From freelance designer to second in command: I built an agency's systems, led its team, packaged its services and wrote the proposals that won new business.

Capital Content is an Ottawa video and content agency working with hotels, healthcare, sports and purpose-driven organisations. It started as my freelance client: I led its 2023 rebrand, and in June 2024 it hired me as Creative Marketing Director. When I arrived, the agency was busy but scrambling, with no set workflows inside the team or with clients. It also needed its own marketing to win business in a small, noisy market.

I worked alongside the CEO as second in command, managing two direct reports, a videographer and a social media manager, plus junior staff over the years. I set up the agency's internal and client workflows, onboarded and mentored new team members, led every website and creative project, oversaw the social media department and wrote the proposals. I now continue as a freelance partner.

• Workflows and systems: internal communication strategies, client-facing processes, intake forms, monthly content reporting and onboarding checklists.
• Service packages: with the CEO and team, I helped develop the Content Partner Program, the agency's monthly content package. I also created Sponsor a Story, which pairs a corporation with a nonprofit to fund a documentary about its work.
• Sales magazines: a series of coffee-table magazines for door-to-door sales, with QR codes linking to the agency's work, built for a market where the CEO sells best face to face.
• Proposals: about three a month, including the winning response to a large national RFP for ACEC.
• Brand and website: the 2023 rebrand and style guide, and the 2025 website refresh, launched with an organic photo-shoot giveaway.
• Client strategy: a steady flow of new campaign ideas for retainer clients, to keep their marketing fresh and keep them renewing.