Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Dow.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am one of the owners and founder of Wilson Dow Group, where we design and create corporate experiential events. I started my career as a director and choreographer, mostly for large theatrical performances and live experiential events. My first show in this industry, which was then called corporate theater or industrial theater, was a very large owner-operator meeting—a massive performance with thousands of people. As a director/choreographer, my job has always been to design an experience and evoke emotions from an audience, and the industry of corporate experiential events required the exact same thing. So I began to work as a freelancer, helping agencies pitch and win corporate theater and experiential events jobs and then designing and directing the creative experiences for those events.
I had worked with co-owner Steve Wilson via a freelance connection, and I knew immediately we were like-minded and wanted to build the same kind of company – a company that emphasized partnerships over a typical hierarchical management system. Our shared goal has always been to work together in our internal teams, as well as with our clients. With the powerful addition of Steve’s account management skills, Wilson Dow Group found the perfect balance of creative ideas, exceptional event production, and peerless relationship-building and client support. This balance has been the key factor in our growth from a start-up of just 4 employees to the innovative, electrifying company of 85 talented full-time staffers and over 20 permanent contractors that we are today.
Despite our steady growth, we’ve been proud to maintain an open culture of integrity, intelligence, respect, and most importantly of all, partnership.
Has it been a smooth road?
As with most businesses, the road to our company’s success hasn’t always been a smooth one. One of the most difficult transitions for me, as someone who got their start as a freelancer, was realizing that from the moment I opened my own company, I would never be able to work for another agency again. It’s a humbling moment, knowing that you’re creating opportunities for many other talented people but closing other doors for yourself. But I knew it was the right decision and I’ve never looked back.
An additional and ongoing pursuit in the event production and experiential marketing industry is simply keeping up with cutting-edge technology. Fortunately, we invest a lot of time in educating our digital media and technology teams and staying ahead of the curve, so we can offer the most innovative experiential solutions to our clients. At our roots, we are creative problem solvers and we’re always searching for the most effective and exciting solutions to meet our clients’ needs.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Wilson Dow Group – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
In short, we move corporate audiences. We align, inspire, and prepare through a blend of live experiences, communications, and performance development that can culminate at one event or take the form of a year-long campaign.
Specifically,
· Product Launch Events
· National Sales Meetings
· Franchise, Dealer, Partner Events
· Communications Campaigns
· Experiential Learning
What do we specialize in?
The live experience. That critical moment when businesses need to make sure their audience is committed to delivering greater results in the year ahead. Our integrated approach of live events, communications, and performance development ensures greater results at the event itself while maintaining momentum throughout the year.
What are we known for?
Most notably, creative. Creative that disrupts and challenges the status quo to reach A CORPORATE audience in new and memorable ways. For example, our Technology Strategy Team has evolved the concept of a “smart meeting” by creating on-site ecosystems that provide an individualized experience and allow attendees to connect and share in new ways.
What sets us apart from others?
I’d have to say our ability to so quickly become an extension of our Client’s team, understanding their business objectives and designing experiences that are truly custom… with measurable results. The best creative begins with a true understanding of where our Clients are today, and where they want to be tomorrow.
What are we most proud of as a company?
First and foremost, our Team. I am so proud of the talent, energy and passion I see every day in every department. It’s a work-hard / play-hard culture that extends to our clients and the projects we’re working on.
I’m also, of course, very proud of the projects we deliver and the results we gain for our Clients. It’s great to see our Clients advancing in their careers.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Growing up as a kid in the south suburbs, I always saw Chicago as this great, exciting place where music, art, sports… all the things I loved were always abundant! So, it was always my dream to be someone who contributed to that excitement and now I get to do that every single day! While I’ve worked literally all over the world for all sorts of clients, this is the place that excites me most and I wouldn’t change anything about our great city!
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.wilsondow.com/
- Phone: 312-922-1950
- Email: mdow@wilsondow.com
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/WilsonDowGroup
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/company/378985/
https://www.youtube.com/user/WilsonDowGroup
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
