© Copyright 2016 Freedman & Associates Inc. All rights reserved

 
 

We Create

Opportunities

Where None Existed Before

 

Marketing.

Public Relations.

Business Development.

Social Media.

Promotions.

Sponsorship.

 
Connect with us to learn more about what we can do for you.
 
Work with us
 
 
 
 

About Us

 
 

Freedman & Associates Inc. has delivered highly-effective marketing and public relations services for more than 30 years. From large to mid-sized organizations, franchises, entrepreneurs and artists, we partner with clients of all types to develop and execute targeted strategies to realize your goals.

Our team is comprised of senior-level specialists: marketing strategists, writers, designers, social media strategists, web developers, photographers and translators. You never get just one of our experts. Our collaborative work approach gives you access to our full roster to meet your needs, on time and on budget. 

At Freedman & Associates, we believe cultivating lasting relationships is as important as the work we do. We take pride in our work and approach your project as if it were for our own business. We are passionate and commit ourselves to helping clients successfully execute against key marketing and communications objectives.

 
 
 

Our People

 
 
 
 

Mary Ann Freedman

Founder & Chief Marketer

Mary Ann Freedman is a highly respected marketer with a notable reputation for delivering sustainable results in a variety of sectors including professional services, technology and home and health care services. 

She has established herself as a credible expert on the changing demographics of seniors and its impact on Canada’s home and health care services. Mary Ann has passionately provided more than 20 years of strategic marketing counsel to organizations targeting the 50+ consumer segment. 

Mary Ann is also a leader in marketing professional services in Canada. Recognized as one of the first professional marketers to apply strategic marketing approaches to the legal and accounting firms.

Prior to starting Freedman & Associates in 1985, Mary Ann held influential sales and marketing management positions with Bell Canada, Metroland Printing & Publishing and Thorne Riddell (now KPMG), where she established the firm’s first marketing department.

A native of Saint John, NB, Mary Ann's educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Tufts University and additional studies at the University of Southampton (England) and the University of Toronto. When Mary Ann isn’t planning client campaigns, she can be found on the tennis court or, most recently, on the golf course learning to hit her first hole in one.

 
 
 
 

Billy Hitzig

Sponsorship Engagement & Promotions

An imaginative and successful sales executive, Billy spent the early years of his career as a well-respected Canadian clothing manufacturer. The workmanship and styling of his collections garnered him attention from Sporting Life, Nike, Holt Renfrew, The Bay and other from prominent merchandisers.

Billy’s extensive experience has been applied to developing branded clothing and custom merchandise programs for PwC, CPA Ontario and Water Polo Canada. Under his leadership, Freedman Corporate Apparel was selected as the official merchandise supplier for Toronto’s Moose in the City program, which integrated fashion and fundraising to benefit Olympic athletes.

Billy is a four seasons enthusiast. If there is snow, you’ll find him skiing. In the summer, he is on the court playing tennis or on the water boating in Muskoka.

 
 
 
 

Nancy Hitzig

Marketing & Fundraising Associate

Nancy has worked in marketing, public relations, fundraising and event management for almost ten years. A poised professional with an infectious personality, she established her fundraising and marketing expertise at the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC). Under the leadership of Co-Chairs Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul, Nancy was responsible for managing fundraising initiatives directed at major donors, corporations and foundations. 

Nancy currently lends strategic marketing direction and leads the fundraising portfolio at City of London Sinfonia in London, England. Previously, she was General Manager at Against the Grain Theatre, a Dora Mavor Moore award winning, cutting-edge Canadian theatre collective.

Nancy splits her time between London and Toronto. She has a Masters in International Marketing from HULT International Business School and an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto. Nancy spends her free time pursuing her passion for the arts: she is an international award-winning swing dance instructor and competitor. 

 
 
 
 
 

Our Services

 
 

How can we help you?

We are always looking for new and innovative ways to help our clients outperform the competition. Here’s how we can help you reach your audience in the most efficient and cost effective way.

 
Strategic Marketing
Digital Marketing & Social Media
Content Generation
Branding
Public Relations
Media Training
Speaking Engagements & Event Management
Business Development Training
Sponsorship Engagement
 
 
 
 
 

Client Stories

 
 

The following are actual examples from clients Freedman & Associates Inc. has served over the years.  They reflect a variety of ways in which firms have used our services.  Specific names have been omitted in the interest of client confidentiality.

