ABOUT ME
I find what's really going on – then build the plan to fix it.
I'm Nick Wilkas, a brand and growth strategist with 8+ years across agency, in-house, and independent consulting. I'm at my best when a business has a problem that looks like one thing on the surface (a creative problem, a media problem, a messaging problem) and turns out to be something else underneath.
From there, I build the strategy, bring the people along, and stay in it until the work ships and the results show up.
How I Got Here
Greenhouse Partners | Strategy Associate (2018–2020)
My start in strategy. I co-managed a multi-million dollar integrated campaign for the University of Colorado System, from the perception research through brand refresh, campaign visuals, and print and out-of-home placements. I also led web and reporting work for RMB Capital, a financial services client.
OneTen Creative / DISH Network | Account Executive (2021–2022)
The sole account and project manager supporting Sling TV. I ran 500+ deliverables a week, led teams of up to 60 people across strategy, creative, media, and analytics, and found the production bottleneck behind the brand's first profitable quarter.
Recreation RSA | Brand Manager (2022–2023)
Led Insightec's biggest business opportunity to date: a full rebrand, website refresh, sales collateral, event materials, and hospital and clinical placements, delivered on a launch clock measured in weeks.
Wilkas Brand Advisory | Founder (2020–present)
Independent brand and growth consulting for clients who need senior strategic thinking without the overhead of a full agency team.
How I Work
Problem first, solution second. The most expensive mistake in marketing is solving the wrong problem well. I start by figuring out what's actually happening and why.
Strategy that survives contact with reality. I've been the person responsible for the timeline, the team, and the delivery. That keeps my strategies grounded in what can actually be built, by whom, and by when.
Clear communication, early and often. Clients and teams shouldn't have to guess where things stand. I over-communicate decisions, trade-offs, and next steps so people can move with confidence.
Own the outcome. I'd rather be accountable for results than for deliverables.
Outside of Work
I'm happiest outside: running, hiking, skiing, and climbing around Colorado. I'm also drawn to CPG and outdoor brands, where the product, the people, and the lifestyle are all part of the story.
Let's Talk
Whether you're hiring for a strategy or brand role, or you have a problem that needs a fresh set of eyes, I'd like to hear about it.