The Distillery Project Hires Creatives dPa’wo, Macdonald and Jungmann

The Distillery Project (TDP) has made three significant hires in its Talent department, founder and CCO John Condon announced today. Associate creative director Jig-zed dPa’wo, copywriter Erin Macdonald, and creative director Phil Jungmann have joined the agency’s Chicago office.

dPa’wo helps tell stories for brands big and small and has worked with client partners across automotive, packaged goods, restaurant, retail and tourism. He’s launched products, designed customer experience journeys for the electrified future of the automobile, and even donned a mascot costume in the service of advertising. Previously, he was ACD at agencies Leo Burnett and VML. At TDP, he’ll partner with ACD Chris Kuhatschek on the Meijer account. 

“We met J-z last year and have worked together remotely,” said Condon. “He began to contribute immediately with smart, insightful work. That’s not easy to do, especially on an account that moves as quickly as Meijer.”

Macdonald has been writing for small, medium and large brands for more than a decade. Most recently, she was content producer at the Highland Group. At TDP, she will deliver marketing copy that reflects the voice and values of each of her clients, which includes Meijer.

“Erin has a real passion for engaging writing in distinctly modern media, and she’s packed a lot of experience into her time in the business,” said Condon. “We’re happy to have her help as the Meijer team continually looks to develop better, deeper, more meaningful conversations with the people we serve.”

Jungmann is an award-winning creative director who has been in pursuit of big ideas for the best agencies in New York and Chicago including Y&R, BBDO and Leo Burnett. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts, he has lent his storytelling ability to such brands as LG, Charles Schwab, VISA and Snickers, and more recently, Hallmark, Bayer and SC Johnson. Doing real, believable work that creates excitement for a brand is what continues to make advertising exciting for him. Jungmann will partner with creative director Kristi Neitzel to oversee Meijer and report to John Condon.

“We’ve known Phil and have been well aware of his work for some time now, so when the stars aligned and the opportunity arose, we were very fortunate to be able to bring him in,” said Condon. “He’s stepped in immediately and made an impact across our portfolio. He’s a real professional, a craftsman with a wonderful variety of experiences and no shortage of ideas.”