The latest news and views
![]()
Blue Diesel Announces New Appointments
October 20, 2009
Nine new talents join fast-growing agency.
![]()
Kelly Braun has been named account supervisor for the Columbus office. Prior to Blue Diesel, Kelly worked for Northlich as account supervisor. Before that, she served as senior account executive for GSW Worldwide. Kelly holds a bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University.
Josh Dillard joins Columbus as associate interactive designer. Previously, he served in an internship position for Blue Diesel. Josh holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning.
Kelsey Jones has been named account coordinator for the Columbus office. Previously, she served in an internship position for Blue Diesel. Kelsey holds a bachelor's degree from Ohio University.
John Slage joins Columbus as senior medical writer. Previously, John worked for Ohio Department of Education as a messaging strategist. Before that, he served as marketing professor for Franklin University. John holds a master's degree from Franklin University.
Also joining Columbus, Randall Whitted has been named senior copywriter. Prior to joining Blue Diesel, he served as communications specialist at Nationwide. Previously, Randall worked for Ologie as copy manager. He holds a bachelor's degree from California State University.
The following associates join the Newtown office:
Bruce Hubbard has been named senior multimedia developer. Prior to Blue Diesel, Bruce worked for GSI Interactive as a senior developer. Previously, he served as a consultant for Citigroup. Bruce holds a bachelor's degree from Shenendoah University.
Steve Krostyne has been named account manager. Prior to Blue Diesel, he served as account executive for Oxford Communications. Before that, Steve worked for Princeton Communications Group as an account executive. He holds a bachelor's degree from Rider University.
Eric Miller has been named senior information architect. Previously, he worked for Merrill Lynch as lead user experience designer. Before that, Eric served as user experience manager for Thomson. He holds a bachelor's degree from Drexel University.
Adriane Vail joins Blue Diesel as senior account manager. Prior to Blue Diesel, Adriane worked for Influence Interactive as a contract account director. Before that, she served as account director for G2 Interactive. Adriane holds a bachelor's degree from Fairfield University.
# # #
Blue Diesel Participates in 2009 PharmaMed Marketing & Media Conference
October 8, 2009
Kelly Gratz lends perspective to panel discussion on technology and the sales force model.
![]()
Focusing on how to effectively increase exposure despite shrinking marketing budgets, the panel discussion also examined methods to re-evaluate the traditional sales force model and explore new channels for communication with healthcare professionals (HCPs). Leading the panel session were a group of five pharmaceutical sales and marketing experts. InVentiv Health’s Chief Learning Officer, Pete Marchesini, moderated the discussion.
The PharmaMed Marketing & Media conference is designed by Med Ad News’ editorial staff and pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device marketing professionals exclusively for the successful sales & marketing of pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical products. The PharmaMed Marketing & Media conference provides healthcare marketing professionals with the high-value information they need with best practices, case studies, and actionable items from leaders in the field.
# # #
Blue Diesel Honored at 2009 Web Awards
September 25, 2009
Agency garners new accolades for creative excellence.
![]()
The WebAwards is an annual premier award program that names the best Web sites in 96 categories. Entries were received from interactive agencies and Web site marketing departments from around the world, and were judged on design, innovation, interactivity, and ease of use.
Blue Diesel received three Medical Standard of Excellence awards for work on several innovative Web sites. The first, www.homediagnostics.com, is a site dedicated to helping people manage their diabetes and treatment options. The second is www.rotavirusinfo.com, a site featuring facts, risk factors, and methods to help prevent rotavirus, a highly contagious stomach virus commonly found in children under the age of five. Lastly, Blue Diesel received recognition for their work with www.zosterinfo.com, a site intended for healthcare providers seeking disease information about herpes zoster (shingles), a viral infection.
# # #
Blue Diesel Appoints New Staff
August 4, 2009
Five associates join leading interactive agency.
