About Denice Barton
When working with clients I have always said, “We” will do this and “We” have done that. Once a man asked me, “Who is this ‘WE” you speak of? Do you have a mouse in your pocket?” I have successfully created teams, but I continue to be the catalyst. At this point, the services that I am offering do not require a “we”. It is I. I am the one who will work with you and I am the one who will make your business grow. I don’t have a vain bone in my body, so it feels strange for me to say I so much. I still work with wonderful people, but they too are contractors.
People ask if I have a degree or credentials. I have helped hundreds of businesses for over 28 years. My credentials are listed under my samples and referrals. I was trained in business development and non-profit development through the United Way, Texas Workforce Commission, RAB (Radio Advertising Broadcasters), Texas A&M, the Circle of 10 and many independent chamber and city offered courses. I trained at the Fisch Foundation (this was a 1 year grant for 1-on-1 training by the funding officer) to develop non-profits, create by-laws, write multi-dimensional budgets and stick to my guns for grant reporting. (Fisch also gave me a large cash grant once I was trained, I had a great cause- East Texas Heart Gallery.)
I have read Tony Robbins, Zig Ziglar & Tim Ferris. My mood is great. My thoughts are positive. Yoga is my daily!
It’s Time to toot my horn. Publisher gone adoption agent from 2005 to 2009 had family selected for over 250 kids. They were over 8 or in a minority or Sibling Group, legally free for adoption in Texas through photographic journalism working with private foster services, CPS, Congress and the judicial system.
Advocated and trained nationally starting the first heart gallery of America. I’ve always stood up and done what’s right in the face of adversary. I often come across people who believe in my cause and help me with it.
My friends will tell you that once you are my friend there is nothing I won’t do for you, if it is right. My kids will say the same thing. I fight for good causes, as long as everyone is up for it. I mean, I don’t help lazy people. They quit once they have to work with me, Because they know they have to “work” with me.
Let’s get this done!
“Denice Barton has written many articles for niche’ market publications for a variety of subjects. The articles range from scouting for a 2,500 mile transcontinental horse-drawn journey to ads that contain the most concise 7 words that will sell online greeting card services for a client. She has outlined ways to raise creative children, improve your 
mood using color therapy, written step-by-step guidelines for planning a second wedding and created a plan to avoid traffic using google type live mapping with helicopter reporting before there was a Google . Consistently readable at the sentence level, Denice speaks directly to the reader with good humored usable prose. In September of 2014 Denice’s piece, “Summer Camp for Adults” published as a feature article in Driving Digest as the first of what she calls her “Transportation” series. We are still waiting to see if Yard Sale on a Tuesday runs in the Reader’s Digest!” ~ Kim Tutt – Brief Biography
About me, by me. Publisher, Writer, Copywriter:
I am a writer and avid outdoors person. I have published and been published. For me, writing requires regular infusions of excitement and socialization coupled with hours of solitude. To accomplish this I explore and seek knowledge and experiences. It may seem that I am not old enough to have done all that is listed but many of my adventures overlap. I do what I say and say what I mean. I do not offer to do things that I can’t accomplish with an impact. Let’s talk! 903-521-4570 denicebarton@gmail.com
Clients literally singing my praises!
Below the slideshow you will see that my experience reveal that I was afforded the luxury to follow my passions while raising a family and that through the years a pattern in a preference for service emerged. This about page represents over 30 years of businesses and activities to satisfy my need for adventure and writing material.
Promotions/Writing
Promotions
Wendt Heat & Air- Promotions 2010-Present
Objective- Promote HVAC Business.
Actions- Develop brand, write marketing plan, establish alliances with chambers and city, review policies and customer service standards, create website, Yelp and facebook pages, promote on Yelp, write effective copy, create flyers, deliver door-to-door, update photos, refresh text, review competition, manage complaints.
