Résumé

Career Capsule
Working in media since 1988 with an emphasis on writing for audio and print. Strong reputation as creative, innovative, and strategic. Team leader, guerilla marketing champion, and veteran meeting facilitator. Author or co-author of seven resources including the amazon.com top-25 bestseller, Simply Romantic® Nights. Synthesizes text and images for creative product packaging.

Professional Experience
Creative Director
GSF Media
Smyrna, Tennessee
Current

Write, direct, produce, and distribute short- and long-form audio programming to general market and Christian radio stations. Work with clients such as World Vision, Women of Faith, and Turning Point.

• Strategic planning for brand implementation through radio
• Interact with a freelance team of the nation’s best sound designers
• Specialize in donor interaction for non-profits and ministries

Freelance Writer and Marketing Consultant
Franklin, Tennessee
Current

Marketing Writer (by Contract)
Birdsong Creative, Franklin, Tenn.
Recent clients include an internet company, a publisher, a building contractor, and an entertainment company.

Partner, West Wing Waffles, LLC
Co-creator of 2008 Edible Election Collectibles
From idea to internet sales in less than 6 weeks. International media attention.

Bible Study Discussion Guide Writer
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, Anchor Bay Entertainment, and Walden Media
Work with marketing and release teams to create family discussion guides for certain titles.

1. Water Horse: Legend of the Deep (Walden)
2. Nim’s Island (Fox)
3. Space Chimps (Fox)
4. Horton Hears a Who (Fox)
5. Love’s Unfolding Dream (Fox)
6. Young at Heart (Fox)
7. Strawberry Shortcake: Rockaberry Roll (Fox)
8. Ace of Hearts (Fox)
9. Garfield’s Funfest (Fox)
10. Elephant Tales (Fox)
11. Her Best Move (Fox)
12. Moondance Alexander (Fox)
13. Tugger (Anchor Bay)
14. Dog Days of Summer (Anchor Bay)
15. Pahappahooey Island (Anchor Bay, in process)
16. City of Ember (Fox)
17. Angel Wars (Fox)

Thomas Nelson, Inc.
Nashville, Tennessee
2004 - 2007

Senior Acquisitions Editor Biblical Reference
Nelson Bible Group
12/2005 - 3/2007

• Strategic annual publishing plan for $10-million business unit
• Deal memos, contract negotiations, sales forecasts, expense budgets, marketing budgets
• Worked with marketing department to create and implement marketing plans
• Spokesperson for Smart Guide to the Bible Series; more than 25 radio interviews
• Content development
• Recruited, hired, supervised, and paid editors, graphic designers, typesetters, and other workers
• Followed publishing process
• Presented the Bible in a creative and approachable way for deeper learning
• Worked daily with several software packages and technological solutions for print
• Worked daily with database applications
  

Regional Manager, Eastern U.S.
Nelson Ministry Services
3/2004 - 12/2005

• Created strategic plan for account list
• Worked closely with accounts payable
• Built strong relationships with ministries and Christian businesses in territory
• Exceeded my sales goal for fiscal year 2005, $1.8-million
• Exceeded my sales goal for fiscal year 2006 in 9 months, $2.1-million
• Served ministries, non-profit organizations, colleges, and churches along the Eastern seaboard through strategic planning, donor development, author relations, and custom publishing
  

Portfolio and references available at whitlockportfolio.blogspot.com or in book form by request.

FamilyLife
Little Rock, Arkansas
1992 - 2004

Manager, Resource Creation
FamilyLife Publishing
2001 - 2004

• Created and supervised a publishing plan
• Created and supervised a marketing plan for each major release
• Member of ministry’s Strategic Marketing Team
• Wrote and implemented marketing plans for Turn off the TV campaign, Simply Romantic Nights, and other products
• Spokesperson for Resurrection Eggs (radio, TV, print), Simply Romantic Nights (radio and TV), Fifty Nights of Family Fun (radio), Passport to Purity (radio and print), and other resources
• Content development
• Led a team through the creative, editorial, marketing, and design processes for many new product ideas
• Helped develop the publishing process
• Built and maintained relationships with vendors, authors, radio guests, and ministry leaders
• Extensive experience with technological solutions for print, interactive media, audio, and video
• Worked daily with several databases
• Commentator on “FamilyLife This Week”

