Here at SWIFT, we’re not some fly-by-night organization. More than 20 years ago, we leveraged our background in event planning, video production, storytelling and writing, starting a boutique agency before boutique was cool. Our goal was to be The Best event production company in the country. But because we were small, we had to be exceptional in order to compete for Fortune 500 clients. Our plan worked.
Based on success with buzz-worthy meetings and events, a few of our clients asked us to develop sales effectiveness programs for them. That was a slam-dunk with our philosophy. We were able to go beyond one-time events to helping clients affect long-term change. From there, we delved into virtual meetings, eLearning and the entire digital sector. In short, the reason our programs are such a success is we stay one step ahead. For every single project, we find the best way to grab a person’s attention, motivate them and teach them – all while making it fun.
One of the key reasons for our success is that unlike many agencies, we don’t turn over projects to junior employees. We make sure that a SWIFT partner takes a hands-on role throughout the process. That’s why we’ve had some of the same clients since we opened our doors. And it’s why we’re able to partner with new clients based on a mutual right-fit.
From the beginning, we put our clients at the forefront. Everything we do centers around anticipating their needs, respecting their knowledge and producing engaging, effective programs. It was true then and is true today.
Vicky is one of the foremost communications specialists in the country, bringing more than twenty-five years of experience. She is respected for both her strong creative aptitude and excellent organizational skills. Her expertise extends beyond meetings into training, virtual presentations, and ongoing communication initiatives. Nobody in the industry cares more passionately than she does about delivering communication programs that motivate, excite, and educate. To Vicky, “SWIFT smart solutions is not just a provider; we’re a respected partner. We got there by achieving results.” This passion is also seen in the beautiful, magazine worthy office that Vicky designed and that visitors will frequently react with a ‘WOW’ upon entering.
(aka: Video Savant, Financial Watchdog, & Many-Hat-Wearing Executive Vice President)
Having been a business owner for most of his career, Duffy’s passion for creating a welcoming, highly functional workplace is matched only by his desire to produce engaging videos. With over thirty years of experience in writing, producing, and directing films and video, Duffy’s creative standards are a cut above.
“Whether producing a great video or making sure a company runs on all cylinders, you must think creatively, commit to the vision, and spend money judiciously. And finally, ultimately, have fun!”
Mark is an expert on all accounts with an emphasis on technical support, labor management, special events, and live music production. From annual meetings to product launches, he finds the balance of theatrical productions and business meetings that clients need. Mark’s goal is to create a perfect blend to provoke emotional connections with the audiences that ultimately brings positive changes in their behavior. Not only the live event tech guru, Mark’s additional skills include film/video production, collecting NFL helmets, and hoarding all keepsakes (CDS, t-shirts, lanyards, cups, etc.) since starting at SWIFT 16 years ago.
Jim attended the University of Notre Dame where he was a captain and record-holder on the men’s swim team. Upon graduation, he joined Andersen Consulting (now Accenture) in its Chicago office. He worked on global engagements in aerospace & defense, financial services, and professional services verticals, first as an IT consultant and then as a training lead.
Jim then spent 10 years at AbbVie in a variety of roles. He was in charge of training development for AbbVie’s portfolio of specialty products before taking over training development for all of HUMIRA’s sales and account executive teams. Jim also managed a HUMIRA (GI) sales district before leading training for several of HUMIRA’s strategic initiatives including the launch of HUMIRA Complete, an integrated patient experience. Jim is proudest of the 25+ trainers and content developers that he managed at AbbVie, the majority of whom have been promoted into commercial leadership positions.
After AbbVie, Jim took his talents to the agency side and joined SWIFT as Director of Learning & Development. He’s excited to lead a team that provides cutting-edge learning solutions while acting as a strategic, consultative partner to a variety of clients around the globe.
When not at work, Jim can be found with his wife, Claire, a professional musician, and his two children, Jack and Ava. Interests include biking, reading, and watching his kids’ different activities. Admittedly, he is a Notre Dame sports “junkie.” Mondays at the office are more enjoyable for everyone after a ND win!
When Randy is behind the three enormous monitors on his desk, you know he is working on the best graphics, animations, videos, and audio to engage learners through interactive training. He has over 16 years of experience with design, programming, and production and joined SWIFT as we started to take our sales training into the digital world and achieve the best results for our clients. Randy believes the key to sales effectiveness is a thoroughly educated sales force that knows their product inside and out. Additionally, he is self-diagnosed with a mental allergy to vegetables.
Jessica is passionate about producing the highest quality sales training programs, primarily in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. She partners with clients to devise training strategies that drive employee engagement and increase sales. Jessica’s attention to detail can be seen in her execution of digital content management and her successful Pinterest-style ventures like homemade lemon bars and knit stockings. With her German background, it is no surprise that she has a special interest in adapting and translating eLearning for global markets.
You can always find Bryan developing, creating, supporting digital initiative… and wearing his bright green headphones and a classic ironed t-shirt. He manages several sales training portals, and provides digital and graphic support for product launches, sales meetings, eLearning, and other training initiatives. He’s a team player who enjoys collaborating with clients as much as he enjoys rallying the office together to grab tacos and Chicago-style hot dogs for lunch. His passion for finding innovative solutions to every challenge ensures projects reach their full potential.
With a Masters Degree in Broadcast Journalism and previous work experience at Tribune Publishing and TimeOut Chicago Magazine, it is without question, that Hala’s strengths are as a writer and critical editor. Hala is enthusiastic about collaborating with her team, and takes pride in creating partnerships with clients. As a Project Manager, she engages in every aspect of a project to ensure it surpasses all expectations and goals. In her spare time, Hala is a Starbucks model… or that’s at least what we suspect, given her love of coffee and donuts, and her confidence in front of a camera.
Tenure: I have been working with SWIFT for 6 years.
Expertise: I am a producer and have worked with both the meeting and training team. For the meeting team my focus is on video and media production. For the training team I have now worked on eLearning for Ariad, both Iclusig and Brigatinib, and recently helped with the Cuvitru launch workshops. My role in training
has been producer and proofreader/content editor.
Previous Experience: I was a Senior video editor and producer at Creative Dynamics Studio for 6 years prior to freelancing at SWIFT.
Education: I have a BA in Radio and Television from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.
Typically found with sympathetic wide-eyes and his legs in the air, Chipper enjoys long belly scratches from any friend—new or old. His constantly wagging tail boosts office morale and creativity, helping SWIFT deliver clients our best work every time. Like any true member of the SWIFT team, he adores food and looks forward to sneaking peaks (and hopefully nibbles) of everyone’s lunches.
Whether sitting under the lunch table or napping by the elevator, Daisy knows how to bring happiness and comfort to the SWIFT office. She enjoys sitting on our comfortable couches while listening in on conference calls as much as she loves fetching one of her many toys around the office.