About John Fries

John is a marketing professional, writer, graphic designer, web designer, and filmmaker with more than 25 years of strategic, creative and leadership experience--and significant results--across a range of industries.

• During the late 1970's, wrote, produced and hosted a weekday radio newsmagazine program that aired on WDUQ, Duquesne University's 25,000-watt NPR station. He wrote and produced numerous segments and conducted interviews with an extensive range of newsmakers.

• Worked as writer/producer of the 3WS morning show and in the newsroom. The station was one of the top broadcast outlets in the Pittsburgh market.

• During the early 1980s, John was active as a copywriter for local advertising and PR firms, working on projects for such companies as the Pittsburgh Convention Center, Chatham Center, Trimont, and others.

• Has led the communications departments at such organizatons as UPMC Passavant, the Port Authority of Allegheny County, Shadyside Hospital and Butler Gas Products Co. He also held a managerial position at Burson-Marsteller, one of the world's largest PR and marketing firms.

• Works with a diverse range of companies. His client experience ranging from corporations--including UPMC, Heinz, PNC Bank, Giant Eagle, Highmark, Pennsylvania Blue Sheld, Eckert Seamans, Duquesne Light, Pizza Hut, Schering Plough, and others--to dozens of mid-sized companies, small businesses, non-profit organizations, and start-ups in a wide variety of industries.

• Provides external writing and graphic design services to a variety of ad agencies and PR firms.

• Contributes articles to a variety of publications. His work has appeared in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Pittsburgh Magazine, Pittsburgh Boomers, PNC Strategies, North Hills Monthly, Peters & Point South, and many others.

• Has designed or served on the development teams for more than two dozen websites; his work has been honored with several awards.

• An experienced filmmaker, John has written and directed several films and commercials. One of those films, Blue Myst Road, a film about Pittsburgh-area urban legends, was recognized by PA Senator Jane Orie in the Pennsylvania State Senate. Another project, a short, historical film about the Little Sisters of the Poor was used a few years ago to launch the organization's capital campaign.

• Writes comedy and humor for print, stand-up and film. His material was recently featured (and received an award from) one of the top TV stations in Las Vegas.

• Often speaks to business and collegiate audiences.

• Has authored several business guides covering such topics as branding, web marketing, public speaking and more.

• Holds a B.A. in communications from Duquesne University.

Contact John at 412.760.2299 or johnfries@comcast.net.