Manager, Resource Marketing
1998 - 2004

• Built relationships with ministries and publishing companies
• Built relationships with authors and broadcast guests
• Helped craft marketing plans

Producer/Engineer
“FamilyLife Today”
1992 - 1998

• Directed more than 600 recording sessions
• Cast production vision for more than 1500 editions of the NRB-award winning broadcast
• Produced audio marketing collaterals for ministry
• Helped develop the radio production and fulfillment process
• Served as writer/producer for several audio drama vignettes
• Part of the event planning team for the Congress on the Urban Family (1995)

Focus on the Family
Colorado Springs, Colorado
1991 - 1992

• Broadcast Editor, "Focus on the Family" Daily Program
• Edited and post-produced eight editions of the daily program each month
• Wrote and produced PSAs

WMSL, 88.9 FM
Athens, Georgia
1990 - 1991

• Morning Drive Announcer/Public Information Director
• Built relationships with audience as DJ
• Wrote news stories

WUGA, 91.7 FM (An NPR Affiliate)
1989 - 1990

• Stringer reporter for local breaks during “All Things Considered”
• Produced two 4-minute news features each week.
• Assistant director for “Once in a Blue Moon,” a live variety show for Peach State Public Radio.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts in Journalism (ABJ)
• University of Georgia, Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication, emphasis in radio

Volunteer Experience

• President of the Parent/Teacher group at Little Rock Christian Academy. Increased communication between parents and faculty, raised more than $30,000 a year through fundraisers.
• Eagle Scout (class of 1984). Raised more than $2,000 for local (Atlanta area) Leukemia research by creating, promoting, and running a Bike-a-Thon with local corporate sponsors.
• Short-term Missionary to Mexico and Seoul, South Korea
  

Letter of Reference from Wayne Kinde

A physical copy of this letter appears in my portfolio in book form.

March 20, 2006

To Whom it May Concern:

I've worked with Mark Whitlock at Thomas Nelson as co-workers for over a year and have seen the kind of commitment and loyalty I admire in an employee. When an opening arose within my publishing division, I jumped at the chance to inquire if Mark was available. It was December 2005 when I hired Mark to join my staff as a Senior Acquisitions Editor, and it was the beset decision I could have ever made. Not to sound too flowery in a letter such as this, but for me it was a life-changing hire.

In taking the various strengths tests, Mark ranked very high in strategy. This was a critical piece of my business that I needed. But more than that, I saw in Mark a relational person (not highly likely in someone so strategic) who could bring a strong sense of cohesiveness in relating to authors, agents, and fellow co-workers. This relational side of Mark is what was most dynamic in my life, both professional yand personally. Mark prayed with authors and agents while he was speaking with them. There wasn't a time when Mark didn't ask them, "How can I pray for you?" To my knowledge, Mark always asked me the same question after each of our weekly meetings. And we prayed. Sometimes it was gut-wrenching and we cried together.

This is the kind of person Mark became in my life; yes, more than just a great employee who had a great strategic mind, saw the big picture, executed well in everything he did, and made awesome presentations. He was a friend, a person who cared more about the relationship, looked for ways to help others on the team, and a great man of God who had Him in his mind. And it showed.

If I were to make any more hiring decisions, I would attempt to look for a man or woman just like Mark Whitlock. I give him the highest recommendation a Vice President of a $250 million business could make.

Respectfully submitted,

Wayne R. Kinde

Letter of Reference from Bob Lepine

A physical copy of this letter appears in my portfolio in book form.

February 4, 2004

To Whom it May Concern:

I had the distinct pleasure and joy of working with Mark Whitlock for more than a decade at FamilyLife. I hired Mark to come to work with us as we were launching a new daily radio program, "FamilyLife Today," in late 1992. Mark brought skill and commitment to his work as the recording engineer, and editor for the program. He viewed his work as a vocation more than a job, and gave himself fully to any assignment. I most appreciated his creativity and his discerning ear as he listened critically to each program we were creating. He was fully engaged in what he was doing.

