jeff thomas
strategic copywriter | holistic creative
Other people's words.
Collaborators
Derek | VP, Marketing Technology
Jeff is an amazing combination of creativity, hard work, positive energy, and smart thinking. Over the past four years, I've partnered with Jeff across a variety of projects and clients and he's shown up as a rock star in every instance. Whether he's mentoring others, presenting in front of clients, or rolling up his own sleeves to dig in and get the work done - Jeff always shows up well. He's someone you can count on and that you want to have on your team.
Ursula | VP, Strategy
I worked with Jeff on a range of projects for a large and complex client - covering anything from digital experience design and conceptual campaigns, to CRM and retail promotions. He is a talented creative who can be trusted to quickly grasp a brief and ask all the right questions that take the work from good to great. He is skilled at managing a team, actioning feedback, and presenting to senior clients - and his work is always on point.
Amy | Creative Director
Jeff is a champion of building inroads both internally and with client teams. He's uniquely gifted at finding the signal through the noise, coalescing creative focus around a vision, and directing rich, meaningful work for an array of brands. I've learned so much from him about empathetic leadership and building teams that make an impact.
Alaine | Digital Experience Strategist
Jeff is a breath of fresh air and an awesome partner. We worked together on a number of challenges and client projects pairing his creative skills with my reporting and analytics. While these things are typically at odds, it was always a smooth collaboration and I came to rely on Jeff's inspirational problem-solving skills. He's the king of bringing people together with a "yes, and..."
Ben | Creative Director
Jeff is a rare creative leader that can simultaneously balance the needs of brands, clients, a creative team, and his own desire to do great work. I've worked alongside Jeff for years and have been inspired by his tenacious creative problem-solving. Whether collaborating with a creative team or brainstorming with clients on the fly, he is always thoughtful and solution-oriented. His energy, sense of humor, and enthusiasm make him a great culture-add to any organization.
Lisa | Business Director
Jeff is a true creative partner. A strategic thinker who was always more than willing to jump in and help when needed. He truly partnered with the account team, meeting client challenges with an openness and positive attitude. His energy is infectious and was a trusted leader on the team!
Melissa | Account Director
So many great things to say about Jeff! He is a collaborative partner, creative thinker and an amazing asset to any team. Whenever challenges came our way, Jeff handled them with a smile and brought creative solutions. He always partnered with our account team so we could join forces to bring solid plans and recommendations to clients. Aside from being an incredibly hard worker, Jeff is also a great person and deeply cares about his colleagues.
Robin | Senior Art Director
Jeff is a true superhero and it has been an absolute privilege to be a part of his creative team. His passion about projects and the process of creating big ideas makes everyone excited to do great work. He’s also just the most thoughtful and enthusiastic person to be around, and I would love to work with him again in the future.
Alex | Executive Director, Marketing
Jeff is a very creative professional who understands the needs and vision of the client and can come up with breakthrough ideas that no one expects! He is a great example of what an inspirational leader should be. Besides being an exceptional creative himself, Jeff makes others be all they can be. A rare and pure talent to ignite, inspire, and lead.
Noah | Video Producer
Not only is he a Wizard with copy and marketing strategy, he's also a super fun person to be around. He lives outside of the box, and I've never met someone who could take an idea from concept to flawless execution as quickly.
Daniel | Senior Art Director
I have partnered with Jeff on different contract projects and have always had outstanding results. Whether it is copywriting, planning or SEO he has always delivered with a great attitude and knowledge. I sincerely recommend Jeff to anyone looking for these services.
Ken | Marketing Consultant
Jeff stands out as one of the finest copywriters I have ever had the pleasure of working with. Coupled with a great sense of humor, his approach to his work created a product that was right on target... first time, every time.
Kelly | Talent Acquisition Manager
He is a great communicator and has a sense of levity which makes working with him a pleasure. I also know from the candidates I hired for Jeff that he is an outstanding boss – with integrity and a desire to understand and meet the needs of his team. And in addition to that, he is a talented writer. His copy ended up replacing the job description to better reach the type of writers we were seeking. I hope to work with Jeff again.
