I’m Bill Wanek. or as Jeff Goldblum

would call me, his “biggest failure.”

I took an unconventional path to advertising—starting in Hollywood, where I studied acting under Jeff Goldblum before realizing my true talent wasn’t on stage, but in storytelling. My passion for commercials led me to Chicago, where I mastered the craft of copywriting at top agencies like Ogilvy, Y&R, McGarryBowen, and Publicis.

With 17+ years of experience, I’ve built award-winning campaigns and led creative teams across both traditional advertising and health sciences—a rare crossover that requires both strategic precision and creative innovation. I’ve helped shape brand narratives for consumer giants and industry-leading healthcare brands, proving that great storytelling transcends categories.

I thrive on big ideas, bold strategies, and presentations that leave a lasting impact. Also, I can carry four plates at once—a skill that comes in handy during high-stakes pitch feasts.

  • Experienced Creative Director and Copywriter with 16+ Years Experience and a proven track record of leading creative teams globally, resulting in the creation of award-winning campaigns for renowned brands. Expertise in copywriting, creative concepting, pitch development, brand activation, client relationship management, and leadership. Skilled in delivering innovative and impactful solutions within diverse budgets, from $10K to $2.5M.

  • Creative Directing | Copywriting | Advertising | Marketing | Concept Development | Content Creation (TV, Online, Social) | Brand Development + Activation | Traditional + Health Sciences | Strategy | Social-First Media Campaigns and Copy Print/OOH/Radio/Digital/Experiential | Brand Voice | Editing + Proofreading | Storytelling | Client Relationship Management | DTC and B2B Marketing Campaigns | SEO | 20 national TV commercials | Leadership and Team Collaboration | Featured in Forbes, USA Today, Good Morning America, AdWeek, CNN

  • 24+ awards encompassing national, regional and local recognition, including Good Morning America, AdWeek, ADDY’s, EFFIE’S, and others. Plus, a Double Gold Winner at the 2022 Muse Awards for The Galleri Test and a Double Platinum Winner for my work on Illumina at the 2021 Marcom Awards.

  • Buffalo Warchild | February 2023 - Present

    Executive Creative Director

    Brands worked on: Diageo Brands (Smirnoff Splash, Bulleit Bourbon Cocktail Collection, Crown Royal Cans, Ketel One, Ciroc Vodka, Captain Morgan) Republican Red Wine, American Factory Wheel, Kingdom Come Clothing

    Highlights:

    Brand activation for Republican Red Wine required my direction and leadership of creative teams (17 people) in Romania, California, and Florida simultaneously.

    Successfully orchestrated creative teams and production crew on a large-scale collaboration between (5) alcohol brands, navigating complex legal parameters to achieve a triumphant 5-day shoot across 5 locations, featuring a dog dressed in a lobster costume.

    Brand activation for Kingdome Come Apparel, including pop-up shops, a podcast, and a basketball tournament.

    Long-Dash | June 2021 - January 2023

    Executive Creative Director

    Brands worked on: Twitter, Coolsculpting, Alix Partners, Blue Shield of California and Botox

    Creative Drive | March 2020 - June 2021

    Creative Director

    Brands worked on: HP and Illumina

    Jack Morton Worldwide | March 2021 - June 2021

    Associate Creative Director (Freelance)

    Brands worked on: RINVOQ, Blue Moon and Coors Light

    Vitro| October 2014 - December 2018

    Associate Creative Director

    Brands worked on: Wild Turkey, Asics, Adidas Golf, Marvel, Petco, Alaska Communications, Red Robbin and Whiskey Barons

    Audacity Health | January 2020 - February 2021

    Associate Creative Director

    Brands worked on: Grail, Hologic, Thermo Fisher, Ahoy, Nellcor and Illumina