![]()
Holly Neuman has been named account coordinator for the Newtown office. Previously, Holly served in an internship position for GSW Worldwide. Prior to that, she worked for Rowan University Student Center as building manager. Holly holds a bachelor's degree from Rowan University.
Jared Weinstock joins the Newtown office as multimedia developer. Before joining Blue Diesel, Jared worked for Hall Media Productions as a multimedia designer. Previously, he served as a work-study designer for Drexel University. Jared holds a bachelor's degree from Drexel University.
The following associates join the Columbus office:
Kate Kastenholz has been named account coordinator. Before joining Blue Diesel, Kate served as project manager for the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. Previously, she worked for Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP as a project assistant. Kate holds a bachelor's degree from Ohio University.
Lynn Longbrake has been named creative director. Prior to Blue Diesel, she served as associate creative director for Resource Interactive. Before that, Lynn worked for Visual Marketing Associates as senior designer. She holds a bachelor's degree from University of Cincinnati.
Shannon Owen has been named senior art director. Before joining Blue Diesel, Shannon served as director of account services and operations for Terralever. Previously, she worked for PetSmart Inc. as interactive design manager. Shannon holds a bachelor's degree from Northern Arizona University.
# # #
Blue Diesel Wins IN-AWE Award
June 18, 2009
Agency receives bronze award for innovative Web site.
![]()
Blue Diesel received a bronze award for “Zosterinfo.com,” an interactive Web site targeted towards healthcare professionals.
# # #
Blue Diesel Honored at Summit International Awards
June 5, 2009
Agency receives one gold and two bronze awards.
![]()
The Summit International Awards organization recognizes and celebrates the creative accomplishments of small- and mid-sized advertising agencies and other creative companies worldwide. Submissions from 26 countries are evaluated based on the strength of the idea, the quality of execution, and the ability to communicate and persuade.
Blue Diesel received a gold award in the Health/Medicine Website category for inVentiv Health's inventivhealth.com. Additonally, the company received two bronze awards. The first was in the B2B Product Website category for Home Diagnostics’ homediagnostics.com. The second bronze award was in the Education Website category for Merck & Company's rotavirusinfo.com.
# # #
Blue Diesel Welcomes New Employees
May 14, 2009
Fresh faces dot the technology and creative teams.
![]()
Mykola Bilokonsky has been named multimedia developer. Prior to joining Blue Diesel, he served as media producer for The Ohio State University. Previously, he founded Pretty Smart Studios. Mykola holds a bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University.
Matt Cash has been named senior interactive designer. Before Blue Diesel, Matt worked for Fox Sports Interactive as interactive design lead. He holds a bachelor's degree from the School of Advertising Art.
Ryan Fazulak has been named interactive designer. Previously, Ryan worked for Bridge Worldwide as designer. He holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati.
# # #
Blue Diesel Welcomes New Staff
April 23, 2009
Four employees join the fast-growing agency.
![]()
Dennis McCormack has been named director, business development for the Newtown office. Prior to Blue Diesel, Dennis served as product manager for Johnson & Johnson. Before that, he worked for Sign-A-Rama as sales and marketing representative. Dennis holds a bachelor's degree from Florida State University.
In the Columbus office, Meredith Bischoff Young has been named account manager. Prior to joining Blue Diesel, she served as client services manager for Resource Interactive. Before that, Meredith worked for ExecuTrain as web designer and project coordinator. She holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Dayton.
Also in Columbus, Scott Hoffman has been named senior medical copywriter. Before joining Blue Diesel, Scott worked for Xavier University as associate editor. Previously, he served as senior copywriter for Bridge Worldwide. Scott holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati.
Andrew Lohman has been named associate creative director. Previously, he served as interactive marketing manager for Acushnet Company. Before that, Andrew worked for Golfer’s Guide Marketing Solutions as interactive art director. He holds a bachelor's degree from Purdue University.
