Michael Nortman

Backstory:

Michael Nortman is a Principal and founding member of Plot Twist Creativity. He is a native of Houston and graduate of Texas A&M University (Whoop!, etc.). Prior to launching Plot Twist, he was at The Richards Group for 11 years and Ogilvy’s headquarters in New York for 4 years.

Going into college, Michael “knew” he wanted to work in advertising but didn’t actually know the various roles. In the summer after his Sophomore year, he was offered an internship at Grey. They had three positions. A word or two in the “Account Service” description caught his attention and sounded like a good fit. The rest is history. Well-documented, accurately billed, exceptionally organized history.

His experience includes CPG brands, automotive, tech, retail, and several charities. He lives in Dallas with his wife Brandi and their two young sons. He’d tell you more about himself, but he’s probably in a client meeting.

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Professional Not-So-Humble Brags:

In 2021 and 2022, Michael was selected as AAF Dallas’ Agency Account Executive of the Year.

For seven years (before COVID), he led a partnership with the Dallas Police Department to host the students of their Youth Outreach Unit. Each Summer, the program introduces a diverse mix of middle school and high school students from in and around Dallas to the advertising industry through a day of seminars, panel discussions, tours, and a hands-on activity.

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Interesting Cocktail Party Tidbits:

Enjoys spending time outdoors, but with a twist: He has completed both the Spartan Trifecta and Ragnar Texas Two Step.

Was an extra in a Super Bowl ad (H-E-B’s ad that ran in 2018).

Considers himself a foodie, but what he really means is just that he really loves food. A colleague once commented “I wish my husband would look at me the way you look at a menu.”

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Best plot twist (so far):

Having both grown up in Texas, Michael and his wife wanted to experience a different part of the country. They ended up moving to New York City, where they spent four whirlwind years. While they are glad to be raising their family back in Texas, he can tell you where in Dallas to find the best New York-style pizza and can still hail a cab like a pro, a skill he rarely uses.

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