A unique mixture of right- and left-brain thinking brings creative strategist Joe Bergner to O’Connor Connective as a Brand Consultant. With a background in both design and brand development, including founder and head of creative at a local ad agency for more than 20 years, Bergner’s experience in all aspects of the creative process has resulted in award-winning work for top local, regional and national brands.
“Joe has been a kindred spirit of mine since we first engaged in branded storytelling in 2002,” said Bridget O’Connor, founder and owner of O’Connor Connective. “The depth and breadth of his knowledge continues our mission of communicating the essence of organizations to their key audiences. We’re so thrilled to have him as a consultant on our team helping guide clients to success.”
One of the collaborative projects O’Connor and Bergner are most proud of is the brand and campaign materials for the $100 million Full Ahead Campaign at St. Norbert College. More recently, they helped create an award-winning brand awareness campaign for Cotter Funeral Homes & Crematory.
Bergner brings his brand and design expertise to O’Connor Connective’s growing list of clients. From big-picture positioning to the smallest detail, he will continue to ensure the clients’ unique brand and strategic goals shine in every project.
He previously partnered with O’Connor Connective as a freelance designer since 2016. He was a key team member in the work that O’Connor Connective provides for ThedaCare, the ThedaCare Family of Foundations, Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity, the Greater Green Bay Convention & Visitors Bureau, and TechDen — recently named the most innovative company in Madison, Wisconsin.
“Whether it’s art direction for video productions, visualizing the essence of an organization’s story for web and print, or helping guide a team’s thinking on brand definition, Joe has done it,” O’Connor said. “And he brings a steady and collaborative spirit to every partnership and project.”
His philanthropic endeavors include serving on boards and committees such as the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Green Bay, CP, and Fox River Ad Club, and being an avid volunteer and leader for his church and his children’s schools. Bergner also has a passion for helping faith-based entities through his independent company Spread.
He graduated magna cum laude from St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in graphic communications.