Wade Bergquist
Exchange programme: European Studies 1995
Wade is the proud owner of BLACKLIST Creative, an independent, creatively driven advertising agency focused on SME. After 18 years in the corporate sales arena, the California-based entrepreneur followed his dream and founded his own company in 2014.
Prior to setting up BLACKLIST Creative, Wade gained extensive experience in a variety of sales, advertising and marketing roles at Thomson Reuters Corp, FTI Consulting, and Danaher Corporation where he was responsible for developing sales strategies and product branding campaigns.
Wade created the agency after his wife set up her own business and couldn’t find an affordable communications agency focused on small businesses.
Wade explains: “I had been in the sales industry for 18 years and I had a background in design as well. So I thought I could set up my own company which could deliver content development and brand management to small and medium business.”
He continues: “We’re a new kind of agency that combines an innate understanding of social media with digital, PR, and branding.
“We are entirely focused on innovative, creative and effective social media marketing and communications. We believe that honest and meaningful conversations enable brands to participate in communities, build trust, and ultimately help create better products, services and experiences. I work with companies that have passion, integrity and are willing to take the creative ideas we propose them to the next level.”
In October 2014 Wade created a graphic for Mastro’s Steakhouse (Levy Restaurants) in New York City that went viral nationwide. Mastro’s NYC also uses the graphic for some of their corporate branding.
While studying a degree in Sales and Business Administration at the Winona State University (Minnesota, USA), Wade came to the University of Sunderland with the Student Abroad programme, an experience that he can’t forget.
“It was the first time I was away from home for such a long period and it’s actually the longest time that I have ever been away in my whole life. It was a fantastic experience; we did a lot of activities outside the classroom. I met students from all over the world, the University was really international!”
Visit Wade's blog at: www.blcnow.wordpress.com