Wendy Johnson-Ness Consulting, Inc

Wendy Johnson-Ness
Broadcast Producer & Project Manager

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With over 25 years of experience I have worked with a wide variety of clients & industries - agriculture, healthcare, casinos, lottery and finance.

I have worn many hats over the years while working in the advertising industry but my first love is to work on broadcast projects. I enjoying digging into a project and making sense of the budget, schedule and tasks that need to get done to make the project really shine. I am known for crackin’ the whip with a smile and everyone I have worked with over the years have told me they like to work with me as they know things will run smoothly and they don’t have to worry about anything falling through the cracks. Within my family I am known as the ‘bossy lady’ who keeps them all moving along. One of my clients refers to me as the master cat wrangler for keeping everyone moving along even when they are moving in different directions.

I work mostly with ad agencies who don’t have a full time producer on hand and with freelance groups. I have great relationships with almost all of the vendors, crew and talent agents in town and I am a very good negotiator when it comes to budgets and timing in getting a project done.

Project Management & Team Leadership

I have a successful record of leading teams in the production of high-quality deliverables. I am innovative at finding a solution to the problem at hand no matter how large or small they may be. I am able to define, communicate and fulfill project goals and break down complex issues into manageable parts. I work collaboratively with team members to reach common goals, while maintaining responsibilities and commitments. I enjoy fostering career growth of the team members I work with through mentoring relationships. I work hard at keeping the respect of team members, peers, vendors and clients as I move along in my career. Communication is generally via phone, in person or email – all depending on the project and the team members involved on the project.

Broadcast Producer (Agency or Line)

Duties include producing radio commercials, TV commercials and corporate videos, as well as scheduling and estimating of each job. I work closely with the creative teams, outside vendors and talent agents to ensure we get the best possible commercial available within our budget and time frame. I also work with closely with the Media Department (if applicable) in gathering all necessary information needed to traffic the spots.

Print /Web Project Management

I utilize my traffic experience gathered from previous positions to serve as a liaison between the account executive, creative teams, production and outside vendors. I schedule, coordinate and expedite the preparation of production materials to facilitate meeting publication and client deadlines. I am responsible for coordinating all aspects of print production including estimating & schedules of projects. I maintain a constant awareness of the status of all the jobs in progress and kept in close contact with all personnel involved.

Traffic/Process/Procedure Consulting

Utilizing my traffic and HR background I work with internal marketing departments as well as smaller ad agencies in helping to review and define their goals for process & procedures and then work with them on how best to implement these suggested processes & procedures. This normally involves reviewing current processes & procedures, reviewing of current job descriptions & positions, database recommendations and training of the staff.

Human Resources

My HR responsibilities while at Foley Sackett/The Foley Group included overseeing performance reviews and salary changes. Research and maintenance of our flex plan, healthcare plan, dental plan, life insurance plan, short-term disability and long-term disability plans. I created all of the Employment Agreements and Freelance Agreements. I created and implemented the orientation program for new employees and process plan for exiting employees. I also kept up-to-date with outside resources to insure that we have the best benefits available to our employees.

Education

UW-River Falls
BA in Broadcast Journalism
BS in Broad Area Agriculture

Photos

Testimonials

“Wendy Johnson is an exceptional producer. She is direct, honest, and extremely well organized. We recommend her without reservation; she is a joy to work with.”
Bob Hest - Hest, Kramer, Vanhouse & Weber

“Initio has done a number of very successful campaigns with Wendy that most red blooded producers would run from, she has always done a great job of keeping deadlines and budgets key to success. Wendy not only keeps budgets and deadlines in place, but also keeps the creatives focused and harnessed, not unlike herding cats.”
Scott Sample - Creative Director/Owner Initio Advertising

“She’s one step ahead.”
Gregg Byers - Creative Director, Level Brand

“Wendy brings order to the chaos. When what can go wrong does go wrong, she digs in and makes things right. Her savvy and temperament have moved hundreds of our projects from good to great.” ...and that’s the truth!
Ron Sackett - Creative Director/Owner, Sackett, Inc.

“I’ve worked with Wendy both as an agency staffer, and as a freelancer. She’s a great person to have on your side when the chips are down, and she’s a delight to work with.”
Craig Roads - Creative Director, Broadhead & Company

“I can truly say that Wendy is one of those people that when you turn to her and ask her for something... she's already done it! Wendy is dedicated, detailed, and hard working. She takes on projects with vigor and enthusiasm. Plus she's lot's of fun! How many agency producers do you know that own a big pick-up truck if you need it? She makes the best Special K bars in the industry!”
Roger Sackett - Director/DP, Evergreen Pictures

“Wendy has been a great asset to our business. With a smile, Wendy shows up with a can do attitude, every time, for every project. Wendy is a hardworking enthusiastic team player that is a joy to work with. We are very grateful to work with her.”
Pam Luer - VP Quasimodo Advertising

“Having worked with Wendy on projects big and small, I know she not only sees the big picture, but takes care of the details. In addition, she is a real pleasure to work with.”
Paul Schupanitz - Sr. Art Director

“Wendy is simply the best. Every base is covered, no detail is overlooked. When Wendy is running the show, you know she’s got everyone's back. And what else can you say about that million dollar smile!”
Mike Stalcar - Engineer, Audio Ruckus Recording

When Wendy Johnson brings a project to us, I know the details that make everyone’s life easier will not go unattended. Wendy brings professionalism, skill and a personal touch to every session. Look up “producer” in the dictionary – there’s Wendy’s picture!
Steve Harley - Audio Ruckus Recording

“It’s so easy to put a project in Wendy’s hands because not only is it always done right; it’s also always done on time. Wendy worries about the details so her clients don’t have to. She’s truly the best!”
Kim Thelen - Director of Client Services, Level Brand

“Wendy was a key partner in overhauling our department’s processes, clarifying work roles and job descriptions, and helping find the project management software that best fit our needs. As we’ve implemented these changes, I’ve gone to her repeatedly to tap her rare combination of industry knowledge, technical expertise and sensible advice.”
Kathryn Grimes - Marketing Director, MN Historical Society

"Wendy's ability to develop, produce and deliver a first-rate nonprofit video was superb. Her attention to detail, her ability to envision what is needed before it is needed is amazing. We received much more than we paid for in terms of quality and creativity. I highly recommend Wendy and encourage others to use her services."
Nancy Sabin - President & Technical Training Assistance Consultant (TTAC)

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