Dan Gershenson (grr-shen-son) knew he wanted to be a writer since the 2nd grade, when an Account Executive visited his school on Career Day and told his class about working on the McDonald’s account. Upon graduation from Drake University with a degree in Advertising, Dan went on to Copywriter and Creative Director roles at several area agencies, working on campaigns for State Farm, U.S. Gypsum, Detroit Tigers, Citibank, Hitachi, Nortel Networks and Advocate Health Care.

Seeking a reprieve from Chicago’s harsh winters, Dan spent six years in south Florida running his own brand development agency. During his time there, he created over 100 strategic plans for clients as diverse as CSL Plasma, Florida Beer Company, TooJay’s Deli, Boca Lago Country Club and C3 Cloud Computing.

Yet, with strong ties to the area, Chicagoland was calling the native of Wheaton home. Dan returned in 2011, joining Boost not long thereafter as its VP of Brand Strategy. He is thrilled to help inspire Boost’s creative department and position its clients strategically in the marketplace.

Over the last several years, Dan has become passionate about social media, educating clients on how to add this area of new media to their overall brand mix. His blog, “Chicago Brander,” has been seen by over 25,000 people.

Dan also serves on the Small Business Committee at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.

When he finds free moments to detach from his iPhone, Dan loves spending time with his wife Linda and their Fox Terrier, Sarah.

A city dweller who is no stranger to commuting, Dan finds his best thinking to be done not while in the shower but while riding the Metra.