To celebrate VVK PR + Creative’s first anniversary, we gathered the people who have supported us on this journey to show them some love. We invited team members, clients, colleagues, and friends—all those who were instrumental in helping to get us across the one-year mark. It was an amazing night that further strengthened our already strong network of supporters.

It felt like pure magic to be surrounded by such energy and positivity. Grateful hardly touches all the ways we feel today.

Thank you to the Detroit Public Theatre for hosting us. They truly are magnificent organization in the heart of the city we love. Also, thank you to our friends at Slow’s BBQ for feeding us.

By John Heiple, VP of Creative Production

Late last summer – a grainy cellphone video arrives from one of our clients.  An idea for a commercial with some former athletes, a trivia night, and everyone answering the client’s tagline at the end. 

Fast forward to today – that rough sketch is now a 30-second Super Bowl spot for the Sam Bernstein Law Firm and features Mark and Beth Bernstein along with comedians Jason and Randy Sklar.  And the former athletes who join them?  Icons of Detroit sports lore – Barry Sanders, Kirk Gibson, Darren McCarty, and Rick Mahorn. 

So how did we get here?  What does the creative process look like and what are the axioms you must always remember about the process, so you don’t lose your mind along the way? 

To Get from A to B, you must get from 1-50 first

In my mind, the best way to describe the creative process is a wildly veering, erratically swerving, straight line.  There’s a clear starting and end point but what happens in between is anything but uniform.  Case in point – that finished commercial involved a great deal of brainstorming, writing, location scouting, rewriting, storyboarding, a few disagreements, more rewriting, a few more disagreements, an insane amount of Mediterranean food, along with the usual moments of self-doubt, consternation, and resignation.  Just when you think it can’t possibly come together or work, it just does.  It’s the combination of all those experiences and steps, however wayward they appear at the time, that somehow lead you to your destination.  Trust the process.

This was an incredible project to participate in.  I’m forever grateful to the Sam Bernstein Law Firm for having faith in us to pull it off and so proud of our entire team who worked unbelievably hard to make it happen.  The creative process can be ugly, it may be a different road every time but where you eventually end up can pretty awesome. 

DETROIT (April 25, 2022) –  VVK PR + Creative  agency launched today, bringing together the collective expertise, leadership and client portfolios of Peter Van Dyke, Jamie Kaye Walters and Michael Sherman.  The company is opening with a nearly 15-person team providing integrated communication services to a portfolio of 20-plus clients in Detroit, Michigan and nationwide.

Peter Van Dyke, who will serve as VVK’s CEO, joined this new venture after 20 years of PR industry leadership, most recently as CEO of Van Dyke Horn, a communications agency he acquired in 2016.  The agency was formerly named Berg Muirhead, where he worked for 10 years prior to becoming an owner.  Michael Sherman, who will serve as VVK partner and executive vice president of production, started Velocity Cow video production company with Jamie Kaye Walters in 2008, and will bring his nationwide portfolio of clients and six team members to the agency. Jamie Kaye Walters, who served as creative services and programing director at WDIV-TV for eight years after co-founding Velocity Cow with Sherman, will serve as VVK’s COO and partner, and will lead the agency’s marketing practice and talent development. 

“Michael, Jamie and I recognized that we could combine our individual successes and strengths to create a platform for clients to benefit from our integrated services and shared principles – strategy, creativity and diversity,” said Van Dyke.  “We are grateful to start VVK with a strong team and client portfolio, and we are confident that we have a solid foundation for future growth and impact.”   

The VVK PR team includes Annmarie Erickson joining as senior executive counsel and Craig Fahle as PR director. In addition to Sherman, the VVK video production team is led by VP of creative production John Heiple, who has been with the company since 2011, and includes a team of editors, cinematographers and producers.   Walters will oversee the integration of the PR and video teams, lead the agency’s digital practice, as well as manage the recruitment and development of the agency’s talent.

“This is an incredibly exciting chapter for the Velocity Cow team and our clients. With our previous partnership with Jamie and collaborations with Peter, forming VVK was a natural fit our teams, cultures and clients,” said Sherman. “I’m energized about our shared vision for the future.”

