Scott has been with the marketing agency MadAveGroup since 1993. His work as Chief Creative Officer, copywriter, director and voiceover talent has been recognized with more than 150 awards for creative and marketing excellence. In 2021, Scott received the Silver Medal Award – AAF Toledo’s highest honor – for his outstanding contributions to advertising. He’s a former radio personality, a member of the Forbes Agency Council and a judge for several award shows, including the Tellys and the ADDYs.

How many years have you been a judge?

5+ years

What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

I worked in radio for twelve years. That industry taught me how to live on very little money.

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

I’m proud any time a client makes the effort to express how happy he or she is with my work.

What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?

I’m not a “big idea” guy. I’m better at coming up with the words to describe the big idea. So, not being great at that and having to rely on others to arrive with the explosive concept is challenging.

What do you look for to determine excellence in video?

Writing is always a key for me. Does the piece deliver value in some form: enlightenment, emotional power, genuine laughter. And do the performances and production quality meet high standards? That doesn’t necessarily require a big budget. Some of the simplest executions can be among the most memorable.

How do you unwind from work mode?

I’m an abstract painter. I bake bread. I shoot pictures of – usually – old things and the countryside. I’m a season ticket holder for University of Michigan Volleyball. I love road trips, bluegrass music, meatloaf, mashed potatoes and iced tea.

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job?

In addition to leading a small team of copywriters, I work directly with select clients, talk creative direction with various teams, provide voiceover and write Humor On Hold copy, branding statements and other content.

What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?

Developing brand statements has been very rewarding since the content often produces an emotional response in our clients. And throughout my life, writing and producing content that makes people laugh – especially at unexpected times – is always a thrill.