Wendt Heat & Air, Martinez, CA Kevin Wendt 925-325-7030
Writing/Non-Profit Management
Access Adventure Therapeutic Carriage Driving – Organizer- 2012-Present
Objectives – Raise awareness of therapeutic carriage driving, increase efficiency, enable organization to receive grants, prepare Michael Muir for training.
Actions – Create activities timeline, file back taxes, create new website, write marketing plan, write and disseminate media releases, get corporation in good standing, write safety standards, schedule safety certification, document procedures, mend fences, make fundraising plan, write ask letters, create multidimensional budget, recruit and train volunteers.
Access Adventure, Suisun, CA – Michael Muir, Founder. Michael Muir is a paraplegic with M.S. training for the 2017 Olympics
Writing / Copy/Promotions
LA Rail – Private Rail Journeys – April 2015
Objective – Increase ridership and offset sudden increase in expenses.
Action – Digital newsletter, targeted promotional articles, cross promotions, social media campaign, search engine optimization, marketing calendar.
LARail.com- Los Angeles, CA – Conductor Bill Hatrick, owner 714-309-3925
Writing/Promotions
At Your Service Marketing – Copywriting- 2000-2004
Objectives- Create successful marketing campaigns for clients.
Actions- write bids, acquire contracts, write effective copy, develop campaigns, create and produce TV & radio promotions.
Clients- Texas Workforce, Express Telephone
Promotions
Sunburst Media – Account Representative – 1999-2000
Objective- Assist clients in gaining new customers through radio, TV, yellow pages and print.
Action- Do needs analysis, research best strategy, come up with insightful, sell able copy, implement.
Sunburst Media, Longview Texas, Lydia Brown
Service/ Transportation
Arkansas Natural Minor League Team – 2015
Objective- 5 star service with a smile to stadium suite guests and the media.
Actions- Be prepared, set up early, serve without obstructing view, practice food handling safety, run receipts, run food and beer, establish good record system, review each receipt for accuracy, serve wine and beer, bartend when necessary, clean up, run errands.
Arvest Park, Fayetteville AR
Service/ Transportation
Commodore Cruise Lines – Bartender/ Steward/ Attendant – 2012- 2014
Objective- Give 5-Star, white glove service on chartered, private cruise line in San Francisco.
Action- Be crisp, be thoughtful, be prepared, be watchful, walk deftly, serve without asking, be aware of food handling health practices, be courteous, wait at attention, serve with a smile, offer alternatives, be available.
Commodore Cruise Lines, Alameda, CA – Captain Morgan Proescher 510-337-9000
Service / Transportation
Benicia Yacht Club – Bartender/Server- Summer 2014
Goal- Entertain and engage club members to encourage them to bring guests.
Action– learn the members preferences, offer games and tell jokes, provide prompt service, make everyone feel special, share interests, keep a tidy bar, be prompt, listen well.
Benicia Yacht Club, Benicia CA
Service
First Base Sports Club, Bartender – 2013
Objective- Keep the customers coming back.
Actions- Learn everyone’s name and drink, keep bar clean, keep beer cold, use proper pouring methods, save seats, keep up with scores, plan baseball outings with guests, play games with them, remember their pets names, ask about their day- listen!
First Base Sports Club, Benicia CA – John
Service
Central Self Storage- Assistant Manager – January 2013 – November 2013
Objectives- Increase capacity, decrease delinquent accounts.
Action- Return calls quickly, clean and count daily, lease at full rate, produce reports, bring past due from 18% to 6% in 60 days, average 30% lead conversion.
Central Self Storage, Antioch CA –
Service
2 Hot Chicks – Certified Fire Extinguisher Inspector – 2007-2009
Objective- Find companies that needed there fire extinguishers inspected or services.
Actions- Gain school contracts in Region 7, service contracts, gain individual business, inspect and fill fire extinguishers, mount new.
Total Fire & Safety, Dallas, TX – Tim Grugle
Service / Transportation
Dallas Surrey Service – Carriage Driver – 1998-2005
Objective- Safely navigate the streets of Dallas with guests on a horse drawn carriage.