Mike | Director, Creative Services
Whether we were brainstorming ideas for a direct marketing piece, discussing concepts for an advertising campaign, or working on a strategic marketing plan for a new client... He’s creative, fast, and fun to work with; you’re lucky to get two of those attributes in a coworker or employee. And perhaps most importantly, Jeff gets it. He understands the big picture. He knows that clients are more interested in successful marketing campaigns that translate into increased sales and a healthy bottom line, than they are in simply winning awards for their creative. But with Jeff, you get it all.
Donnie | Marketing Executive
Jeff Thomas and I worked together at two agencies and I've hired him as a freelance writer for my company, damn good advertising. During this time Jeff has continued to produce excellent creative copy that not only enhanced the product but delivers results. As a Certified Technical Writer he is thorough and meticulous when it comes to details... sometimes learning more about the product he is writing for than the client him/herself. I high recommend Jeff.
Rebecca | Public Affairs Leader
Jeff is an outstanding writer and creative strategist. I worked with him on many projects over the years ranging from consumer to business-to-business. He took the time upfront to really understand the business need for the communication and to fully ground himself in the subject matter, regardless of whether he was writing radio copy or more complex white papers. His work product was always flawless and timely. I highly recommend him.
Vicki | Media Manager
Jeff's ability to create brilliant copy on deadline and his sense of humor made him a great addition to the staff. Working with Jeff was a pleasure and a lot of fun. He's someone you look forward to seeing every day.
Carmen | Director of Finance
I love Jeff's personality. He always makes me smile. I've known and worked with Jeff many years and I can say he is a very creative person. Very mature and responsible with his work.
Lee | Writer
Jeff knows how to find that sweet spot in any product. I’ve watched him devour unyielding product specs and distill massive amounts of information into simple delicate words. He lovingly folds these richly crafted words into a workable product strategy. In doing so, Jeff creates a verbal cuisine that resonates. His words move product.
Namita | Project Manager
Jeff was the Digital Creative lead on the Retail Fuels business for ExxonMobil. I coordinated much of the Production work on that account, which also included signage at stations nationwide. In every rollout, Jeff was quick to assist or pivot to make each deployment a success. He is a highly collaborative partner in the creative process, and his track record speaks for itself.
Ashley | Account Director
Jeff is an all-around team player, motivator and leader. He can turn the most mundane project into one that people wish they could be a part of. I worked with Jeff on many high-visibility partnerships and client requests and he continuously brought a positive attitude and creative spontaneity that led to win after win. I simply loved working with Jeff and consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from him!
Directs
Gretchen | Associate Creative Director
Jeff is a creative leader and tenacious mentor/manager. In our time together at Barefoot, he has excelled at guiding our creative team and inspiring effective, innovative solutions — backed by his eye for smart, strategic thinking. He has never wavered in championing his people, company culture and values. I have learned a great deal from Jeff, and his guidance has helped me grow and develop in my role.
Abby | Senior Copywriter
Jeff brings insatiable drive and unsurpassed meticulousness to any and every project. Not only is he passionate about creative vision, he's also a thoughtful and empathetic mentor and team member. Through any chaos, Jeff's positive attitude and tenacity are incredible resources in breaking down complex asks or overwhelming odds. On a personal level, Jeff has made a huge difference in my career and professional growth. I'm very thankful to know him as a mentor, co-worker, and friend.
Lauren | Senior Copywriter
When I applied to Barefoot, I was interviewed by about six different staff members, including Jeff. Out of everyone I talked to, his questions made me stop and think the most, and I think my interview turned out better as a result. That’s what working with him is like, too. His questions and direction consistently make the work better, and the enthusiasm and sense of humor he brings to every project, no matter how mundane it may seem, is infectious. He’s also an empathetic leader who makes an effort to get to know everyone on his team on a personal level. I’m so grateful I had the opportunity to work with him and learn from him.