VVK is announcing a fellowship as part of its launch to advance its corporate mission of fostering a diverse talent pipeline for the agency and industry. The VVK Fellowship will be focused on attracting emerging practitioners of color who are interested in learning the agency environment, its clients’ industries, and developing their communications skills.  VVK’s partners will also look to the fellows to support business operations to ensure we are hearing new voices and viewpoints as we refine our culture, practices and policies.  In addition to the VVK Fellowship, as the agency looks to expand its team, it will continue to prioritize diversity, a critically important company attribute for its founders and clients.

“A major indicator of our success will be how our actions, not words, create great talent experiences. From day one, we will encourage the voices of the VVK team to be integral in how we operate and expand,” says Walters. “I love my role at this agency because it’s at the intersection of strategy and creativity.”

VVK has clients in agriculture, automotive, energy, media, insurance, IT, legal, nonprofit and real estate industries, representing nearly $2 million in projected annual revenues.  The VVK partners are focused on continued growth in these industries, as well as looking at other markets where they can bring proven expertise and solutions to help impact future clients’ brands, and the communities and sectors they serve.

“Our first priority is our founding team and clients, ensuring that VVK is delivering a culture and service level that exceeds their expectations,” said Van Dyke. “We will then look where we can leverage our expertise and services to expand in Detroit, across Michigan and across the country.”

Van Dyke has a strong track-record of maximizing business growth. He was the key driver in the rapid growth of Van Dyke Horn, which resulted in the company tripling its revenue and doubling its team in six years. Sherman has also seen steady growth with Velocity Cow since its founding in 2008, building a team that serves clients nationwide.

Walters started her career at WDIV-Local 4 in 1998 and then co-founded Velocity Cow with Sherman.  In 2013, she was recruited to lead WDIV-Local 4’s  creative services and programming department, to oversee major nationally-syndicated events like the “America’s Thanksgiving Parade,” the Sunday morning “Flashpoint,” the daytime talk show “Live in the D,” and the station’s marketing and community engagement initiatives.

In addition to driving impact for its team and clients, VVK will operate on a philanthropic mission to impact organizations and communities aligned with the founders’ passions and company culture.  This includes serving on the boards of and making investments in Wayne State University’s College of Fine, Performing and Communication Arts, Detroit Public Theatre, Inside|Out Literary Arts Program, Culture Source and Michigan Humane.

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About VVK PR + Creative

VVK is a Detroit-based, PR and creative agency that executes integrated communications services for clients in Detroit, across Michigan and nationwide.   The agency combines the experience and expertise of VVK partners and industry leaders, Peter Van Dyke, Jamie Kaye Walters and Michael Sherman, and a team of PR strategists, digital media specialists and video producers, to implement comprehensive campaigns that achieve results of their dynamic client base.  

VVK serves clients in industries including agriculture, automotive, energy, media, insurance, IT, legal, nonprofit and real estate, with the following services.  

• Public Relations
• Video Production
• Digital Media
• Media Relations
• Public Affairs
• Issues and Crisis Management
• Stakeholder and Community Relations
• Organizational and Executive Positioning
• Event Production

For more information, visit VVKagency.com.

VVK PR + Creative is seeking an Editor/Motion Graphics Designer for their video production department. You will collaborate with producers and clients to deliver everything from short-form commercial/marketing projects to long-form storytelling. We also require someone with a strong eye for graphic design as you will also be asked to make need to make modern typography decisions and have a keen eye for graphics.

If you have print and web design skills too, that would be very appreciated.

ABOUT THE TEAM

VVK PR + Creative is a full-service integrated communications agency based in downtown Detroit. VVK (formally Velocity Cow) brings decades of strategic communications and creative production experience to media, automotive, energy, insurance, IT, legal, nonprofit, retail and real estate industries. We provide clients and partners with communication solutions that advance their brand and connect with their audiences. VVK is currently growing its 13-person team and 20+ client portfolio. We are a flexible hybrid workplace.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Editor/Motion Graphics Designer role will have the following responsibilities and duties:

· Edit videos and design graphics within tight deadlines.