Actions- History of area, tell of great restaurants, share the highlights of the city, entertain the riders, clean the carriage, care for the horse, train, meet hotel managers to share leads, arrive early to events, bring brides to their weddings, wait for prom guests, give Christmas lights tours
Service
Texas Rangers Baseball- Suite Service – 1997
Objective– 5 star service with a smile to stadium suite guests and the media.
Actions- Be prepared, set up early, serve without obstructing view, practice food handling safety, run receipts, run food and beer, establish good record system, review each receipt for accuracy, serve wine and beer, bar tend when necessary, clean up, run errands.
Texas Rangers Baseball, Arlington, TX
Service
Hooters – Bartender – 1999
Objective– Sell drinks with a smile.
Actions– Learn to hoola hoop, keep a tidy bar, quickly serve hot wings and beer, happily open and close register, set up bar, stock coolers, order alcohol, check id’s.
Service
Bear Creek Golf Course – Bartender/ Beer Cart/ Deli – 1987-1988
Objective- Insure efficient and friendly service.
Action- Prepare meals early, speedy delivery of all requested items, effectively stock supplies, keep tidy work stations, always conscious of food safety, be attentive, be thoughtful and polite, be aware of personal desires and golf scores
Service / Transportation
American Airlines, American Eagle, Customer Service 1986/1987
Objective- Assist seniors, unattended minors and those with limitations in getting to their gate on time.
Action- Keep accurate records, verify identification, tend to needs, hustle.
American Airlines. DFW Airport
From the time I discovered my potential for creating fabulous events it was apparent I was a hostess for life. Throughout time I have been given unique opportunities to please people and satisfy crowds with my natural ability to see their deepest desires and make them come true. The Show Must Go On! The people must have the time of their lives!
You want a great turnout. I will make that happen! We start with your desired outcome. Synergy – – we will be the best partners.
The answer is yes! Whatever you want, I will find it for you. Do you want a baby elephant or a thousand doves ? I will find it for you!
Promotions?
I know what to do. From 10-person dinner parties to 10,000 person trade shows… Bring it to life! I am delighted to serve you. Years of experience enable me to create memorable experiences. Memories are made when people are relaxed and enjoying each other.
I came by it honestly. My father has always recognized mutually beneficial situations. My ability to recognize the needs and desires of others is demonstrated in successful partnerships. Understanding expectations allows me to quickly evaluate and do what is in the best interest of everyone involved. I have managed multi-dimensional budgets and business plans, created reports and hosted complicated demanding events successfully. Service is paramount.
Event Experience
Service / Events
Iowa Pacific Railroad – Porter – February / March 2015
Objective – Extremely enjoyable experience for private rail car passengers.
Action –Readily share travel and scenic information, assist boarding, run errands, entertain during delays, play and be thoughtful, encourage friendliness among comrades, maintain upbeat attitude, stock and clean bathroom, keep trash receptacles accessible, maintain upbeat attitude.
Key Holidays, Inc. Walnut Creek, CA Jade Chapman, President 800-783-0783
Service / Events/ Writing
Arkansas Missouri Railroad – Porter – Spring 2015
Objective – Extremely enjoyable experience for railroad owners and executives, celebrating the life of one of their own. Give historical tour and serve guests, develop procedures and employee training manual.
Action – Clean, arrange and prepare each car with decorations, food, drinks and amenities known only to railroad employees. Entertain children, maintain safety procedures, assist with loading and unloading, process improvement, document training.
Event
The Caravan, A Transcontinental Horse Drawn Journey & Film– Scout – Fall 2014 / Fall 2017
Objective – Travel safely and enjoyably for horsedrawn carriage for 2,500 miles with a large diverse group.
