“I've seen firsthand Tony Lee in action in the trenches of our business, and he's one of the best creative minds I've had the pleasure of working with. He is that rare combination of penetrating strategic thinker and highly imaginative craftsman. And, as a creative leader, Tony always makes the work better.”
- Jack Neary, Client Development Director at MacLaren McCann
"When I want big ideas I call the big man, Tony Lee. And by “big” I mean tall. But also, big in ideas as previously mentioned. He also solves big problems. And takes away big headaches. He writes funny scripts too. And heartwarming radio ads. And smart digital stuff. What more can I say? Okay, he’s great to work with. Totally collaborative. Clients love him. Other people love working with him. What are you waiting for? Hire the big man, Tony Lee, for all of your communications needs."
- Peter Ignazi, Chief Creative Officer at Cossette
"Tony’s one of my favourite creative directors in the business for a few reasons. He tells it like it is, he doesn’t pull any punches, he doesn’t micromanage, and he’s incredibly patient. Which is great when you’re lazy like I am. As a leader, he puts a lot of faith in the people he works with and he lets you be you. I like to think of him as a six foot three Yoda, only half as ugly, with good hair. Actually, really good hair. Tony weighs everything before weighing in, he always gives solid feedback and great advice, and he's also a really nice guy. That’s why he’s one of my favourites."
- Sean Atkinson, Freelance Writer, Associate Creative Director
“It is always a pleasure working with Tony Lee. He tackles every project, every brief, every thing with a mix of creativity, thoughtful strategic thinking and a health dose of passion. He's quick, prolific and quickly gains the trust of his peers and clients. Quite simply, Tony is a pro.”
- Ian Mackellar, Chief Creative Officer at Ogilvy Toronto
“Tony is the real deal. He's a top notch creative director with a keen understanding for clients' business problems and how great creative ideas can help solve them. But what really sets him apart is his ability to collaborate across disciplines. If you're lucky enough to work with Tony, you can be assured that he'll always add value at every stage. He challenges lazy thinking and refines the brief before getting started, and then helps ensure only the best ideas see the light of day. I hope we get to work
together again soon.”
- Walker Teele, SVP, Group Account Director at The Martin Agency
"Tony helped us tackle some of the most challenging marketing communications initiatives we undertook and developed advertising solutions that were creative, compelling and strategically sound. He played a significant role in not only developing internationally award-winning campaigns for us, but also helped the ministry gain recognition for its leadership in social marketing with the public sector. Most important, his work contributed to getting the results we were looking for.”
- Yvette Thornley, Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care
"Tony is my go-to for fantastic advertising with incredible results. I HIGHLY recommend him (and his team) if you need to move the needle on any issue or corporate brand initiative. I have retained Tony for many projects - most recently for the Toronto Port Authority and the Billy Bishop Airport. Tony has all the big agency background but is housed in a hyper-creative quick turnaround boutique. Did I mention that I highly recommend him?"
- Mat Wilcox, Wilcox Group
“I originally hired Tony as a dentist and while dealing with a plaque issue, out of his mouth came incredible concept after concept. Packaged goods, automotive, beer, sporting goods. Print, radio, digital, TV, ambient. All categories and all ideas were off the charts. The braces he put on were ultimately a disaster, but the concepts he has provided since then have been great. Tony is a pleasure to work with and I've never been hesitant to put any of the work he's provided for us before a client. Good value,
great thinking, bad dentist.”
- Jim Whitney, President at Crazy Forts
“Tony's great because he thinks in terms of ideas, not ads or copy. And he is one of those rare writers who is not only good at the creative parts of the job, but is equally comfortable discussing the nuances of strategy and managing thorny client relationships. Most of all, he's a lovely guy and a pleasure to work with.”
- Jason Oke, Regional Managing Director (Asia-Pacific) at Red Fuse Communications and Y&R Hong Kong
“Here's what I like about Tony: He blends an unerring sense of strategy with his considerable creative chops. He doesn't just want to do a cool idea. He wants to do a cool idea that sells stuff. And he won't be satisfied until both demands are met. He's also the only Asian connoisseur of rugelach I've ever met. Which is very impressive, in my books."
- David Rosenberg, Partner, Chief Creative Officer at Bensimon Byrne
“Tony is a pro. He's been at this for a long time, so he knows how to get to great ideas, quickly. What's more, the ideas are strategically sound and mature enough to stand up to the rigors of creative testing and account service shenanigans. A true craftsman, he's unfailingly punctual and polite, and is a pleasure to work with.”
- Tony Miller, Executive Creative Director at Anderson DDB
“Tony is one of the best creative directors I have worked with in my career. He is smart, strategic, works well with all walks of life...including me. I would recommend Tony to anyone who wants great ideas and is looking for someone who doesn't mind throwing themselves into a lot of hard work.”
- Kristi Karens, Director of Media and Agency Partnerships at Mondelez International
“I had the pleasure of working alongside Tony, both in the colleague-sense and in the 'one-desk-over' sense for my first three-odd years as a copywriter. When you're new, you know pretty much nothing about anything, Having Tony nearby to serve as an unwitting role model for the craft, diligence, integrity and overall smarts a copywriter needs to bring to bear every day was an invaluable education. He didn't lecture me; he taught me by example and, among other things I am a better writer, a better strategic thinker, and a better presenter because of him. He didn't do this by acting as a mentor, although he certainly was a handy source of advice. He did this holding himself and his craft to a standard that we should all aspire to reach. On a completely personal level, he's also a hell of a guy and someone I am proud to count as a friend.”
- Michael Takasaki, Associate Creative Director at UNION
“Tony is one of those special writers who connects brands with people and makes people want to connect with brands. He has a knack for making the most complicated or dull topic understandable, engaging and fun. And, on top of all this, he’s a good guy to work with and go out for a pint of beer.”
- Larry Tolpin, President and Chief Creative & Innovation Officer at
Paradise Advertising, Digital and Entertainment Group
“Tony is an "idea man". A pleasure to work with and a pro in his ways with a client.
A great asset for any agency.”
- Jim Noble, Writer at Apple
"Although Tony and I have known each other for years I had never worked with him. Recently I had the opportunity to bring him in on a project. He writes brilliantly, is a great conceptualizer, challenges the planners and presents flawlessly. What more could you ask for?"
- Dave Kelso, President & CEO at Kelso Publishing Inc.
“Tony understands how to turn consumer insight into compelling (and often award-winning) creative. He is a highly persuasive communicator that works exceptionally well with agency teams and clients.”
- Marsha Walden, President and CEO at Destination British Columbia
“Great advertising can only be inspired, and Tony is a constant source of inspiration and creative thinking. Despite not working together for the past few years, I still find myself seeking his feedback and advice. In the course of anyone's career there are people whose skills and ethics one would wish to be guided by, and by his thoughts and actions, Tony is such a person for me.”
- Brian MacDonald, Founder/Creative Director/Art Director at Alien Probe