· Contribute creative ideas for video projects that will help elevate client brand and messages.

· Analyze workload and tasks to accurately estimate turnaround times.

· Create animated graphics packages including lower thirds, animated logos, transitions and end graphics.

· Work with producers to develop the visual and narrative direction of a project.

· Edit video content to high standards with an understanding of pacing, audio mix, color grading, and tone of the final piece.

· Follow notes and directions from the client and internal teams.

· Work independently on several projects at the same time effectively.

· Other related duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

Ideal candidate should have the following skills, education, and experience:

· Compelling portfolio that demonstrates a high level of design, layout, typography, and animation

· Desire to learn.

· Visual design aptitude, in relation to individual client brand management.

· Expert level in Adobe Creative Suite (with focus on Premiere, AfterEffects) and a working knowledge of Photoshop and Illustrator.

· Ability to work independently on projects from start to finish.

· Strong project management, communication, and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment on a wide variety of projects.

· Comfortable working in a team setting – giving and receiving feedback

· Ability to work well under pressure and to meet deadlines.

· Ability to change and shift with our client’s creative and logistic shifts.

WORKING AT VVK PR + CREATIVE

We want the VVK team to be successful and have a healthy work/life balance and commit the following to our team:

· A positive and supportive team with opportunities for advancement committed to helping all staff develop and grow

· A competitive salary with opportunities for commission

· 75% coverage of Health, Dental, and Vision insurance monthly premiums

· Generous paid time off including “closing” the office between Dec. 24 and Jan. 1

· 10 paid holidays

You MUST provide a video editing and design reel to be considered for the job. Thank you.

ABOUT THE TEAM 

VVK PR + Creative is a new full-service integrated communications agency based in downtown Detroit. VVK brings decades of strategic communications and creative production experience to media, automotive, energy, insurance, IT, legal, nonprofit, retail and real estate industries. We provide clients and partners with communication solutions that advance their brand and connect with their audiences. VVK is currently growing its 13-person team and 20+ client portfolio. We are a flexible hybrid workplace.  

 ABOUT THIS ROLE 

VVK PR + Creative is looking for an Account Executive with digital acumen to manage its quickly growing roster of clients. The role will work with both the PR and video portfolio of clients.  

This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone with two or more years of public relations and digital content creation/strategy experience. Half your time will be supporting PR clients and half your time will be creating digital strategy and content for your accounts as well as being the digital lead for other account teams.  

  RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Manage and execute social media marketing, email marketing and web marketing campaigns 
• Use analytics to identify content insights and measure performance 
• Experience with SEO and Google Analytics 
• Write with purpose and skill 
• Cultivate strong relationships with media outlets 
• Land high-quality media placements 
• Write compelling new releases, op-eds, blog posts, award entries and case studies 
• Developing campaign presentations and media recap reports 
• Develop POVs that advance client issues 
• Monitor media outlets for coverage of client news and competitor developments 
• Track media placements 
• Composing media plans and contributing to plan development processes 
• Demonstrating knowledge of top-tier media pitching, placements, and tour scheduling 
• Provide support for client special events  
• Write and manage newsletters 
• Organic and paid media social media management 

 WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO IS OR HAS: 

• A consummate project manager with a track record of being highly dependable and organized
• Strong knowledge of major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with all levels of company staff, clients, and vendors  
• Exemplary client relations skills 
• Strong attention to detail that allows thoroughness and accuracy to your work 
• An experienced multi-tasker of competing priorities who thrives in high-pressure, fast-paced environments   
• The strong desire to be a team player and ability to work well with a diverse group of professionals 
• At least two years of experience supporting creative digital communications and campaigns or social media accounts 

WORKING AT VVK PR + CREATIVE 

We want the VVK team to be successful and have a healthy work/life balance and commit the following to our team: 