Action – Scout daily for route, horses travel by dirt, support vehicles travel on pavement, gauge level of difficulty and intensity, discover complimentary hospitable accommodations, find water in the desert, plan for conditions, gathered and document all infrastructure requirements, discriminate route details, scenic possibilities and area history daily, offer alternatives with varied routes, schedule arrivals and departures, work with media, contact authorities, schedule entertainment, field concerns, utilize Google Earth, MapMyRide and DeLorme Maps, schedule and plan excursions, provide help and support with horses, pack , prepare and serve meals, attain everything free or at an extreme discount, work 17 hours a day, 7 days a week with a smile.
Ideal Harness, Inc. British Columbia, Canada – Gerard Paagman – President 406-422-6151
Events/Writing
CanDrive – Recreational Carriage Driving Camps – Administrative Assistant – Summer 2013 & 2014
Objective – Beautifully executed educational and exciting carriage driving camps utilizing Queens Land in the Rocky Mountains of British Columbia in the style of “glamping” for 200 people.
Action – Schedule group training, write detailed itineraries, create plush accommodations, arrange ceremonial arrivals and departures, organize daily lunch and dinner entertainment /speakers, insure above average audio visual equipment, coordinate daily sundown display of talent or skill, prepare guests for evening high level carriage drive, coordinate transportation to hot springs, prepare and serve meals, schedule appropriate level and accommodate requests for private lessons, assist with horses, prepare new drivers, wash horses and laundry, create media releases, photograph and document, utilize social media, insure safety, train and share knowledge, write article to publish.
Ideal Harness, Inc. British Columbia, Canada – Gerard Paagman – President 406-422-6151
Writing/ Events
Life Experience Events & Publishing, Inc. – Director – February 2000 – September 2014
Objective – Host enjoyable successful events, benefiting vendors
Promotion- Design and distribute compelling niche’ market magazines, require event participants to purchase annual advertisements, write and edit relevant articles and copy, aggressively distribute magazines, benefit advertisers and increase event participation, keep retention near 75%, encourage collaborations, coordinate database driven website, distribute over 300,000 magazines, strategically place signage and purchase additional advertising
Event- fill venue with appropriate vendors, provide quality catering with special diet requirements, establish impromptu strolling entertainment, design fashion show, arrange speakers, organize wine tasting, sell tickets, negotiate win-win contracts, coordinate music, gain celebrity hosts, manage lighting, décor, ambience, theme, lay out, crowd flow, booth set-up, event break down, smooth execution, mail thank you cards, adhere to strict deadlines, create agendas for vendors, crew and public separately, on site management, verify logistics.
Industry- Bridal, Children, Music, Health, Entertainment
Venues- Canton Trade Days, Harvey Hall, Tyler Rose Garden, Emerald Gardens, Hilton Hotels.
Promotions/Events
Ideal Harness, Promotions – Fall 2013
Objectives- Raise awareness about the benefits of leather harness, sell full sets of harness.
Actions- Travel to driving shows, travel with 53’ semi trailer, display harness through use of chariot races, display harness in competition, capture photos and videos, utilize facebook, respond to inquiries promptly, attend nightly galas, socialize, speak at events, share in seminars, drive other people’s horses, fit harness, always SAY YES, assist with catering, assist with set-up and break down, manage lighting, manage VIP passes, set up displays, prepare music, operate sound system, manage crowd, gather refreshments. Ideal Harness, Inc. British Columbia, Canada – Gerard Paagman – President 406-422-6151
Events
Bella Oaks Summer Camps & Events – Promotions/ Admin Asst 2011-2013
Objective– Increase participation in programs; Get organized.
