Jean Batthany GCD SVP at DDB Chicago

I was lucky enough to work with Chris Laubach at DDB Chicago after Element 79 was no more. He is a talented writer, experienced manager and all around good guy. The consummate chameleon, Chris can work on anything including TV, radio, digital, social and experiential. A seasoned pro, Chris can manage like a boss but isn't afraid to get his hands dirty and write and write well. Clients and colleagues love him equally as he is as easy going as he is well versed in the business. I don't know if his zen comes from experience, running marathons or doing yoga but he always manages to remain calm, cool and collected no matter what this crazy business throws at him. Fingers crossed I will get to work with Chris again soon.

Brian Hurley Sr. VP, Group Business Director at DDB

"Chris is the consummate professional. He is smart, insightful and can cut through the nonsense in record time. He's been around the ad game long enough to know what matters and how to hone in on the important points in the process. But he knows all the new tricks, as well - social, digital display, site development, etc. Both clients and co-workers enjoy working with Chris and value his wit, his passion and his ability to get the job done. Oh, and he's a hell of a writer."

Barbara Werner Group Planning Director at mcgarrybowen

"Chris is one of my all time favorite creative partners. Partly because he’s so damn smart. Partly because he’s fun to work with. But mostly because he embraces Planning and welcomes it into the creative process. Chris has always been curious about stuff – including consumers. Not following them blindly, but interested in fresh observations and insights that would enable the work to truly connect with them. Collaboration is part of his DNA. He’s one of those talented creative guys who invites everyone into the sandbox. He loves to debate ideas and seeks out input from any and all disciplines. He soaks up everything, and takes the nuggets and makes them shine. Plus the guy has the kind of contagious energy and enthusiasm that everyone wants to have around – and would make him rich if he could figure out how to bottle it."

Susan Bertocchi SVP/CD at MARC USA - Chicago

"Chris was one of my very first hires when we opened our doors at Element 79 and I was to never regret it. He was terrific to have as a writer, partner and CD. Smart, strategic, intuitive and funny - his ideas are always that golden combo of fresh and smart for the brand. A rock star. But what I really want to say is that within a few years we were peers, both GCDs, and I got to enjoy seeing him guide great work in others, as well as keep producing it himself. He manages to be both big picture and detail oriented. I would highly recommend Chris, I would be delighted to find myself working beside him again and I would love to partner with him again. Still a rock star."

Jerry Conner Marketing and Advertising Consultant and Contractor

"As the Creative Director on the Supercuts account at Element 79 Partners Advertising Agency, Chris was responsible for leading the development and management of one of the most fully integrated communications campaigns in recent memory. He combined a thorough knowledge of the target customer with a creative strategy that clearly differentiated the client from all competitors. Chris was the originator of the campaign concept and created the theme: "Rock the Cut". The campaign was a multifaceted effort that delivered advertising in traditional media via a full range of lengths of television and radio commercials. Print ad were adaptable for national and local use as stand-alone print and as promotional vehicles. Key to the success of the campaign was Chris' application of the campaign in social media, creating a dialogue with the client's current and future customers. Chris championed the "Rock the Cut" campaign in all forms of digital communication, redesigned and integrated the campaign into the client's website and worked closely in the development of promotions that drove customers to the client's stores. Finally, Chris brought the campaign into the Supercuts stores with integrated decor packages that were adaptable to all salons in the nationwide system."