Click below for some examples of the GFS Design Group's key members artistic endeavors.
Rather than just minimize our carbon foot-print, and make the effort, we've taken it one step further.
Our space is a live/work hybrid here in Peekskill NY. The Peekskill Art Lofts is a collective of artists whose lofts double as their homes. Zoned both residential and commercial, the project is an effort to gentrify a neglected region of the city. And the results are evident.
Since 2002, the project's 3 buildings, home to some 28 professional artists, have become an integral part of the revitalization of Peekskill. A myriad of artists now call Peekskill home, and their clients, colleagues and family visit frequently to enjoy the many eateries on restaurant row, variations of music and coffee at the Peekskill Coffee house, and engage in the endless outdoor possibilities of the Hudson River, Blue Mountain park, and environs.
Closer to the Peekskill Art Lofts, you'll find a different breed of artist. Read their respective stories, and see how they bring decades of experience to GFS Design Group, each with their unique approach to the client/services relationship.
Glenn F. Smith | Principal
Founder & Managing Partner
Core Focus: Website Design & Development
Glenn Started GFS Design Group back in 1995 as GFS Graphics. As the internet evolved, so did our name and our services. Today he excels at delivering strategic design of internet destinations including conventional websites, database driven websites, social media, mobile marketing, viral web content, and more.
Prior to launching GFS, Glenn was VP of a large Advertising Agency in New York where, as VP of computer graphics he led major new business initiatives and was instrumental in building a strong organizational focus on internet based technology applications.
After spending 5 years on the Agency side of adverting, Glenn spent 5 more on the client side in the Marketing Services department. He simultaneously delivered graphic design services for global brands, while pitching, developing, and executing promotional marketing campaigns as Creative Director of Lead Dog Marketing. The over-achieving period allowed Glenn to work with Icon brands, and celebrities in the Sports & Entertainment sectors.
Glenn Holds a Fine Arts Degree, and is a life-long student of art. His education on technology has, and continues to be completely hands on. His mastery of coding languages and internet technologies is never-ending, and that's a good thing.
When not working on your business, Glenn can be found exploring the natural world. He Kayaks the Hudson Valley, hikes it's peaks and valleys, and lives outdoors. His appreciation for technology is equally matched to his love of unplugging from the matrix, and experiencing life.
Thom pernice| Inhouse video.
Established InHouseVideo in 1988
Core Focus: Commercial Video Production
Thom Pernice is an award winning videographer who has been creating compelling video segments for corporate clients ranging from Pepsi to IBM to Save the Children, he's got the personal wherewithal to go deep, and cut a spot or a documentary that could tug at the heart strings of Ebenezer Scrooge. If you need to make an impact, and the medium is video, Thom is our conduit to a network of video professionals who deliver professional results, every time. Click here to see his demo reel, read the entire client list, or just shoot him an email, about your next shoot. ESPN keeps him on speed dial, and his weekly college football piece garners audiences in the tens of thousands. We like to think of Thom as a cross between Alan Fundt, and Quentin Tarantino.
Neal Spitzer | Graphic Design & Copywriting
Core Focus: Copywriting
Dedicated to the advancement of your project's success, Neal Spitzer is the resident technical writer for GFS Design Group.
Having Neal next door means instant access to a professional writer whose clients have included New York City Board of Education and EDB 4tel, a multinational telecom company in Oslo, Norway. Neal's ability to transform intricate technical operations into easy to follow everyday language shrinks the time it takes to get everyone up-to-speed, producing greater efficiencies for the client.
Neal, who holds two Masters Degrees, was a Quark Authorized Training Consultant, and has been an adjunct professor at City College, City University of New York, as well as an instructor at the Pratt School of Professional Studies.
Neal’s artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally. When not in his studio or creating compelling copy for the GFS Design Group, Neal is out being awed by our natural world. Neal has hiked all over the globe, and as a member of the Sierra Club, The Nature Conservancy, the Appalachian Mountain Club, the Adirondack Mountain Club, and the NY-NJ Trail Conference, Neal gives back, generously, so that future generations can enjoy the beauty of our world.
.
KERRY MEEHAN | Director of Animation
Core Focus: 3D Animation
Kerry Meehan's ability to morph a vision into a design, and then grow it into a 3D rendering is nothing short of amazing. The value of picture doing the work of a thousand words is obvious, the value of animating that picture exponentially increases the ROI.
Kerry is an enduring student and teacher of 3D animation. His knowledge of animation software includes Maya, 3D Studio Max, Lightwave, Electric Image, Modo202, Zbrush, Poser, Silo and Carrara to name a few. Why so many? Because our custom solutions to your projects needs require the right tool for the job. This includes creating a digital prototype of a clients product, rendering an architects design from a flat blue-print into a 3D model, or developing a Flash based animation to deliver an online breakdown of complicated machinery.
Kerry's other credits include giving back from an educational standpoint by educating students on the finer points of Carrara at the local branch of Westchester Community College for the past 8 years.
When he's not bringing client concepts to life, Kerry can be found running with the same fervor he brings to his work here at the GFS Design Group.
Click Here to Learn More
Robert LEung | Creative Director
Core Focus: Branding & Identity
Robert brings a wealth of commercial advertising experience to GFS Design Group. He's grown brands like Centrum, Centrum Silver, and Caltrate over the course of 15 years, all while having his ideas and concepts challenged by competing agencies. For clients to spend that kind of time with one creative agency, speaks volumes about Robert's advertising passion.
Before joining GFS, Robert worked at small and large Advertising agencies including Grey Advertising, Campbell-Mithune Esty, and McCaffrey & McCall. During this period he created over 150 commercials, ad campaigns and integrated marketing communications. Clients ranged from pharmaceutical to fitness, from automotive to floor cleaners. There's no creative challenge Roberts not up for, and his broad experience across a wide array of marketing challenges translates into a healthy understanding of people - a skill that brings immediate success to your business.
In addition to being an accomplished artist, he also holds a Degree in Industrial Design. He's taught art and understands the emotional connection people get from interacting with advertising.
Look for him in the woods. He's into Kayaking, hiking, and theater. If you haven't enjoyed a good sunset - your missing a great performance.
