Chris Shugart Bio

Chris Shugart's professional career began shortly after he finished his graphic arts and film studies at UCLA. He would land his first advertising job as the Creative Services Manager for a major music record distributor in Southern California. While there, he created newspaper ads, radio spots, and in-store promotion for dozens of store locations throughout California. Later on, Chris was the Traffic Manager for a North Hollywood ad agency serving high tech clients, and Assistant Ad Manager for a manufacturer and national distributor for the cosmetics industry.

Shugart took on the reins of entrepreneurship by starting his own marketing and advertising company, in Burbank, California. The company provided a niche service to small businesses looking for cost effective advertising. Chris created direct mail and collateral material from concept to finished product, all produced in a full-service in-house facility.

Chris’ career took a new turn when he teamed up with his dad, Al Shugart, founder and CEO of Seagate Technology. Chris provided marketing and advertising support for some of Al’s entrepreneurial projects collectively known as Pebble Beach Ventures, including Monterey Airplane Co. and Monterey Information Technology. Chris also helped establish, promote and run Carmel Bay Publishing, directing the entire design and production line for all of their publications.

Chris was thrust into the world of political activism when Al Shugart decided to run his dog Ernest for Congress. Chris was appointed Campaign Director responsible for promotion and publicity. Organized to generate more interest in the political process, the Ernest campaign was followed by California Proposition 23, the “None of the Above Voter Initiative.”

When Al Shugart left Seagate, he started Al Shugart International, a venture capital group that also provided marketing and PR support for tech companies throughout the Silicon Valley. Chris designed and produced their promo material and designed and launched their official website. Chris was also retained as a consultant for ASI, providing marketing and public relations support for ASI clients—an eclectic variety of emerging technology start-ups.

Chris' most recent work has reflected the important role that technology has played in marketing and advertising. He's developed online strategies designed to meet the expectatons and demands that the New Media has created.

Over the years, Chris Shugart has built a comprehensive set of marketing communications tools covering an extensive range of industries. "I've been involved in marketing and advertising virtually all of my professional life. My hands-on experience covers just about every facet of strategy, design, and production."