 
Opportunity

Freedman & Associates was asked to present ideas for a memorable business event that would attract and help build relationships with senior level client executives. Understanding the organization’s goals, we explored and presented several options to interest and entice the guests to attend an exclusive ‘by invitation only’ evening. We orchestrated a private performance by an up-and-coming Canadian musician to demonstrate the forward-thinking attributes of the client.

Results

100 senior executives and their guests enjoyed a spectacular evening with jazz performer Diana Krall, who went on to become a Grammy award winner. A number of new business relationships were initiated which resulted in new consulting assignments.

Building Relationships:
A Special Evening with Diana Krall

Opportunity

The National Business Book Award is Canada's most prestigious business literary award. For over 30 years Freedman & Associates has managed and refreshed the Award with a focus on relationship and profile building for the sponsors, PwC Canada and BMO Financial Group. Freedman & Associates acts as an extension of the client sponsorship teams, managing the program from start to finish, overseeing the nomination process, managing relationships with the jury and sponsors and creating innovative communications including social media and media relations.  

Results

The award has grown in stature and has become a ‘not to be missed’ annual business event that brings together business leaders, clients, publishers and the media to celebrate great business writing. There are numerous national news stories throughout the media campaign together with a social media campaign that has doubled the number of followers year over year.

Curating the Conversation on Business Writing

Opportunity

When a new CEO was selected to lead an international organization, Freedman & Associates proposed an innovative multi-level campaign to introduce the new leader to C-suite executives and influencers. Deploying an integrated public relations strategy, the focus was on raising the leader’s professional profile, establishing credibility and building new relationships, Freedman & Associates coordinated one-on-one meetings, connected with notable business media and identified and secured speaking engagements.

Results

The CEO quickly became known in the Canadian business community as a credible thought leader.  

Shining the Spotlight on a New Leader

Opportunity

The trio was about to launch its first CD and realized the importance of publicity to help kick-start CD sales. Freedman & Associates worked with them to create and launch event that included media who cover the music scene. A communications plan was created to target specific media and radio stations to promote the new band and its new album.

Results

The band was played on local and national radio. They were interviewed on SiriusXM radio and CHCH News, The Hamilton Spectator, and featured in many online outlets. 

A New Folk/Rock Group 

Opportunity

A law firm with a solid track record and an established client base was finding it increasingly difficult to stand out in the crowded marketplace. Freedman & Associates was engaged to market the firm’s personal injury law expertise to new and emerging markets. Freedman & Associates led the firm in a new direction by creating a profile-building and educational program in both consumer and trade media.

Results

With a focused roadmap, the firm is making inroads into this highly competitive area of law and demonstrating its leadership position. 

Helping Lawyers Beat the Competition

 
 
 
 

What Clients Are Saying

 
 
‘Wealth of experience'

“Mary Ann did an incredible job coaching a litigator at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt, LLP on her presence, and presentation skills which dramatically impacted her effectiveness in every context of her professional life from presenting, advocating in court and selling work. She was thoughtful and strategic and brought a very innovative approach to the work. I would recommend her to anyone, for her years and wealth of experience, but more so – for her very special touch. She just knew exactly how to work collaboratively with her client to help her solve her problem; efficiently.”

Jodi Kovitz LLB, CEO AceTech Ontario, previously Director of Client Development & Growth Initiatives at Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP.

 
‘One of the best’ 

“I've worked with Freedman & Associates on some of my most important projects and for clients. When it comes to marketing and PR for lawyers, professionals and B2B, Mary Ann is one of the best and most seasoned experts around. When the opportunity arises, Mary Ann is my first call.”

Ross Hendin, Business Executive

 
‘Ideal strategic partner’

“When I first worked with Mary Ann, I saw that she took the time to truly understand the nature and goals of our program in order to find the ideal strategic partners for us. She is always a step ahead, anticipating challenges, finding other angles and approaches, and she consistently keeps things moving forward. I appreciate and value the energy and enthusiasm Mary Ann brings to every project and task!”

Michelle Jursa, The Caldwell Partners

 
‘A member of our team’

“It is always a pleasure working with [Freedman & Associates]. Your experience and sense of humour are invaluable. It is a great comfort to work so closely with you and rely on you as I would a member of our own team.”

International Accounting Firm