Steve D. Bawden
Managing Partner

Steve specializes in business strategy, integrated marketing communications,
interactive digital & social media, brand strategy, market positioning, and consumer research.

Steve began his marketing and advertising career with his family’s agency, Advertising Communications Inc., and for thirteen years led growth from eight to sixty employees, and to peak revenue of $35 million.

Steve also served on the Board of Directors of Bawden Printing, with over 400 employees, specializing in production and distribution of softbound books and the ACT and SAT test programs.

As a founding partner of the Krispy Kreme franchise group, and head of marketing committee, Steve played a vital role creating groundbreaking public relations strategies to introduce and position the brand, resulting in record sales.

Recently, Steve served as Senior Vice President of National Systems Incorporated (NSI), a national firm specializing in Internet development and web based tools. Steve holds a Bachelor of Arts, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, and participates in numerous AAAA, DMA, IFA and Restaurant Leadership events.

Some highlights of Steve’s Career:

Barkley Evergreen
Executive Vice President and Partner

• Responsible for rebranding and positioning Sonic Drive-In Restaurants, enabling the brand to grow from a Southwestern regional chain into a NYSE national company.

Bates USA New York 
Senior Vice President

• Oversaw a 26-person team and $240 million marketing budget for Wendy’s International, including the United States, Canada and Latin America;

Glennon
Vice President and Consumer/Retail Team Leader

• Managed consumer related brands and accounts, included Midas Muffler & Brake, May Company Department Stores, Missouri Tourism, as well as 1,500 McDonald’s restaurants,
• Active member of McDonald’s National Marketing & Calendar Planning Advisory Committee.