Success Stories

My name is Mike Macaluso and I am a graphic designer here in the Tampa Bay Area. I was spending a lot of time overseas when the financial crisis hit here in the States and I was understandably nervous about returning here to find a new job in the current economy. However, shortly after my return home I came across a job posting on the Ad 2 website and was subsequently hired for the position after sending my resume. I just wanted to let you know that I am grateful for the opportunity that I have received through Ad 2′s website and very glad that I am able to work in my chosen profession, doing the thing that I love most – Graphic Design! Cheers!

mikemacdesign.com

I met a great friend and my company’s largest client through Ad 2 in 1998. 10 years later I was brought in as their company’s Creative Director.

Jeff Zampino
Creative Director
Pinstripe Marketing

If I don’t have the ultimate Ad 2 “success story,” I’m not sure who does. Here are the cliff notes: I joined the club in 2005, seeking friends and colleagues as a new resident of the Tampa Bay area. By 2010, my involvement had helped me develop a national professional network of 500+, receive more than 20 industry awards, represent the club in 3 national conferences and several major cities across the country, leave my job to start my own business, and meet, befriend, court, and propose to my business partner and future wife. Ad 2 Tampa Bay is the ultimate opportunity machine. If you can dream it, you can do it, and this organization can help.

Carl Vervisch
Social Forces
Past President

Tampa seemed so big and overwhelming to me when I first joined Ad 2. I remember the breaking point when driving to an Ad 2 Guest Speaker Series one day after work… I looked at downtown and it was smaller… it was as-if my whole viewpoint on the city had shifted and it wasn’t overwhelming any more! I instantly knew it was because of Ad 2 and all the friendships I’d developed over the last year and a half. I will always appreciate Ad 2 for essentially handing me the keys to Tampa.

Nicolas Lorden
PostCard Mania
Past Programs, Events, Membership, AdCast Host Director

While I was a senior at USF I used Ad 2 to find an internship. I originally thought it would be something to add to my resume but it turned into a job (Tafuro Communications) and I have been working there ever since.

Brie White
Past Membership Director

Through Ad 2 I was able to meet Kate and Carl, of Social Forces,  allowing me with the opportunity to intern with them this past summer for their first ROTC program. I also had a great experience with the Ad 2 mentorship program which gave me career guidance and aided me in obtaining an Ad 2 board position.

Ariel Saiani
Past Membership Director