Action– Create daily and monthly agenda, create website and flyers, marketing campaigns, welcome campers, plan agenda, arrange contracts and safety documents, write curriculum, manage daily activities, ensure positive experiences
Bella Oaks, Martinez, CA – Debbie Cacavo
Events / Promotions
Crossroads Music Company Concert Series – Event Manager – 2008-2010
Objective- Provide quality music and service in Winnsboro Texas listening room
Actions- Establish non-profit, acquire donated building, acquire support from mayor, gather donations, restore building, create acoustics, recruit entertainment, acquire sound equipment and lighting, plan bi-monthly concerts, plan refreshments, negotiate contracts and rates, arrange entertainer travel, meals and accommodations, create marketing calendar, create board and meeting outlines, adhere to non-profit requirements
City of Winnsboro, Shane Shephard- Main Street Manager 903-253-7993
Events/Writing
Dallas Surrey Service – Driver- June 1990 to July 2008
Objective- Provide quality horse drawn carriage adventures to private parties.
Action- Give incredible experiences through skilled horsemanship and first class presentation, increase skills through competition, develop relationships, keep itineraries, schedule pick-ups, be highest producer
Charles T. Smith, owner 214-946-9911
Events/ Writing/Non-Profit Management
East Texas Heart Gallery – Director/Founder – June 2005-December 2009
Objectives – Raise awareness of the need to adopt from foster care, find families for children over 8 or in a minority or sibling group through the use of photojournalistic style photography and improved biographies of children, improve effectiveness of Department of Family and Protective Services in regards to working with available families.
Actions-Determine available children, document and promote, photograph and schedule fun events, require workers to attend photoshoots so that they may know their wards, get all city, state, county and federal groups to understand and work together to assist in the recruitment and placement process.
Events- Schedule display events, book live entertainment, schedule group and individual photo events, interview and thoughtfully document children, arrange fundraisers with wine tastings and catered food, coordinate the use of hundreds of venues, gather tables, chairs and display lighting and sound equipment, photograph over 250 children across 7 counties, have families selected for over half of them, speak at judicial conference, recruit heads of state to speak and represent, manage and plan multiple National Adoption Day events simultaneously.
Promotions- print and mount portraits, create free-standing displays, acquire local and national media coverage, speak to heads of state on behalf of children, recruit celebrities, create website.
Non-Profit ACTION- Start a non-profit, raise funds, write grants, gather donations, require state employee attendance to acquaint the worker with the child they represent, encourage best practices, develop and manage multi-diminsional budgets, recruit volunteers, insure safety and privacy of children, write multidimensional budget, manage board of directors, develop relations with judges and child welfare boards, help state employees to better utilize resources, create how-to book filled with resources for adoptive and foster families.
“In 4 weeks I developed and executed a catered “Polar Express” train ride for 36 orphans, 30 social workers and 50 volunteers. A NFL Player, a Hall of Famer and the marines entertained the children. After the train ride Santa delivered 2 king size gift bags to each child from a horse drawn coach. Everyone cried, even the media.”
Collaborative Partners: Child Advocacy Center, East Texas Council on Adoptable Children, Getting together Safely, 3 in 1 Trinity Services, Hearts in Harmony Animal Assisted Therapy, Child Protective Services, Boys & Girls Clubs, Parents Anonymous, Parent Services, Graduation Party, Preparing for Adult Living, Department of Family & Protective Services, Buckner Children and Family Services, Azleway, Lutheran Social Services, Texas Baptist Home for Children, CASA, Texas Foster Family Association, State Network of Child Welfare Boards, Rainbow Room, Emancipation for Graduates
Events
Festival on the Square- Volunteer – 2005
Objective – 1 day music festival in downtown Tyler with rides, kids area and vendors. Action- Serve on multiple committees, coordinate marketing, assist with rainy day agenda, locate rides, negotiate rates, assist in set-up/break down.
