Lets Talk Advertising
a full-service advertising and marketing agency
Are you tired of dealing with multiple marketing agencies? Relax, those days are over. Not only is Freed an award-winning creative boutique, we are also a media buying agency, a digital shop and a strategy firm all rolled into one. Whether you need a fully-integrated, multi-channel awareness campaign, highly targeted digital, savvy branding, social media expertise, or exceptional media muscle, you name it, we do it. And we do it on time, on target, and on budget. We do more than just get our clients noticed – we get results.
- Capabilities -
Market Research
- Online surveys
- Competitive analysis
- Benefits Testing
(Our customized focus group method)
Branding
- Naming/Themeing
- Positioning
- Tagline development
- Logo design/color palette
- Brand standards
PLANNING & STRATEGY
- Vision/Mission
- SWOT analysis
- Goals/Action plan
- Market trends
- ROI
- Budget recommendations
TACTICS AND EXECUTION
- Traditional & Digital advertising
- Specialty items
- Videos/Explainer videos
- Mobile & Email marketing
- Website development
- SEO/SEM- PPC
- Guerilla Marketing
- Spanish translation and transcreation
PR/SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING
- Social media strategy, promotions, execution
- Blogging
- Engagement strategies
- Press releases
- Media relations
EVENT PLANNING & PROMOTIONS
- Concept through production
MEASUREMENT
- Sales/traffic reporting
- Google Analytics
- Social media metrics
- Email metrics
- Call tracking
- Custom reporting
Gerald Freed
CEO, Founder, Head Honcho
University of Texas at Austin | Freed associate since 1984
This University of Texas at Austin graduate has built his agency from the kitchen table to one of greater Houston’s most successful advertising agencies. In that time, Gerald has amassed extensive experience in every discipline of the agency business. From media buying to strategic planning to account service to creative direction, he has seen and done it all. Gerald’s success can be attributed to not only his astute insight and expertise in all things marketing, but also his steadfast belief in diligence, hard work, being true to the budget and always doing what’s right for the client.
Hobbies: Here are some hints: the man has not one, but TWO hole-in-ones, has caught a 42 inch bull red, and his favorite song is ding, ding, ding, ding ding ding. If you guessed golf, fishing and slots, you win.
Client Experience:
ARS, IKEA Houston, Baker Nissan, The Woodlands, Allegiance Bank, Houston Texans, Sienna, Riverstone, Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land, Naskila Gaming, Bel Furniture, Imperial Sugar
David Freed
COO
Texas State University | Freed associate since 2018
David’s love of advertising is in his DNA, literally. The son of our founder, David serves as Freed’s Chief Operating Officer, and spearheads our business development, internal processes and vendor partnerships. But he doesn’t stop there. David’s passion for problem-solving makes him a great resource for clients with unique marketing challenges. Prior to joining Freed, David was an Account Manager with CBS Sports and iHeart Media, and was Director of Sales at Sporting Magazine USA.
Hobbies: As a new dad, David’s newest hobby is trying to get a good night’s sleep, and when not on diaper duty, you’ll find him on the golf course.
Client Experience:
Bel Furniture, Aliana, Showalter, Colgin & Davis, Infiniti of West Houston, Volvo Cars of West Houston, Westchase District, Metroclean, J. Tyler, Texas Star Grill Shop, BEL Furniture, Airia Dev. Co., Houston Automotive Dealers Association, Houston Boat Show, Café Express, Hocheim Prairie Insurance, Group 1 Automotive, Landmark Furniture, Stubbs Harley Davidson, Green Links, Hyatt Resort, Sugar Land Plastic Surgery, Wonderful Windows and Siding, Brugal Rum, Cypress Lakes Gold Course, U.S. Army, Rock Mortgage, Houston Texans Grille, YEP Energy, Hinsley Law Firm, Gunn Auto Group, BMW North/West, SW Infiniti, Modia, Perry Ellis, Stadia Sports Grill, Acme Brick, Ability Tree’s, Mike Calvert Toyota, Baker Nissan, ARS/Will Fix It, Mattresses for Less, Santa’s Wonderland, Hot Tub, Pool and Spa Show
Nancy Self
Executive Creative Director
University of Texas at Austin | Freed associate since 2010
Nancy is considered an advertising triple threat, possessing art direction, writing and strategic skills. She is one of the most decorated creatives in Houston, winning hundreds of local Addy awards, including numerous Best in Shows as well as a National Addy. Through her work with national brands, such as Chef Boyardee, Banquet, Duncan Hines and Aunt Jemima, Nancy gained valuable insights in how to effectively market to families, kids and moms.
Hobbies: When not collecting stamps in her passport, Nancy likes to untangle knots in her fly line, and spoil her grandchildren rotten.