# # #
Blue Diesel Nominated for Two Manny Awards
March 18, 2009
Nods for Agency of the Year and Best Interactive Campaign turn heads.
![]()
The Manny Awards ceremony is an annual gala event celebrating creative excellence in healthcare advertising in several award categories, and will take place Wednesday, April 22 in New York. Submissions are separated into categories, voted on by industry peers, and the winners selected by editors of Med Ad News.
Blue Diesel has been nominated for the highly coveted Agency of the Year/Category III. In addition, they have been nominated in the category of Best Interactive Campaign.
“We are excited to be nominated for Agency of the Year/Category III and Best Interactive Campaign,” notes Kelly Gratz, president of Blue Diesel. “Foremost, we must recognize and thank our great clients. Our accomplishments in 2008 are a result of these strong partnerships, as well as strategic, innovative thinking by our passionate teams. We are truly honored by these nominations.”
About Med Ad News
Med Ad News, launched in 1982, has been the magazine of choice for insight into successful business and marketing strategies. Written exclusively by editors and staff reporters, Med Ad News provides broad coverage of pharmaceutical business, product marketing, and clinical research. The business-news magazine contains primary market research on relevant subject matter and provides readers with business intelligence that will impact their company’s performance.
# # #
New Digs for Blue Diesel
February 2, 2009
An atmosphere of collaboration and room to grow.
![]()
In Columbus, comfortable creative galleries, brand-centric work spaces, and technology-studded conference rooms hug an inner core of open work stations. Creative, strategy, technology, and client service domains are encouraged by the layout to integrate as tightly knit brand teams. Vibrant colors, new furnishings, and a buzzing sense of success and growth mark this new era for the agency.
The Newtown, PA office built additional work stations to accommodate their growing team of talent and budding roster of new business. The office plans to expand further in 2009, continuing to add collaborative work spaces.
# # #
Blue Diesel Adds Staff to Newtown Office
January 5, 2009
Blue Diesel continues to grow with the appointment of two new associates.
![]()
Joseph Bailey has been named Account Coordinator. Prior to Blue Diesel, he served as Menswear Press Coordinator for People's Revolution. Joseph holds a bachelor's degree from University of Scranton.
William Verbist has been named Interactive Art Director. Before joining Blue Diesel, William worked for Merrill Lynch as Creative Director. Previously, he served as Interactive Associate Creative Director for Bandujo Advertising & Design. William holds a bachelor's degree from Seton Hall University.
# # #
Blue Diesel Takes a Seat at the Roundtable
December 15, 2008
Industry-leading agency looks ahead and shares its wisdom.
![]()
A full-service agency with an interactive foundation, Blue Diesel has the advantage of looking at and answering brand challenges from all angles. This unique perspective results in well-rounded strategies that can overcome any brand question; from managed care, to patient compliance, to brand objections. This is particularly advantageous in a closed-loop marketing environment where Blue Diesel has successfully empowered sales reps by arming them with data-driven interactive tools. These tools enable reps to have conversations that compel physicians to engage with the brand.
Blue Diesel execs also sound off on saving clients money with efficiency. A deep foundation in technology protects Blue Diesel clients' investments and empowers the agency to deliver solutions that do more than look good – they work and people want to engage with them. For most brands, technology is only one piece of the marketing strategy. Blue Diesel's ability to leverage interactive components across all channels contributes to effective, efficient campaigns. The agency’s demonstrated ability to work across marketing, IT, sales operations and sales training creates additional value, while intimate knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry allows Blue Diesel to navigate medical, legal and regulatory considerations adeptly. Blue Diesel's ability to work across our clients' entire organization enables us to deliver integrated campaigns across channels—saving clients time and reducing costs.
# # #
Blue Diesel Honored at the 2008 Rx Club Awards
December 10, 2008
Interactive Agency Receives Six Awards.
