Joe is one of the pioneering innovators of integrated marketing communications. He has made it work in reality by abolishing all agency departments and organizing around the client in cross-functional teams. The Phelps Group's success is partly due to his ongoing commitment to finding the right people, resources and systems needed to serve clients today – working together in a full-feedback creative environment. Before founding The Phelps Group in 1981, Joe worked in account management with NW Ayer and Grey. Prior to that he was a musician and a recording engineer.

In the mid 80's, Howie started the ad agency Cohen/Johnsonwith partner Mark Johnson which they grew to over $100 million in billings. Howie's campaign line "Petco, where the pets go" is still the signature of the world’s second largest pet retail chain. Cohen/Johnson was sold to The Phelps Group in 1997 and Howie came over as a partner and Chief Creative Officer, a position he has held for over a dozen years. Howie is one of the most well rounded creative people in the business – a strategic leader; skillful presenter; coach, mentor and – the big idea guy.

Follow Howie's blog, http://madmensch.com/.