Jess | Copywriter
Jeff is a creative for the people. He advocates not only for the best work, but also for the best environment to help his team thrive. Jeff is understanding, encourages other perspectives, and stays true to his values. He never leaves anyone out. He's not afraid to pivot. He's always asking "Why?" and "How can we do this better?" Oh, and he's pretty funny, too.
Bethany | Senior Designer
Jeff's energy is off of the charts. He always came into our many virtual meetings with a smile and the attention to hear the issues, brief, clients, etc., and with that same energy export a plan of attack for how best to move forward. Never did I feel like a project would go amiss when Jeff was part of it. Jeff is one of the most multidisciplinary people I've worked with. He's not just a Creative Director, he wears the hat equally of a copywriter and a designer. And then some. Jeff excelled at campaign work, deck work, email work, all of the work because he's done it all. You want to work with Jeff.
Colin | Senior Copywriter
Jeff is an insightful and inspiring creative director who makes work better and helps colleagues improve and hone their craft. Working with Jeff on a challenging global client resulted in highly creative work that the client loved, that performed well and that I'm still proud of today. On every project, Jeff was always available to advise or to challenge us to think differently. Jeff cares about his direct reports and mentors their professional development in a way that is unfortunately unusual in agencies today. I'm a better and more rounded creative thanks to working alongside Jeff.
Bethany | Managing Editor
Jeff was my manager for more than 8 years, and during that time he taught me a great deal about writing and marketing strategy. In addition to possessing one of the most strategic minds I've ever encountered, Jeff is an effective communicator and a passionate problem solver. He approaches challenges with a unique combination of common sense and creativity that yields valuable insights and comprehensive solutions for his clients and colleagues. As a manager, he is dedicated to ensuring that his direct reports learn, grow and succeed, and he is a fantastic advocate for his team.
Catalina | Senior Designer
Jeff is an excellent leader and a talented creative. He always has a positive attitude, willing not only to teach, but also to listen and learn. I really enjoyed working for Jeff and deeply appreciate his commitment to inclusion in each of the projects we worked on together.
Andrea | Senior Communications Professional
Jeff is a great colleague, a tremendous leader and an all-around awesome human to work with. Jeff consistently demonstrated exceptional creativity — in storytelling, in communications and project strategy, and in sharing the right meme at the right time. He has an endless drive to learn and challenge himself, and he uses his knowledge and experience to create engaging and successful campaigns. As a leader, Jeff has a remarkable knack for recognizing his people’s strengths and areas for improvement (and knows how to work with both). He’s an empathetic manager who mixes the right amount of fun with work to bring out the best in his team.
April | Publishing Lead
Not enough people have the opportunity to work for someone as inspiring and empathetic as Jeff. During his time as my manager, he went out of his way to support me professionally and personally. He encouraged me to stay curious, read up on emerging trends, attend conferences, and pursue certification programs. He taught me the basics of SEO, gave me the chance to work on high-level projects, and made me feel like a valuable part of the team. All the while, he remained a steadfast proponent of work-life balance. Although Jeff and I are no longer coworkers, I consider him a friend and lifelong mentor.
Leaders/mentors
Brandon | UX Consultant, Designer, Illustrator
Jeff is the creative leader you want on your team and work. He brings kick ass ideas, passion, drive, a meticulous eye for detail and an infectious, positive energy that motivates the team to do their best work. He brings this same energy to building team culture. He invests in the people he’s working with and takes genuine care with their growth and well-being.
Iain | Group Creative Director
Jeff is an exemplary Creative leader. His strategic vision is ahead of the curve; he personally invests heavily into a strong culture, he collaborates with cross discipline teams seamlessly and he creates strong, trusting relationships with his co-workers and clients. Jeff chooses to do what is right for the brand; not what is easy. He's a true creative evangelist. Jeff inspires through example – he's the kind of leader that inspires you to go the extra mile.