Tyler Main Street Organization, Tyler Texas
Writing/ Grants/ Events/ Promotions
Volunteer in Service to America – Stipend Volunteer – 2005
Objective– Increase the prosperity of Winnsboro Texas and create jobs through the arts. Action- Have historic building donated, restore building utilizing an all volunteer workforce, book and manage a 3-day outdoor festival, negotiate contracts, promote, create ad copy and design, book entertainment, sell booths, hire caterer, gain permits, acquire grants, create theme and decorate, arrange street closures, assist with alcohol permits, book portolets, create rainy day agenda, block off parking, recruit volunteers, create agendas for workers separately from attendees, host talent contest, gather prizes. Winnsboro Center for the Arts, Winnsboro, TX – Shane Shepherd – Main Street Manager, 903-253-7993
Events
Fort Worth Stockyards, Stockyard Station – Admin Assistant – 1993
Objective- Book and execute events for groups to experience a historical tour, a live cattle auction, a live cattle drive a catered meal and national entertainers.
Action- Recruit schools and senior groups, hire entertaining auctioneers, negotiate with cattle owners to demonstrate, select authentic performers, care for entertainers, locate savory affordable cuisine, prepare grounds, book vendors, arrange private tours of Billy Bob’s backstage, negotiate contracts, organize cattle drives, hire dancers, select and implement theme.
Objective- Unite a disconnected Cowtown
Action- Have a catered event with donated door prizes to demonstrate good will and display incredible gifts.
Lydia Brown, Manager, Stockyards Station
OTHER
Leadership
Soccer Coach- U4-U16 – 2005-2008
Objectives- Get the ball in the goal, get the young children to run in the right direction, have fun, work as a team.
Actions- Learn the rules, have motivational practices, creatively encourage team work, utilize key players while enhancing everyone’s abilities, get children to play together, encourage good independent decisions, get toddlers to take their shirts off of their heads, encourage increased assertiveness in some and less in others, allow team decision, push under achievers, give distractions to perfectionists for kindness among players, make kids laugh, earn respect by giving it, win every game.
Hawkins Texas
Carriage Driving
Brainard Stables – Driver – June – December 1988
Objective– Give historical tours of downtown Fort Worth.
Action – Learn to drive carriages, give historical tour, groom and prepare horses, navigate traffic.
Zane Brainard, Fort Worth Texas
Sales
Dallas Area Rapid Transit – Promotions – 1998
Objective – Decrease traffic.
Actions- develop and implement online map to show slowdowns updated through voice recognition software by Shadow Traffic helicopters, campaign panels, improved copy.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit, Micah Jones
Technical Skills- Proficient in
WordPress
SEO Optimization
Quark
Microsoft (Excel, Word, Power Point, Publisher)
Adobe (Photo Shop & InDesign)
GoDaddy Web Development
Mail Chimp Newsletter Program
Drop Box File Sharing
Evernote
Facebook Promotions and Add-Ons
Adobe (Illustrator & Photoshop)
Microsoft (Access)
WordPress
Twitter
LinkedIn
Professional Skills-
| Event Management | Time Management |
| Lead Generation & Conversion | Crowd Management |
| Resourcefulness & Research | Public Relations |
| Creative Writing | Promotions |
| Design | Media Relations |
| Service | Fundraising |
| Grant Writing | Ad Copy |
| Contracts | Unique Themes |
Volunteers: Adept at getting a diverse group of volunteers to work in harmony.
