Laurie Hess   |  Fun Facts About Laurie

Laurie brings nearly 20 years of expertise in marketing communications and publishing to Group 2. She has worked as a marketing communications director responsible for every aspect of several organizations’ communications efforts, as a representative for firms that support marketing communications professionals, and as a freelance graphic designer. Her knowledge base includes Web site development, identity development and branding, video and multimedia, publishing, direct mail, event promotion, and print collateral in the retail, corporate, nonprofit, and restaurant industries. Through the course of her career, Laurie has worked with – or for – many of Pittsburgh’s graphic design, web development, direct mail, advertising and marketing communications, and multimedia firms.

Because of this encompassing background, Laurie fully understands the details of developing effective marketing communications vehicles, the value of top-quality products, the importance of a smooth unencumbered process, and the need for a trustworthy knowledgeable team.

Laurie’s background includes fine arts training at Bowling Green State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in graphic design from LaRoche College, graduating cum laude.

While in college, Laurie’s career path began as an intern at the Kaiser Group, an advertising firm in Pittsburgh, and her responsibilities included vendor management, event coordination, making coffee, and ordering lunch for the partners. It was there that she learned humility.

Laurie’s first official job was with Federated Investors as a Print Production Specialist and later as a Marketing Manager servicing Federated’s private label, broker dealer, and bank broker dealer partners. While at Federated, she helped to brand and launch a new variable annuity product for Aetna. It was there that she learned the value of professional customer service and that wearing pantyhose every day does not suit her well.

With a desire to escape the stringent corporate dress code, Laurie accepted a project management position with Communifax Corp. (now Communifx) where she managed print production and direct mail projects for clients including Sarris Candies, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and American Eagle Outfitters. It was there that she realized that your job is not your life.

With countless 3:00 AM print press approvals in seedy neighborhoods under her belt, Laurie chose to develop her sales skills with an 8-5 position at Group 2 Design. In the nurturing and creative environment of Group 2, she was able to secure new accounts with clients including Alcoa, Inc., Ketchum PR, and the Pittsburgh Technology Council. It was there that she first understood the impact of enjoying what you do for a living.

As the relationship with the Pittsburgh Technology Council developed, the Council lured Laurie away from Group 2 with the promise of three weeks vacation and unmatchable employee benefits to become the Manager of Marketing Communications and Publishing. At the Council, she coordinated the marketing communications of all Council initiatives and events – as well as those of its sister organization, the Southwestern Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center (SPIRC, now Catalyst Connection). In addition, Laurie was responsible for the production of the two organizations’ publications, TEQ Magazine and Mfg. During this time, she assisted in rebranding the Council and SPIRC and launched the first Tech 50, an awards event honoring Pittsburgh’s 50 fastest growing technology companies.  Laurie was promoted to the Managing Director of Marketing Communications and Publishing and oversaw the marketing communications staff. It was there that she mastered the art multitasking and learned that strong work ethic can actually pay off.

When Laurie’s first daughter was born, she sought a position with more flexibility and moved to a business development/client liaison position at Wall-to-Wall Studios, a Pittsburgh marketing/design firm. At Wall-to-Wall, she was able to secure accounts with clients including Leed’s, Koppers Industries, Sensus, Carnegie Mellon School of Art, and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Pittsburgh chapter. It was there that she experienced the importance of laughing (a lot) at work and of being open to every possibility, especially the obscure.

Then once again, the Council lured Laurie away with the promise of three weeks vacation and unmatchable employee benefits as the Manager of Marketing Communications. With a streamlined staff just half its previous size, she managed the mar/com efforts of all Council initiatives and events – as well as those of its sister organizations, Catalyst Connection and the Doyle Center for Manufacturing Technology. While at the Council, Laurie launched the redesign of the Catalyst Connection website, the Doyle Center for Manufacturing Technology website, and developed the first CIO of the Year marketing and awards presentation. It was there that she learned that one is only as good as the team as a whole.

With the birth of her second daughter, Laurie pursued a new and more challenging career – Stay-Home-Mom. Although the hours were unrelenting, she found the benefits to be unbeatable. Responsibilities included the management of three individuals, facility maintenance, transportation services, event planning, and food services. It was there that she realized the enormous beauty in the smallest things.

Currently, Laurie is pleased to once again join Group 2 Design, Inc. as the Director of Business Development. She looks forward to using her vast experience to help grow Group 2’s business, develop long-lasting client relationships, and to what she may learn next.

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