Scot's Blog

Scot Simmons is a multi-faceted master communicator and creative thinker with an extensive background in branding, marketing, advertising and public relations. In 2006, following a long distinguished career in the corporate and agency sectors, he founded The Simmons Group — a brand consulting firm specializing in harnessing the power of the written word to connect clients with their ultimate consumer. His newly published work of fiction, MR. COLEMAN, explores the offbeat relationship and bond of understanding that grows between man and chimpanzee over the course of many years. It is a story of second chances, lessons learned and unexpected revelations…and is available from www.beingpointpress.com.

Published author, award-winning senior copywriter, veteran public relations practitioner and credentialed educator, Scot has written and wrangled clear, concise copy connections for a list of top clients that includes Spectrum Brands, Redken NYC, Marineland, Financial Diligence Partners, Space Maintainers Laboratories, International Dairy Queen, 24-hr Fitness, Mobil, Prudential, Blue Cross of California, Design Center South, West Valley Hospital, Kinamed Bio-Engineering, and The Elevision Network.

Prior to becoming an independent writer and consultant, Scot served as Senior Writer and Public Relations Manager for Marineland-Aquaria Inc. – a Spectrum Company and $150 million manufacturer of consumer aquarium systems and accessories, commercial live seafood aquariums, aquatic retail display systems, scientific research systems, interactive avian toys and accessories. Helping to refine and define it’s corporate misson and brand communication strategies, he significantly increased company visibility, trade credibility and consumer product awareness by implementing a multi-faceted PR program; creating and managing an employee newsletter and external client newsletter; revising the company’s extensive library of consumer product instruction manuals and commercial systems operations manuals; and co-orchestrating the creation of the corporate web site.

As Senior Writer for Redken Laboratories, Inc. Scot worked on a number of brand-intense projects, including consumer and trade ads, product and corporate brochures, feature articles, the company trade magazine (Channels) and internal employee newsletter, direct response letters, annual and quarterly reports, package/product displays. He also wrote and co-produced a library of audio/visual educational and promotional scripts (infomercials, radio promotions, selling technique videos, audio tapes, trade show multi-media), receiving a Bronze Award at the 1987 New York International Film and TV Festival for his work on the multi-media production, VISIONS ‘87 .

Early professional years were devoted to teaching. As an English teacher and athletics coach, Scot amassed a wealth of grass roots experience and expertise in the disciplines of success training, mentoring excellence, motivational systems, and goal achievement.

Scot is also a published poet, masters swimmer, jazz lover, lifelong comics and science fiction/fantasy aficionado, movie buff, and collector of rare books.

EDUCATION: University of California, Los Angeles, CA
Professional Designation in Public Relations

San Francisco State University, CA
Lifetime Teaching Credential: English

University of California, Santa Barbara, CA
Bachelor of Arts Degree: English