Donations: Great at gathering donations for prizes
Promotions: Out of the box thinking to save big $ on promotions
Training/Studies/Certificates
Journalism- Tarrant County College
Public Speaking- Tarrant County College
Marketing – Radio Advertising Broadcast Corporation
Tourism & Hospitality Management – Stephen F. Austin
Grant Writing- Fisch Foundation
NFPA National Fire Protection Association
Tourism & Hospitality Management – Stephen F. Austin
Business Administration, Public Speaking & Journalism- Tarrant County College
Foundation Grant Writing, Fisch Foundation
Grant Writing and Asks Certification, Circle of 10
Marketing- Radio Advertising Broadcast Corporation
Real Estate Agent, Texas A&M
Non-Profit Management, Federal, State and Foundation Grant Research – United Way Center for Non-Profit Development
First Aid, CPR & AED, 2014/ 2015
Promoter Collaborations
| Anheiser BuschHank Williams
Dixie Chicks David’s Bridal Deen Foods Paagman Publishing Fort Worth Stockyards Home Depot Lowes Brookshire’s Grocery
|
Billy BobsDallas Area Rapid Transit
San Francisco Seniors Education Disney Dallas Cowboys U2 Wishbone The Hunts IKEA Wal-Mart
|
Media Acquired for Heart Gallery-
5 Appearances on TV’s Gift of Love
7 Appearances on ABC & CBS News
2 Appearances on CBS Dateline
Numerous Radio & Newspaper and the National Inquirer
HGA Appeared on the View
Have spoken for Kiwanis, Rotary, Pilot Club, Chambers, Child Welfare Boards, National Judicial Conference, and Heads of State while in Session
How it All Began
Thirty years ago I was learning how to navigate traffic with a Clydesdale named Robby pulling my VisaVis (carriage) in downtown Fort Worth, Texas. Since then, I have been a full-time driving student; learning pleasure, competitive and commercial driving skills from many teachers while developing my publishing style and enhancing my portfolio. My love for transportation led me to get involved in other forms of transportation services. I am addicted to tourists, entertainment and a view. I call it moving pictures. I love the life of meeting people, seeing sights and working hard. It passes the time in a happy, happy, happy way.
(I share the driving because it is tied directly into my writing & publishing history.)
I’ve had a variety of interesting jobs while driving carriages. I learned about sales and marketing, how to network, make promotional materials and distribute them.
In 1999 I moved to East Texas to start my own carriage company. I passed out 3,000 business cards, made signs for my truck and met everyone within 60 miles. I received exactly zero calls.
Angels Lurk Everywhere
Frustrated, I complained to an old man who was bitter about his bridal gown store. He asked, “Why should I refer you business?” I proceeded to tell him how professional I was. He was not impressed. I continued to tell him how I knew all about weddings because I had done marketing for Wedding World Magazine. His brow lifted and he said, “Now you have something to offer.” I printed my first issue of Bride & Beyond Magazine within 8 weeks. My phone rang off the hook. I had more business than I could handle.
After a couple of years with Bride & Beyond and more a dozen bridal expos, I realized that I had another market to serve, new mothers. Just like that a niche’ market publishing company was born. We had a great staff and distribution was a breeze so I started an entertainment magazine and acquired a National equestrian magazine. These were all printed quarterly so we had no down time.
I wrote copy for hundreds of clients for their ads. Many of them consulted with me for my advertising knowledge in other areas and some had me write their website content, their newsletters and ads for other magazines, newsletters, radio and television.
That said, much of my interviewing and creative writing experience was gained from my work with the East Texas Heart Gallery. The Heart Gallery is a wonderful program that raises awareness about the need to adopt from foster care. The program helps hard to place (over 8 or in a minority or sibling group) orphans living in foster care with soulful, insightful photographs and shares them, and their dreams with potential parents.
I created a non-profit and developed a system to get kids adopted… Read about the Heart Gallery here…
The next day I was bored so I started volunteering at a listening room in Winnsboro, Texas. It had amazing acoustics so gaining the attention of many famous artists like Kinky Freedman, Miranda Lambert and Kacey Musgraves was easy. The listening room was not profitable so I turned it into a 501C3 and had a building donated to house it indefinitely. To market the performances I started Piney Woods Live, an art & entertainment magazine.
Then, when I was totally happy and busy, an old friend found me on Facebook and invited me to move to Lake Tahoe. I gifted Piney Woods Live to my partners and they continue to do quite well with the magazine. Once in Northern California, I found that I was deep in the middle of serious horse country. It was great weather and you can ride and drive your horse year-round. So I started an equestrian guide for Bay Area horse owners. Never slowing down, and back in Texas (well, Omaha right now) I am working on a book and doing copy writing for individuals and businesses.