![]()
The Rx Club Awards honor healthcare marketing in several mediums, including print, electronic media, and video. This independent forum keeps the worldwide healthcare advertising community on the cutting edge by exchanging innovative ideas and showcasing creative projects that redefine the healthcare market place. The show is judged in various categories by a panel of industry experts and is based solely on creativity. Creative concept and execution remain the only criteria for merit.
The first Award of Excellence Blue Diesel received was in the category of ‘Best Healthcare Professional Web Site,’ for Merck’s ‘Zosterinfo.com.’ This interactive Web site targets healthcare providers and contains disease information regarding herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles.
Two more Awards of Excellence were earned in the ‘Best Consumer Web Site’ category. One for Ethicon’s ‘Dermabond.com,’ a Web site developed for consumers that demonstrates the benefits and application process of a liquid bonding agent for cuts, wounds and incisions; and a second for Merck’s ‘RotaVirusinfo.com,’ a Web site that emphasizes disease education, disease severity, and the unpredictability of rotavirus.
Blue Diesel’s fourth Award of Excellence was for its interactive-based self-promotional holiday card, entered in the ‘Self-Promotion’ category.
The final two Awards of Excellence were for the Janssen INVEGA “Closer Look” Tablet PC and the Janssen RISPERDAL CONSTA “Why Wait?” Tablet PC.
# # #
Blue Diesel Honored at the Global Awards
December 1, 2008
Blue Diesel receives finalist certificate for Tablet PC Hardware Training.
![]()
The Global Awards are the largest, most coveted healthcare communications awards, setting the industry standard for creative and marketing excellence in healthcare communications. Entries were received from 30 countries.
Blue Diesel was honored for their work with Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, “Tablet PC Hardware Training, ” in the Professional Sales Force Education category.
# # #
Blue Diesel Recognized for Interactive Training Site
October 29, 2008
Blue Diesel creates an interactive experience and media buzz.
![]()
The online training site helps independent pharmacy owners coach their employees to deliver better patient care, improve customer loyalty, and boost sales. The program is ideal for independent pharmacy owners who rely on the highest-quality patient care to set them apart from chain drug stores and big-box pharmacy operators.
The myPharmacyTrainer program consists of eight interactive modules. Pharmacy employees interact with virtual customers in a video game-like environment to learn about topics such as how to help patients manage chronic disease, the value of Medicare Part B, and how to promote private-label products. Each module takes less than 10 minutes to complete.
"An interactive training resource like myPharmacyTrainer will help independent pharmacies improve patient care and drive sales with minimal investment of time," said Steve Lawrence, senior vice president of marketing and sales support for Cardinal Health's pharmaceutical supply chain business.
The self-guided training application, launched last month, has garnered positive recognition in industry news media, including a recent write-up in drugstorenews.com.
# # #
Blue Diesel Wins at WebAwards
October 9, 2008
Blue Diesel develops more award-winning work.
![]()
The WebAwards is the premier annual Web site award competition that names the best Web sites in 96 industries while setting the standard of excellence for all Web site development. The annual competition sets industry benchmarks based on the seven criteria of a successful Web site: design, innovation, content, interactivity, navigation, ease of use and use of technology.
Blue Diesel received a standard of excellence award in the Web site development category for their self-promotional holiday card. They were also honored with an outstanding achievement award in the Web site development category for ShareYourPain.org, a site aimed at creating a bridge in conversation between physicians and patients on the topic of breakthrough pain.
# # #
Blue Diesel Welcomes New Staff
September 3, 2008
Blue Diesel fuels their own growth with the addition of three new associates.
![]()
In Columbus, Ron Gedrich has been named senior information architect. Before joining Blue Diesel, he worked for Northlich as interactive strategist. Previously, he served as client services director for Interactive Ink. Mr. Gedrich holds a bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University.
Vanessa Rivera has been named interactive designer for the Newtown office. Ms. Rivera recently served in an internship position for 160over90 while completing her undergraduate work at University of The Arts.
