rebranded itself Yamamoto. The new name comes on the heels of another projection-beating year that produced 11 percent growth, nine key additions to its client roster and 12 new additions to its staff.

“New leadership and the infusion of fresh talent and clients helped make 2011 the best year in the agency’s recent history,” reports Yamamoto CEO Kathy McCuskey, who took the reins in April 2011. “So we felt it was time to freshen our image, clarify our expanded offerings and announce some amazing new additions to the Yamamoto team.”

Evidence of this expanded focus includes the agency’s development of its Insights & Innovations Group, which provides clients with a deeper level of expertise in brand, digital and experiential strategy. Recent hires Chris Rahill and Paul Saarinen, both respected thought leaders in the marketing community, join agency president Shelly Regan in helping brands spot and seize unique opportunities to connect with audiences. Rahill, Director of Insights & Innovations, serves as group lead. Saarinen serves as Director of Digital Strategy.

“More than 20 percent of current client work has a digital dimension and every new hire we made last year has strong digital experience,” said McCuskey. “Paul’s thought leadership and network pushes us forward faster as we drive to meet expanding client needs in this area.”

Another recent addition to Yamamoto thought leadership is Creative Director John Vipond. Vipond is a copywriting veteran with experience on many leading national and regional brands. Vipond will help lead a creative department that responded to increased industry segment diversification that occurred during the past year.

“We’re extremely excited about the energy these recent leadership additions have brought to our team and about the opportunity to move forward with our refreshed brand,” says McCuskey. “We are also fortunate to be part of MDC Partners, an entrepreneurial group of agencies that believes in the power of great talent and powerful ideas that transform businesses.”

The agency will formally introduce and celebrate its new brand with an invitation-only event January 19 at the Weisman Art Museum (WAM) whose recent rebranding and reopening was supported creatively by Yamamoto.

The name Yamamoto pays homage to one of the original founders of the 33-year-old agency and to the long-standing heritage of providing the highest level of creativity to top brands both regionally and nationally.

“In Japanese, the name literally means ‘base of a mountain,’” explains Chief Creative Officer Darryl Kluskowski. “Which is perfect considering our focus has always been on building strong brands from the ground up. As we continually expand into new territories and capabilities,“Yamamoto” confirms our willingness to do whatever it takes. We move mountains for our clients.”

More about Chris Rahill
Rahill is a marketing veteran with deep experience in branding, direct marketing, promotions, research and online and offline communications. In addition to tenures at Martin Williams, Earle Palmer Brown and Lawler Ballard, Rahill has spent the previous decade managing his own successful strategic branding consultancy – Magnet Marketing of Minneapolis. Rahill brings to Yamamoto an impressive track record of innovation for brands like 3M, CompuServe, Fidelity, Honeywell, Medica, Motorola, Revlon, Rubbermaid, Target and US Bank.

“We are thrilled to welcome Chris,” reports Yamamoto CEO Kathy McCuskey. “He brings a wealth of outstanding expertise and a rare knack for finding hidden opportunities for innovation. We added nine new accounts in 2011 and all of them, plus our existing clients, have deeper needs in brand, digital and experiential strategy. Chris and his team will help spot and seize unique opportunities to connect their brands with audiences.”

More about Paul Saarinen
Saarinen is a brand-building veteran who brings the agency a potent mix of experience in digital communications with a background in art direction. In addition to tenures at Bolin Marketing, Warehouse Intellect and March First, Saarinen has founded and led privately-held full-service agency Brand & Butter. Saarinen comes to Yamamoto with an impressive track record of innovation for brands like Best Buy, Schwan’s, General Mills, Rubbermaid, Carma Labs, M.A. Mortenson, Andersen Windows, C.H. Robinson, University of Minnesota, Ingersoll Rand, CABG Medical, American Medical Systems, Allianz, Thrivent and Medtronic.

Saarinen has won several national and regional awards for design and marketing and is regularly quoted in traditional and online media commenting on the future of marketing and advertising. A regular on regional and national speakers’ forums, he is among the featured speakers at the 2012 SXSW Interactive Festival, March 9–13, in Austin, TX.

“People like Paul don’t come along all that often, so we’re very pleased to have him join us,” reports Yamamoto CEO Kathy McCuskey. “He’s already made a name for himself in the industry and we’re excited to benefit from his wealth of experience in digital innovation.”

More about John Vipond
Vipond is a copywriting veteran with deep experience across myriad segments in virtually every medium, from broadcast and digital to print and direct marketing. Following tenures at Carmichael Lynch, Bozell and Greer & Associates, Vipond spent nearly a decade managing his own successful creative consultancy – Vipond Worldwide, LLC. Mr. Vipond brings to Yamamoto a rich portfolio of creative work for top brands like 3M, UnitedHealthcare, IKEA, American Standard, Fujitsu, McDonald’s, Chevrolet, Glastron Boats, Microsoft and Cargill.

Vipond’s work has also won recognition in some of advertising’s most prestigious award shows including PRINT, The Show, The Telly’s and the New York Festival.

“Every creative agency that John worked with during the last 10 years wanted to hire him. He’s that good,” reports Darryl Kluskowski, Yamamoto Chief Creative Officer. “He brings an incredible amount of expertise on a ton of great brands. His sharp insights find hidden creative opportunities in all projects. On top of that, John’s an all-around great guy. I’m truly excited to have him be part of our team.”

Yamamoto Hires John Vipond as Creative Director

Jackie — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:10:50 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS — January 17, 2012 — Minneapolis agency Yamamoto hired John Vipond as Creative Director. Mr. Vipond had been assisting the agency in a creative consulting capacity and was brought on board to help lead the creative department in developing the bold ideas Yamamoto clients have come to expect.

Mr. Vipond is a copywriting veteran with deep experience across myriad segments in virtually every medium, from broadcast and digital to print and direct marketing. Following tenures at Carmichael Lynch, Bozell and Greer & Associates, Mr. Vipond spent nearly a decade managing his own successful creative consultancy – Vipond Worldwide, LLC. Mr. Vipond brings to Yamamoto a rich portfolio of creative work for top brands like 3M, UnitedHealthcare, IKEA, American Standard, Fujitsu, McDonald’s, Chevrolet, Glastron Boats, Microsoft and Cargill.

Vipond’s work has also won recognition in some of advertising’s most prestigious award shows including PRINT, The Show, The Telly’s and the New York Festival.

Yamamoto Hires Paul Saarinen as Digital Leader

Jackie — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 23:06:50 +0000

MINNEAPOLIS — January 17, 2012 — Minneapolis agency Yamamoto hired Paul Saarinen as Director of Digital Strategy. Mr. Saarinen was brought on board to lead and expand digital ideation for accounts with unique needs and opportunities across several segments.

Mr. Saarinen is a brand-building veteran who brings the agency a potent mix of experience in digital communications with a background in art direction. In addition to tenures at Bolin Marketing, Warehouse Intellect and March First, Mr. Saarinen has founded and led privately-held full-service agency Brand & Butter. Mr. Saarinen comes to Yamamoto with an impressive track record of innovation for brands like Best Buy, Schwan’s, General Mills, Rubbermaid, Carma Labs, M.A. Mortenson, Andersen Windows, C.H. Robinson, University of Minnesota, Ingersoll Rand, CABG Medical, American Medical Systems, Allianz, Thrivent and Medtronic.

Mr. Saarinen has won several national and regional awards for design and marketing and is regularly quoted in traditional and online media commenting on the future of marketing and advertising. A regular on regional and national speakers’ forums, he is among the featured speakers at the 2012 SXSW Interactive Festival, March 9–13, in Austin, TX.