• A positive and supportive team with opportunities for advancement committed to helping all staff develop and grow 
• A competitive salary with opportunities for commission 
• 75% coverage of Health, Dental, and Vision insurance monthly premiums 
• Generous paid time off including “closing” the office between December 24 – January 1.
• 10 paid holidays  

ABOUT THE TEAM 

VVK PR + Creative is a full-service integrated communications agency based in downtown Detroit. VVK (formally Velocity Cow) brings decades of strategic communications and creative production experience to media, automotive, energy, insurance, IT, legal, nonprofit, retail and real estate industries. We provide clients and partners with communication solutions that advance their brand and connect with their audiences. VVK is currently growing its 13-person team and 20+ client portfolio. We are a flexible hybrid workplace.   

ABOUT THIS ROLE 

VVK PR + Creative is looking for a Senior Video Producer to join the creative production department who will report directly to the VP of Creative Production. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone with five or more years of producing high quality video content and handling projects from concept to completion. The Senior Video Producer will work closely with the six-person (and growing) video production team and engage with the public relations department and leadership to ensure alignment across business objectives.  

Creativity is key for this position. We produce broadcast commercials, digital marketing content, and even episodic stories and we need someone who will push the envelope of great storytelling, effective project management and creativity.  

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead and execute branded and creative content
• Pitch, plan, and shoot image/branding campaigns for clients
• Be a project lead
• Gather feedback by asking the right questions from the stakeholders/clients to ensure the video represents said objectives
• Manage multiple projects with varying deadlines.
• Possess confidence with clients, in the edit room, and on the set.
• Have a professional demeanor with community partners and lead all shoots.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Well organized, professional and high energy.
• Excellent editing and proofing skills.
• Commitment to representation in our projects.
• If you edit, that would be great.
• Develop scripts for video shoots and broadcast-style productions for online and social media.
• At video shoots, give feedback to individuals on look and positioning.
• Provide excellent logistic support for on staff and freelance crew so they can focus on creative content

WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO IS OR HAS: 

• A consummate project manager with a track record of being highly dependable and organized. 
• Strong knowledge of how to produce for broadcast and social media/digital mediums  
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with all levels of company staff, clients, and vendors  
• Exemplary client relations skills 
• Strong attention to detail that allows thoroughness and accuracy to your work 
• An experienced multi-tasker of competing priorities who thrives in high-pressure, fast-paced environments   
• The strong desire to be a team player and ability to work well with a diverse group of professionals 
• At least five years of experience producing, writing and delivering projects on budget and on time. 

WORKING AT VVK PR + CREATIVE 

We want the VVK team to be successful and have a healthy work/life balance and commit the following to our team: 

• A positive and supportive team with opportunities for advancement committed to helping all staff develop and grow 
• A competitive salary with opportunities for commission 
• 75% coverage of Health, Dental, and Vision insurance monthly premiums 
• Generous paid time off including “closing” the office between Dec. 24 and Jan. 1 
• 10 paid holidays 

Happy to announce that VVK’s CEO Peter Van Dyke was chosen for the Detroit region’s seventh cohort of the Young American Leaders Program (YALP) at Harvard Business School (HBS). The aim of YALP is to improve U.S. competitiveness by advancing prosperity for all Americans and to develop leaders who can implement cross-sector collaboration at the community level.

For four intensive days, the group will learn through case-method discussion about best and worst practices on cross-sector collaborations from across the country and around the globe. The HBS faculty will focus on where America and American cities stand today and share insights on improving cities’ standings in K-12 education, economic development, infrastructure, and workforce development.

“Bringing young leaders together from diverse industries and backgrounds from across Detroit to learn from each other, share with each other, and collaborate with delegations from cities across the country is critical for helping advance our region’s competitiveness,” said Sandy K. Baruah, president and chief executive officer of the Detroit Regional Chamber. “The Chamber takes pride in its role in convening leaders to support equitable, long-term, and sustainable growth for all people in our region.”

Congratulations to the other Detroit participants. We’re proud of our PVD.

–Jamie Kaye Walters, COO/Head of Marketing & Talent