Also in Newtown, Michael Underwood has been named interactive designer. Prior to Blue Diesel, he served as interactive art director for AYC Studio. Mr. Underwood also worked for The Hal Lewis Group, Inc. as art director. He holds a bachelor's degree from University of the Arts.
# # #
Blue Diesel Featured in Med Ad News
August 26, 2008
Blue Diesel has digital solutions for top brands.
![]()
Amy Hutnik, VP, Account Director for Blue Diesel, is quoted in the article, which highlights the top-selling big launch drugs of 2007. Amy discusses Blue Diesel's strategy as interactive agency of record (iAOR) for both the Gardasil and Zostavax campaigns, two of the largest worldwide product launches of 2007 (by sales revenue). She suggests that because not every digital communications tool is right for every healthcare provider, part of the agency's goal is to work toward a customized, flexible online experience that augments offline promotions.
In 'First Year After Launch,' an article that highlights top ten sellers worldwide in 2007 amongst products introduced in the U.S. in 2006, Merck’s Gardasil, RotaTeq and Zostavax vaccines are featured as three of the top ten to generate more than $200 million globally during their first full year on the U.S. market. Blue Diesel is iAOR for all three brands.
Amy explains that the brand teams behind Gardasil, RotaTeq and Zostavax all made conscious decisions to push the envelope in terms of their digital communications strategies.
To read the articles, click HERE.
# # #
Blue Diesel Welcomes New Associates
July 18, 2008
Three top talents join the Blue Diesel team.
![]()
Craig Murray has been named interactive art director for the Columbus office. Before joining Blue Diesel, Murray served as owner, creative director for CAM Design. Previously, he worked for Novinity, Inc. as art director. Murray holds a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University.
Melissa Perticari has been named account manager and works out of the Newtown office. Prior to Blue Diesel, she served as account manager for Digitas Health. Before that, Perticari worked for Medical Broadcasting Company as project and traffic manager. She holds a bachelor's degree from Rutgers University.
Erik Sternberger has been named senior multimedia developer. Before joining Blue Diesel's Columbus office, Sternberger served as lead flash developer for LaBov & Beyond. Previously, he worked for BioScope Initiative as graphic artist, flash animator. Sternberger holds a bachelor's degree from Purdue University.
# # #
Blue Diesel Wins at IN-AWE Awards
June 17, 2008
IN-AWE marvels at Blue Diesel's interactive prowess.
![]()
Blue Diesel won a silver award for Merck's "TotalLipids.com" in the interactive, digital media category. The agency was also honored with a silver award for their work with Ortho-McNeil Neurologics on "Tablet PC Hardware Training," in the sales rep materials, interactive category.
# # #
Blue Diesel Welcomes New Staff
June 9, 2008
More growth for Blue Diesel, even better service for our clients.
![]()
Jennifer Belknap has been named senior account manager and works out of the Columbus office. Prior to Blue Diesel, Belknap worked for Resource Interactive. Before that, she served as account supervisor for The Navicor Group. Belknap holds a bachelor's degree from University of Toledo.
Gabrielle Bennett has been named senior copywriter for the Newtown office. Before joining Blue Diesel, Bennett served as copywriter for Golden Proportions Marketing. She holds a bachelor's degree from Temple University.
Joel Gerber has been named vice president, technology and joins the Columbus office. Previously, he served as senior vice president, product development for SMobile Systems. Before that, Gerber worked for Sterling Commerce as vice president, software development. He holds a bachelor's degree from Grove City College.
# # #
Blue Diesel Welcomes New Staff
May 23, 2008
Blue Diesel powers up with seven new associates.
![]()
Charles DiSantis has been named interactive designer. Previously, DiSantis served as art director for Winning Edge Communications and Princeton Communications Group. DiSantis holds a bachelor's degree from Philadelphia University.
Jessie Katzbech has been named account coordinator. Prior to Blue Diesel, Katzbech served as artist management assistant for Media Five Entertainment. She earned a bachelor's degree from Elizabethtown College.
