stokes creative group, inc. celebrates 35 years

By: nicole pace-addeo, m.a.

When you follow the encouragement and trusted advice of the late Bob Briant, Sr. and many UTCA members, great things are bound to happen. This is exactly how Joanne Stokes first started out in construction photography in 1985 and transformed her company into the multimillion-dollar full-service marketing agency it is today. What first began as JMS Visual Communications has grown into Stokes Creative Group, Inc. (Stokes), a full-service marketing agency which specializes in a wide range of multimedia solutions for the transportation and construction industries.

Stokes is a certified WBE/DBE/SBE/WBENC agency throughout the East Coast with four locations in NJ, NY, MD, and FL. Working in two divisions – Public Outreach and Marketing Services – Stokes’ 30+ employees are experts in their fields, delivering quality service to every client. Stokes’ services range from video productions, web design, photography, and collateral materials to communications plans for complex companies and projects. Over the past 35 years, Joanne and her team have formed long-lasting partnerships with countless industry leaders on transportation projects of all sizes, from the massive construction of the New NY Bridge to 10-month Local Concept Development studies and everything in between.

The Stokes team is leading the way in new technologies and in

novative solutions; keeping with the latest trends, the production department is producing impactful time-lapse videos to show the transformation of project sites in the blink of an eye. Additionally, with two certified drone pilots on staff, Stokes uses drone photo and video footage in promotional and historical videos to help their clients create captivating stories that stand out from their competitors. The Stokes team also integrates these stories and messages for clients through social media and email marketing. With these methods of communication always changing, clients can rely on Stokes’ expertise to assist them with marketing their projects or businesses using these popular tools. Helping clients enhance their image and positive reputation – whether through websites, flyers, branding, or infographics – is a key component of their client-first approach. Creating a captivating PowerPoint or Prezi presentation can be a daunting task for some, but Stokes has graphic artists who work with clients in developing dynamic presentations so the client will look and sound their best when communicating complex information, demonstrating their leadership in their industry.

Stokes has been honored to work with several outstanding firms, including providing D’Annunzio with website enhancements, a corporate stationery package, promotional videography and photography, and event coverage. For Waters & Bugbee, Stokes delivered advertisements and marketing, email blasts, logo animations, photography, and trade show signage. Working with IEW Construction, Stokes was able to refresh their corporate stationery package and branding.

The talented Stokes team members work with clients to see the big picture and help communicate messages with clarity. Bottom line: they solve problems, create attractive promotional products for leaders to showcase their companies and projects, and have a commitment to quality that has propelled Stokes for the past 35 years.

Stokes has built success upon a variety of remarkable multimedia services. Justin Williams, a recent University of Delaware graduate with a B.S. in Human Services Administration and Policy Studies, serves as the Business Development Manager for the thriving marketing services division. For starters, the Stokes video department has produced numerous award-winning documentaries as well as safety and training videos. Stokes Vice President of Technology and certified drone pilot Matthew Touhey leads the production team in his 12th year with the company alongside Producer and 11-year Stokes veteran Stephen Gonski, who was recognized last year with a Gold Telly Award with NJ Transit’s “Move Ahead with Us” short video. Stokes’ experienced video production team continues to stay ahead of the curve by integrating new technologies and delivering awe-inspiring results.

Throughout their 35-year history in business, Stokes has been involved in countless notable projects – many of which are still in progress right now. At Stokes’ Garden State headquarters, the New Jersey Turnpike Authority wrapped up the Interchange 14A Improvement Project in 2018 and started the Interchange 145 Improvement Project with AECOM in 2019. Stokes leads the public involvement efforts on these, as well as the previously completed 6-to-9 Widening Program. In the Big Apple, the NY team has led several outreach programs for big names such as the New NY Bridge (also referred to as The Hudson River Crossing Project and the replacement of the Tappan Zee Bridge) and the Long Island Rail Road Expansion Project, in addition to managing projects for the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission including the Scudder Falls Bridge Replacement Project. In the Maryland office, the Stokes team has been busy supporting the Purple Line Light Rail Construction Project and the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project in VA. Additionally, they’ve done work on the I-270 Corridor Innovative Congestion Management project. Lastly, the sun continues to shine on our Florida team working on projects for Florida’s Turnpike Enterprise, FDOT District 5 [US 301 Project Development and Environment (PD&E) Study], and US 17/92 Improvements.

These exciting projects could never be completed without the hard work of a talented, dedicated staff of employees. Diane Konopka, serving her 31st year with the firm, manages operations, human resources, and personnel. Matthew Touhey leads the video production staff and web programming efforts. Chris Stokes, Creative Director, manages Stokes’ major projects. In 2019 two new leaders joined the team; Barbara Zieger was appointed as General Manager and Chief Financial Officer, and Valerie Burnette Edgar was appointed as Vice President of Public Outreach. Eight-year veteran Qiao Wu now serves as the Director of Public Outreach and leads the growing NY and NJ offices with new business development and technology support. The talented women leading each office’s public outreach include sixyear veteran manager Nicole Pace-Addeo in NJ, Marly Cardona Moz in MD, Mary Ann Rozengard in FL, and Adrienne Zicklin Kanter in NY. There are many other instrumental staff members handling accounting, photography, graphic design, proposal coordination, copywriting, administrative tasks, and much more. The staff is always focused on customer satisfaction and exceeding the goals of their valued clients.

Stokes unique offerings have allowed the company to grow as a team, resulting in continued expansion of services and outstanding quality on each project. Their client-first philosophy has fostered numerous relationships with satisfied clients who return to Stokes time and again. Whether the job entails photos for a small utility job, coordinating media coverage, a company website, or assisting contractors with construction documentation, the Stokes team of experts is always ready to deliver products and services that help tell clients’ stories – today, tomorrow, and into the future. For more information on Stokes’ services, please contact Justin Williams at 844-572-8046 and jwilliams@stokescg.com.