Sumer Friedrichs

When I was 5 I saw a TV commercial for Enjoli perfume.  I was curious about this beautiful woman who was singing about bringing home the bacon and then frying it up in a pan.  What did that mean? What did perfume have to do with bacon? So many questions. I didn't really care, I wanted to be behind what created this. By the time I had joined GTB (formally Team Detroit) as Executive Producer in 2007 and transitioned into SVP Director of Integrated Production less than 9 years later, i had nearly 20 years of production experience under my belt.

While at GTB, I've led some of Ford’s breakthrough campaigns on both the national & global front for broadcast and social channels. I facilitated Ford's first Facebook campaign “Explorers Live” and first episodic adventure “Escape my Life”.
Overseeing the Ford Motor Company business for the US, I've managed over 25 producers including the National Retail work.

Prior to my time at GTB I spent 7 years at Campbell-Ewald, producing award-winning campaigns for Chevrolet, Navy, and Farmers Insurance. 

As Chief Production Officer at We Are Unlimited, I was able to oversee both external and internal production across all mediums. Recognizing UNTLD’s production department needs, I was able to introduce a new workflow and build an internal in-house social studio team that leverages today’s modern production requirements.

Before cutting my teeth (or dare I say grinding them), in advertising, I was inspired by a documentary crew who shadowed me filming a cultural piece.  It inspired me, it fit my speed, and it was my first real taste of how the craft can be used for impact. The next thing I knew, while dating my college husband of  95 years, I was producing the weekend sports shows for our alma mater, Michigan State University, for an ABC affiliate.  This led me into production for ESPN for 4 years. Later, I crossed over into commercial production & loved working with my comrades at LA-based production house, Bandito Brothers. GTB approached me in 2007, and it was time to return to agency life.

Currenlty leading Nissan USA, which has be able to lead and manage projects such as Heisman House, NCAA and all the vehicle launches.

Where I feel more at home is honestly TBD.  I believe it's about the people first and the work you love that follows. One thing I do know is that I don't need an 8 hour perfume to make me a 24 hour woman. I reside in Detroit with my collegiate coach hubby & two sweet boys, Torin & Cayde.  In my spare time, I find peace running, watching sports or old British mysteries, promoting peace in the Middle East, and making dinner for anyone who wants to come over.

Come over!    ~ S

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jA4DR4vEgrs

https://vimeo.com/ondemand/talesfromarabdetroit