Joseph Merlo has been named account coordinator. Merlo served as analyst and enrollments coordinator for Bloom Marketing. He holds a bachelor's degree from Purdue University.
Dan Nartker has been named interactive designer. Before joining Blue Diesel, Nartker served as multimedia design co-op for The Williams McBride Group. Nartker holds a bachelor's degree from University of Cincinnati.
Meredith Nelson has been named account manager. Previously, she served as client service manager for ECNext and program manager for America Online. Nelson holds a bachelor's degree from Capital University.
Lynn Paolicelli has been named account director. Before joining Blue Diesel, she served as account director for HealthBanks and was later named vice president, client services. Paolicelli earned a bachelor's degree from Thomas More College.
Cynthia Ritter has been named senior interactive designer. Prior to Blue Diesel, Ritter served as art director for Clary Communications. Before that, she worked for Effective Design Studios as a senior designer. Ritter holds a bachelor's degree from Parsons School of Design.
# # #
inVentiv Health Company Earns Manny Award
April 18, 2008
Another prestigious industry award - it's good to be Blue Diesel.
![]()
Blue Diesel won Best Patient Website for ShareYourPain.com. Developed for Cephalon, the site was designed to create a conversation between physicians and patients on the topic of breakthrough pain and to build awareness of Cephalon as a leading pain franchise. ShareYourPain.com uses community, emotion, and viral communication to engage patients.
"Winning this award is a thrill," said Kelly Gratz, President of Blue Diesel. "Our vision for the past year has been to 'Dare Mighty Things' and, thanks to the support and courage of clients like Cephalon, we have realized that vision."
According to Med Ad News, the Best Patient Website award is selected by industry creative directors who vote via a website gallery of submissions from various healthcare agencies.
This is the first year Blue Diesel has been nominated for a Manny Award.
# # #
inVentiv Health Announces Kelly Gratz
April 14, 2008
Kelly Gratz, president of Blue Diesel, rises to the top.
![]()
Each year, the HBA selects women in the healthcare industry who exemplify leadership, drive, team-building, innovation, and work/family balance. In addition, successful nominees are noted to promote growth opportunities for others and serve as role models within their respective companies.
"Kelly is an accomplished and respected leader. As president of Blue Diesel, she has led the agency to become one of the top providers of interactive marketing solutions to the healthcare industry," said Paul Mignon, president of inVentiv Selling Solutions. "She spearheaded an innovative approach to closed-loop marketing and has driven collaboration with her inVentiv Health colleagues to create measurable, comprehensive sales solutions for clients."
Ms. Gratz uses her expertise in strategic direction, sales, marketing and operations to benefit Blue Diesel's clients by focusing on delivering superior solutions. Since joining the agency in 2000, she has led initiatives in interactive programs for top pharmaceutical companies, including Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck, Ethicon and Ross Products. Previously, Ms. Gratz served in an executive management position for Symix Systems, a marketer and developer of e-business software. Prior to Symix, she spent over 10 years with Ernst & Young LLP in their management consulting group, working with Fortune 500 companies to improve processes and increase overall efficiencies throughout their organizations.
# # #
Blue Diesel Wins at ADDY Awards
March 24, 2008
Big wins for the big talent at Blue Diesel.
![]()
The ADDY Awards represent the spirit of creative excellence and recognize media forms of all types and sizes. Annually, there are more than 60,000 entries from around the world.
Of Blue Diesel's four silver awards, two were from the Interactive B2B category: OMN Tablet Training and OMN Realtime Videos, both for Ortho-McNeil Neurologics. Additionally, in the Website B2B category, the agency won for TotalLipids.com for Merck and Company. The fourth silver ADDY was awarded for Shareyourpain.org for Cephalon in the Website Consumer Tablet PC Hardware Training category.
# # #








