PEOPLE

John Zoppi

Managing Partner

With John's extensive experience in interactive design, he has amazing leadership abilities in process efficiency and web usability. His experience in video production, advertising and simulation-based training provide the perfect background for building web-based brand experiences. John serves as managing partner of Method Engine and leads the charge in business development.

Hidden Talent
John recently completed an action-adventure screenplay, which has drawn the attention of several Hollywood studios

Primary distraction
Toddler twins who share an interest in noise-making objects

Most surreal moment
While working on the Oprah show, John once had to entertain Alan Hale Jr (a.k.a the "Skipper" from Gilligan's Island) and the talk show host's dog in the waiting room before the show

Ed Schweitzer

Creative Director

A cross-media creative director, branding expert and design evangelist, Edward leads a multi-disciplinary team whose mission is to develop world-class programs, tools and online experiences which support relationships, foster better communication, advance collaboration and build commitment. With over 25 years of experience in the communications industry, Edward has served in leadership roles for numerous internationally recognized agencies. Edward is proud to have worked with the following clients: The American Red Cross, AT&T, Charlie Trotter's, FLOR, Interactive Data/United Kingdom, Land of Nod, The Museum of Science and Industry, Shedd Aquarium, Novartis, Pfizer, Schering-Plough and SunAmerica, AIG. Edward completed a B.F.A. in Visual Communications with honors from Northern Illinois University.

Explorations
An avid explorer and cultural anthropologist wannabe, Edward has traveled to Turkey, Russia, Kenya, Uganda, Greece, Scandinavia, Argentina, Patagonia, and the Galapagos Islands. Next up - Antartica.

Non-digital hobby
A diving instructor and enthusiast, Edward teaches all levels of SCUBA from beginner to advanced technical. With over 5000 logged dives Edward has dove all the world oceans. His favorite moment - a mother humpback and her calf swimming 30 feet directly overhead.

Most proud of
The moments spent with his wife and two boys. The first keeps him grounded in reality while the third and fourth keep him grounded on the floor.

Patrick Kelly

Partner; Senior Account Director

Patrick is the partner responsible for strategic planning, account management and market research at Method Engine. Before joining Method Engine, Patrick held leadership positions at Chicago-based advertising agencies and marketing firms. With his broad marketing background and experience developing interactive-specific strategies, Patrick helps numerous consumer and B-to-B clients develop and execute strategies for growth. His focus on research and strategy allows him to support Method Engine's clients, ensuring that interactive solutions support key business and marketing goals.

Best known for
Media trend-watching and a knack for spotting consumer behavior

Guilty pleasure
Building kit robots to perform mundane household chores

Favorite quote
"We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard, because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win..."
John F. Kennedy

Richard Alvarez

Technology Strategist

Richard is an evangelist for design and development, and his background in writing, interactive development, and teaching are equally served in projects at Method Engine. Since 1991, he's been involved in all phases of interactive, from front-end authoring, to back-end dynamic scripting and site architecture. Richard's award-winning development with Flash led to his first book published by New Riders, Generator/Flash Web Development: Workflow Process From Planning to Production. Richard serves on the New Media Faculty at the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University.

Little-known fact
Richard has run three marathons, all the while reciting his mantra, "Beat Oprah's time!"

Non-digital hobby
Richard runs an impressive two-rail O-gauge model train in his basement.

Biggest dream
One day, Richard will celebrate a Chicago Cubs World Championship!