Tony | VP, Brand
He is thorough and deliberate, detailed and creative. His work is always on target and effective. He is customer focused and understands subtle shifts in consumer trends when developing the proper tone for unique media channels. His ability to use consumer insights and critical thinking to develop communication strategies, and then executing that strategy throughout every phase of the project, is among the best I have experienced. Jeff always provides a perspective that most fail to recognize. This adds a value that is highly desirable to anyone seeking a progressive approach to marketing communications. Simply put, Jeff delivers compelling communications that drive results.
Kevin | Creative Director
He "gets it" and asks the kind of questions that give him the understanding necessary to best speak to his audience.
Julie | VP, Talent Development
Jeff is one of those people who makes you feel like you just drank a great cup of coffee – focused, energized, and ready to rock. A talented leader of both work and people, Jeff truly cares about both. My working relationship with Jeff focused on supporting him in developing his team, a responsibility he approached strategically and with empathy, energy, and commitment. In addition to his professional prowess, Jeff is also a kind and fun guy, making him a great addition to any team.
Freelancers
Kara | Writer and Editor
Not only is Jeff a skilled creative director, but he's a wonderful mentor and teacher as well. After years spent writing and editing for publishing houses that produced books and magazines, I found myself working on a project with Jeff as a freelance writer at an ad agency. I knew I could handle the long-form work but I was nervous about the email learning curve ahead of me. Turns out, a couple of 1:1s with Jeff was all I needed.
Jodi | Project Manager
Jeff is committed to producing the best work possible. He collaborates ahead of time across disciplines. He isn't afraid to toss out ideas and think outside the box. In addition to his leadership skills, he is fun and brings his energy to work. He shows shows up with positivity and empathy while having the assignment in mind. I look forward to and hope for the day that I get to work with Jeff again.
Kat | Graphic Designer
Jeff is a fantastic creative leader who understands how to get the best out of people. I worked as a designer on one of his teams, for a complex brand whose briefs could be quite convoluted. I was always impressed at his ability to deftly distill the essence of the creative ask, and set the team up for success on a project. His mastery of design strategy, his wealth of knowledge, and his creative energy really have an impact on those who work with him.
Clients
Tammy | Director, Creative Services
Jeff is a great creative thinker and collaborator. He takes the time to listen and understand the goal and pushes himself to find the best creative solution to meet that goal. Jeff is a trusted resource when I just need to bounce ideas back and forth and I always walk away with new insight.
Santa | Design Firm Owner
Jeff has worked on several of my web projects. He is great freelance copywriter with SEO skills and recommendations producing excellent results. He is creative, extremely professional and never misses a deadline. He has a can-do attitude and takes ownership of each project through completion. I will hire Jeff again and recommend him to others -- he is a seasoned pro!
John | Agency Founder
Jeff is an amazingly talented and dependable writer that has helped me out with countless critical client projects over the years. Somehow Jeff is always able to come through for me, no matter the scope or turnaround time.
Tina | Compliance, Privacy & Security Consultant
I needed an expert to create a user-friendly training handbook. Jeff listened to my needs, the type of audience we needed to reach, what types of information we needed to relay, and the relevant tools to guide the information. The product was a SMASH!
Bruce | Publisher
Every time our magazine needed your design services, you completed the job on time and to specifications. Of all the outside services, we have used, I have been most pleased with yours. I recommend you to any company needing the services of a talented and capable creative.
John | Physician
Jeff delivered a clean, functional, easy to use website quickly and very reasonably for me when I was starting my practice. It turned out to be the least frustrating of everything I had to deal with when starting up, something I appreciate to this day.
Douglas | Project Manager
I have utilized Jeff's services several times over the years. I have found Jeff to be very versatile and exceptionally easy to get along with. Some of our projects were light hearted, tongue in cheek and full of innuendos while others were very serious and professional. Jeff was able to transition seamlessly and shine regardless of the style. I very highly recommend Jeff.
Matt | Academic Director of PR & Advertising
I had a great experience working with Jeff. After asking the right questions and listening carefully, he developed a professional brand identity for my business, and captured the essence of my business and industry. Jeff brings a great mix of right brain and left brain thinking to the table.