Notable Achievements
2022 Notable Achievements / Yearly Review Feedback
One of only a few employees to receive a rating score of 7, or “Redefines Expectations.” Which means “performance is consistently outstanding and resets the bar around goals and OKRs.”
Promoted to Associate Production Design Director
Built out a new Production process including team expectations and goals, as well as ways to help streamline different projects
Took the lead of the onboarding process for our team of designers from India
Manages and oversees 18 designers from India (Genpact)
Hosted weekly critiques and design trainings for our India design team
Member of the Culture Committee
Partnered on a new brief process to help streamline projects
Took charge of all the edits on our yearly Ultra-Luxury Report with plenty of praise from various collaborators
Presented the Ultra-Luxury report at the Marketing All Hands
Trained over 200+ Marketing members/AEMs in our custom design platform, FTE (Flexible Template Editor)
“James is always jumping in where he can, always finds a solution."
Example: T4 agent's photographer sent over low res photos, James spent time to reorganize the photos and still create beautiful luxury full bleed two page spreads, minimizing the lower res photos so that the print quality would still be up to par. The agent and I were very impressed and grateful for his hard work.
"Whenever there was a moment that I requested assistance, James jumps right in and chats me back or jumps on a call with me."
Example: Leading the onboarding, training, and management of Genpact. He put together a robust training program that would not only equip these designers with the knowledge necessary to onboard successfully but onboard them in record time to take on projects quickly for our team.
"With every challenge that has come across his plate, he continues to have such a strong and positive attitude; always looking to lend his support, and knowledge to help where he can."
Example: James was tasked with forming and implementing a new design team within the Creative Org, the production team. #collaboratingwithoutego he partnered with Creative Resourcing to formulate an SOW; referencing his experience and knowledge while taking into account his design counterparts allowed us to work together to formalize a plan in place to move forward.
"It is an absolute pleasure to work with James. His positive energy is infectious and is exactly what we all need on a daily basis."
Example 1: "He's a constant inspiration for us to work harder, stay motivated, and stay positive. He's always been a valuable resource for me personally during my time here at Compass and I always take up the chance to partner with him on any project or task."
Example 2: When I had a question about exporting and sending a huge file to print, James let me know that he would come into the office to assist. Less than 30 minutes later, he was with me in person providing hands-on assistance and running through his production checklist. I have never felt more confident in sending a book to print in that time.
"James’ support and leadership continues to be critically important to our agents."
Example: James continues to be a valuable resource for our creative team. He continues to find ways to educate internal stakeholders on best practices for crafting creative briefs, production-related tasks, FTE, design skills, and overall project management.
2021 Notable Achievements
99% Quality CSAT (national goal was to hit 90%) - What does that mean exactly? 99% of the *222 responses from Marketing Advisors about his design projects were positive.
*This was the highest engagement survey volume of all designers across the nation.99% Timelines CSAT (national goal was to hit 90%) - What does that mean exactly? 99% of the time, I hit tasks/project timelines on time according to National SLAs.
James is the only Senior Production Designer in our organization and is continuing to pave the way for what the scope of this role entails; ie. what should productivity be measured at, what is the day-to-day,and how does one interact with Designers / Marketing Advisors / Vendors.
A notable achievement in 2021 that serves Marketing + Design is the Marketing Advisors InDesign Training Program for the North Central portion of the Central Hub; received nothing but the highest praises from regional marketing leadership and Marketing Advisors who continue to benefit from this partnership. Chicago saw a 15% increase in Marketing Advisor Content Swaps in 2021!
An impressive amount of projects/tasks were completed in 2021 that directly impacted our ability to serve agents fast at a high volume (442 projects / 2,030 tasks).
First Production Designer to be recognized in National Ops for a “Compass Entrepreneurship Principles” Award.
First Production Designer to be involved with a national initiative; ie. National Vendor Vetting.
First Production Designer to become a Mentor in our In-House Mentorship Program
2020 Notable Achievements
Well exceeds the role of a Production Designer — his impact in the formal Design Queue / informal Mini Design Queue exceeds any other Production Designer in the Nation on top of other roles he plays locally. Worth noting that the Design Mini Queue was so successful that it became a National Rollout
Since layoffs, James has taken on Vendor relations and has established a great relationship with all of them, alleviating our Marketing team from ownership. Worth noting that by stepping up locally, it has allowed James to take on a National Role.
Works on several larger projects / high tier Agent projects from a true production standpoint; aiding in our lack of make-good costs this year.
Provided conceptual direction from a copy standpoint for Hispanic Heritage Month national campaign. CEO Robert Reffkin LOVED this concept and it received positive Agent engagement/sentiment.
Culturally, James brings perspective and experience that our other local Designers don't bring; and an infectious positive and witty element that makes him truly enjoyable to work with (Leadership / Marketing Advisor / Design feedback from ALL of his peers).