Client Experience:
IKEA, U of H, Rice, San Jacinto College, Popeyes, Randalls, Kroger, Ranch Style Beans, Ro-Tel, Pam, Rosarita, Dell, Garden Ridge, Houston Symphony, Houston SPCA, Child Advocates, Mrs. Buttersworth’s, Chef Boyardee, Banquet, Duncan Hines, Aunt Jemima, CFISD, Aliana, The Woodlands, Cane Island, Meridiana, Cross Creek Ranch, Grand Central Park, Riverstone, Imperial, Towne Lake, Willowcreek Ranch, Hochheim Prairie Insurance, Allegiance Bank, Brazos Valley Credit Union, Naskila Gaming, Drivetime, Phillips 66, Conoco, Builders Square, Texas Pipe, Schlumberger, Baker Hughes, ARS, Mayakoba, La Torretta, The Houstonian, City of Sugar Land, Methodist Hospital, Next Level Urgent Care, RCI
Weasley
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Client Experience:
Eric Opella
Creative Director/Art Director
University of Texas at Austin | Freed associate since 2006
To say Eric takes pride in his work is an understatement. Always abreast of the latest graphic trends, a master of the Adobe Creative Suite, Eric embraces his “right brain-ness” with a vengeance. And that passion has paid off big time. Eric has won a variety of awards from the local to national level, and his work has been honored by the ADDYs, Print Magazine, Austin Graphic Arts, and AIGA.
Hobbies: smoking and eating BBQ, Longhorn sports (good and bad), music, walking and trying to stay cooler than his super cool teenage daughter.
Client Experience:
AMD, Dell, St. Luke’s Hospital, Verizon, Texaco, Houston Texans, Redstone Golf Club, The Houstonian Golf & Country Club, The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa, Lennar, Caldwell Companies, San Jacinto College, Johnson Development, Naskila Gaming
Denise tyrrell
Account Manager Supervisor
Franklin & Marshall College | Freed associate since 2000
Calm, cool, collected and a pragmatic problem-solver, Denise heads Freed’s account service department. Her super power is building strong, trusted relationships with her clients. Denise works closely with the team to develop marketing strategy, execution, schedules, budgets, performance and measurement of the selected tactics. She also facilitates communication between client and agency departments, and manages workflow to ensure projects are completed on time and in budget.
Hobbies: A decorating whiz, Denise loves perfecting her already perfect home.
Client Experience:
Child Advocates, The Woodlands, Cross Creek Ranch, Towne Lake, Willowcreek Ranch, Hochheim Prairie Insurance, Brazos Valley Credit Union, Naskila Gaming, Mayakoba, La Torretta, The Houstonian,
City of Sugar Land, Next Level Urgent Care, Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land, Dunham Pointe, Castle Hill Partners, Mission Ranch, Caldwell Companies, Caldwell Homes, The Boardwalk, Inspire Communities, Oceanway, Rockrose Ranch, J Tyler Office Furniture, Redstone Golf Club, Café Express, First Watch
Karla Martinez
Account Executive
Texas State University | Freed associate since 2021
Left brain? Right brain? With Karla it’s impossible to figure out which is dominant. Off duty, she’s all about expressing her creativity, but during work, she’s all business, with her amazing organizational skills and critical thinking abilities taking center stage.
Hobbies: Furniture flipper, DIY-er, and devoted dog person.
Client Experience:
CFISD, Lennar, Next Level Urgent Care, Showalter, Colgin & Davis
Kristine Alardin
Lead Media Planner/Buyer
University of Houston | Freed associate since 2012
A media marvel, Kristine works on everything from strategic media planning, to negotiation and buying, to stewardship and reporting. Clients appreciate how she is committed to exceeding their media goals. We appreciate her heart, and her devotion to worthy causes like Hope for Three.
Hobbies: During the lockdown, while the rest of us were bingeing Netflix, Kristine “mastered” Asian cooking, and now makes a mean Pho.
Client Experience:
Mercedes-Benz of Sugar Land, Baker Nissan, Houston Auto Show & Boat Show, Ikea Houston, Bel Furniture, Gallery Furniture, Texas Star Grill Shop, University of Houston- Continuing Education, Lee College, Victoria College, Next Level Urgent Care, Arroz SOS, Sandoval Waldman Law Firm, Child Advocates, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, Caldwell Companies, Hope for Three, Houston Hispanic Forum, Westchase District
Sherry Knecht
Finance Manager
Sam Houston State University | Freed associate since 2012
Sherry is so friendly and down-to-earth, you would never know she’s royalty, but she has the crown to prove it. Yes, this former Ft. Bend County Fair Queen definitely rules! Sherry has been with Freed for ten years, and during her reign has helped out in accounting, media, and project management. And we’re not the only ones who appreciate her contributions; this past year she was a finalist for a Media Alliance of Houston Star Award.
Hobbies: Watch out Martha Stewart, Sherry is a fabulous cook, gardener
and crafter.
Client Experience:
ARS, Conway Services, Lennar
Amy Izaguirre
Art Director
University of Houston | Freed associate since 2022
Amy loves collecting and restoring antiques. And appreciates the art of old-school printing so much she even bought a letterpress. This might lead you to assume that this UH grad would be more at home in the 1800s than present day, but Amy is also all about new media, digital design and coding. If it’s a creative endeavor, she’s all over it, striving to learn and expand her skill set.
Hobbies: Painting & Drawing, hiking, and coding
Client Experience:
CFISD, Houston Auto Show, Houston Boat, Showalter, Colgin & Davis, The Trails, Next Level Urgent Care