Mark's transitioned from the broadcasting team to our publishing division and brought greaet skill and creativity to that area, as well. His portfolio speaks for itself. The projects that were under his direction were created with excellence, and a commitment to quality and substance. He dreams big and presses others around him to fresh ways of thinking about resources and products.

If I can answer any questions you might have about Mark and his time at FamilyLife, please don't hesitate to call.

Soli Deo Gloria!
Bob Lepine

Letter of Reference from Gregg Stutts

A physical copy of this letter appears in my portfolio in book form.

February 2, 2004

To Whom it May Concern:

For just over three years, I had the privilege of managing Mark Whitlock as he led our product development efforts at FamilyLife Publishing. Mark is without question the most energetic, optimistic, and creative person with whom I've ever worked. In fact, one consultant referred to Mark as a "genius." Along with these traits, comes a man with integrity, compassion, and the heart of a servant.

The products that Mark almost single-handedly created for us have generated millions of dollars in revenue and will continue to do so. He is leaving big shoes for someone to fill.

His vision, creative leadership, enthusiasm, and energy will be missed. He is a can-do, "charge the hill" guy who is not content with current results or the status quo. If you're looking for someone to make a difference and work toward aggressive goals - Mark is your man.

The ideal environment for Mark is where he is able to bring his creative energy to bear on a project. He is able to take plain vanilla and turn it into a multitude of flavors and textures. He sees what's possible, not what "can't be done."

Mark will add great value to an organization. If you believe that might be your business or organization, I would be more than pleased to talk with you about Mark. Feel free to call me or email me at your convenience.

Sincerely,

Gregg R. Stutts

Letter of Reference from Bob DeMoss

A physical copy of this letter appears in my portfolio in book form.

February 10, 2004

To Whom it May Concern:

A number of years ago, Mark Whitlock and I worked at Focus on the Family for Dr. James Dobson. Last year, our paths crossed again when I joined the staff of FamilyLife. What a real privilege it has been to have worked twice with such a talented and gifted man.

Without hesitation, Mark is one of the most creative persons I've ever known. He's much more than a strong writer and "big idea" thinker. He has this knack of seeing beyond "what is" to "what could be." His insights and optimism are infectious.

Indeed, Mark is a real gem for the right company.

Keep in mind, Mark's level of creativity and his "can do" attitude are not for everyone. If you need someone to function with a "business as usual" approach, Mark is not your man. That would be like harnessing a race horse to plow a field.

If, however, you want someone who draws outside of the lines, who uses more colors than a Crayola jumbo pack, and who sticks with the drawing until satisfied with the finished product, Mark is the guy you want on your team.

Like any visionary, Mark sails the highest when appropriately tethered by a support team who can help him with the nitty-gritty details. Properly equipped, he's unstoppable.

On a personal level, I've watched Mark in action with his family on many occasions. He is a deeply devoted husband and father who is actively involved in the lives of his wife and children. I believe his care and commitment to them carries over into his passion and integrity on the job.

If I can be of further assistance, don't hesitate to call.

Sincerely,

Bob DeMoss

Note from a Team Member

I received this precious note from one of my team members. I hope that the leader discussed in this note shows up more days than not.

Links

Please follow these links to writing samples from my career. These writing samples are held by various copyright holders. Duplication is prohibited.

Feature article for FoxFaith.com at the release of "Horton Hears a Who." This article was released to BeliefNet's monthly entertainment newsletter list.

Feature article for FoxFaith.com at the release of "Moondance Alexander."

Cover Story for regional magazine, MD News.

Article written about my dad, baseball, and the lessons of life. This article was published in a local magazine in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Please look over the Family Fun Discussion Guides for Walden, Fox, and Anchor Bay.

Jonah: A Very Veggie Family Adventure (Foreword)

The Strangest Word in the English Language.

United Airlines has a regular feature called Row 22, Seats A and B. I wrote my own version of this serial. Unpublished.

Article about my experience as a bearer of the Olympic flame. This article appeared in Arkansas Health and Wellness Magazine.

A patriotic piece.

A Christmas remembrance.

Writing about The Apprentice.

Article written about Thomas Nelson's reference tools. Published in several places on the internet.

For more examples of writing, visit my blog.