Communication, Lifestyles, Strategy

Meet Mark Smotroff

For more than 20 years Mark Smotroff has been at the forefront of the consumer electronics, video games and interactive entertainment industries for prestige clients and start-ups alike. From past work with Sega, Sharp and Sony through current programs for DTS, Smotroff has a winning touch.

Benchmarks:

Award-winning marketing communications expertise, creating and implementing strategic campaigns for cutting-edge consumer and professional technology companies.
An outstanding track record in bringing new technologies, products and services into the public eye in conjunction with core marketing efforts.
Senior-level executive status combined with a proven grassroots approach—Mark is not afraid to roll up his sleeves to achieve stellar results for his clients.

Specialties:

Consumer and Professional Electronics
Audio/Video Technologies
Video Games/Interactive/Toys
Entertainment/Music
Wireless/Online
Computers/Software
Widgets to WiFi

Working with Mark

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mark on many key public relations initiatives for our GE brand over the past several years. Mark brings an incredible professional and personal passion to the business that truly generates results. He has played a pivotal role in securing positive coverage in national newspapers, magazines and broadcast networks for our recent product launches. During press events, I have yet to see anyone work a room as effectively as Mark. Whether in client meetings, talking with the press, or during a social event, Mark makes every occasion impactful and fun.

Doug DeLor
Director
Americas Marketing & Communications
Thomson Consumer Electronics

B2B, B2C, Marketing Pro

Smotroff’s approach

Mark knows how to provide the right fit of strategic planning and cost-efficient tactical execution to achieve bottom-line goals. Working with a nationwide network of staff and affiliates, Smotroff can support every stage of a corporate or product lifecycle:

Strategy
From media audits to messaging sessions, Smotroff first helps map out the best route toward meeting objectives – creating carefully considered strategies.
Tactics
Results are then delivered through precise and enthusiastic programs including: Media Relations, Direct Marketing, Promotions/Events, Collateral, Advertising, Branding programs, etc.
Results/Feedback
Close monitoring of progress ensures programs are on-track and delivering desired results – keeping ears close to the street, enabling program growth and maintaining flexibility to adjust alongside evolving client/market demands.

His extensive broadcast experience includes production and direction of B-roll reels, video news releases (VNR) and other promotional videos. A front-line trade-show warrior, Mark has completed more than 40 tours-of-duty at industry events ranging from annual treks to the CES to E3 and more!

Affiliated with e5 Marketing, a full-service virtual marketing agency with staff on both coasts, Mark also works collaboratively with other marketing talents as needed to meet a client’s objectives.

About Mark

A founding member of San Francisco-based Access Communications (employee #1), Mark also previously held executive positions (1984-1999) with national agencies including Ketchum Communications (SF), Dorf & Stanton (NY) and Geltzer & Company (NY).

Mark’s work as Director of Marketing Communications for TuneTo.com (1999-2001) put the innovative start-up on the map and set the stage for its acquisition by Listen.com / RealNetworks (Rhapsody service), including feature coverage in The Wall Street Journal (twice in one year!), “CNN Headline News” and The San Jose Mercury News.

On a more personal note, Mark is also an aspiring songwriter, producer and guitarist. He’s written a musical and his group ing has had its songs used on the WB program “Smallville”, ABC’s “Men In Trees”, and more.

Electronics, Technology, Entertainment

Past & Present Clients

3D0
Acclaim Entertainment
Aha! Software
AT&T/EO Personal Communicator
Bigfoot
The Boom (Umevoice)
Broderbund (U-Force for Nintendo)
Cadiz Music
Chipwich Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches
D-Box
DTS (Digital Theater Systems)
eGuanxi
Excite@Home
Frusen Gladje Ice Cream
Fujitsu (FinFin)
GE Phones (Thomson)
The Imagination Network
Intuit (Quicken)

Oddzon Products (Koosh Ball!)
The Other 90%’s MindDrive
PF Magic
Sega Game Gear
Sega Genesis
Sega Sonic The HedgeHog
Sharp Professional Video
Sharp Consumer Audio
Sony Broadcast
Sony Pro Audio
Sony Tape
Sony Video Communications
Starpolish
TuneTo.com
Ubisoft (Rayman3)
Umevoice
U.S. Gold
YesMail.com
Your Safety Place

Working with Mark

Mark is a total pro, that rare breed in public relations who manages to combine charm and genuine personability with effective follow-through and attention to detail. Every time I’ve worked with him has been a pleasure, and a success, and I look forward to the next.

Chris Chiarella
Entertainment–Freelance Technology Writer/Reviewer

Over the years that DTS has worked with Mark, we have found a true partner that never ceases to be proactive and enthusiastic, and who is always examining new approaches to accomplish our goals. Mark and his team have been truly integral to our success and increased visibility in a competitive market.

Kristin Thomson
Former Director of Public Relations
DTS

Simple, Strategic, Impactful

Sample Programs

DTS
Spearheaded a long-term (2002-present) strategic campaign to build understanding and awareness of DTS’ advanced surround sound technologies for home theater, Blu-ray Disc™, PC, pro audio, broadcast, video game and car applications. PR, Direct Marketing, Special Events and more.

GE Thomson
Strategic launch and trade show support for line of advanced GE-branded consumer phones manufactured by Thomson.

Your Safety Place
Launch and ongoing PR support for innovative safety and security supplies retailer Your Safety Place.

The Boom
Launch PR (2003) for The Boom – a breakthrough noise-canceling headset for portable cellular phones.

D-Box
Trade show support

UbiSoft
Pre-launch PR support for the Rayman3 “Hoodlum Havoc” video game preview event in San Francisco.

Awards & Accolades

In his 20-plus years in communications, Mark Smotroff has personally, and as part of team programs, received:

PRSA Silver Anvil
AT&T EO Personal Communicator

PRSA CT Mercury Award
The 3D0 Company, AT&T EO, Intuit

IABC Bay Area Bests Merit Award
AT&T EO, Sega

“Good Samaritan Award”
News Media Audit of Bay Area PR judged by 186 reporters/producers

PRSA Northern California Compass Award
Intuit’s Quicken New Year’s Resolutions campaign