Daniel P. SMith
As college graduation neared, I asked my journalism mentor, decorated Chicago Tribune reporter Robert A. Davis, to pen a letter of recommendation for the high school teaching positions I was chasing. He agreed. The opening line of his letter read:
“I resentfully write this letter on behalf of Daniel Smith. He’s a writer, not a teacher.”
As usual, he was correct.
I began my freelance journalism career in 2000, producing stories for consumer titles such as the Chicago Sun-Times, Windy City Sports, and ELITE. In 2004, I devoted myself fully to the writing life and have been an independent scribe ever since.
My journalistic portfolio now includes more than 4,000 stories for print and digital outlets, including well-known consumer publications (Runner’s World, US Catholic, and Bridal Guide among them) and award-winning B2B titles (QSR, FSR, Philanthropy, JCK, Running Insight, and many more) as well as higher-ed publications published by the likes of Northwestern University, the University of Southern California, and the University of Michigan.
Over time, my work organically expanded to content writing and content marketing, as brands turned to me for various writing, editing, and strategic content needs. At Turn Left Creative, the content marketing consultancy I founded in 2012, I help brands engage their audiences through relevant content executed in their authentic brand voice. Through white papers, letters, and speeches to web content, blogs, podcasts, and social media copy, I assist Fortune 500 companies, universities, international associations, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and even individuals in amplifying their voice and building trust with their audiences. Specialty areas include technology, higher education, sports and entertainment, restaurants and hospitality, retail, healthcare, and real estate.
Finally, I am the author of On the Job: Behind the Stars of the Chicago Police Department (Lake Claremont Press, 2008), while I have also ghostwritten three additional books – two comprehensive business histories and one autobiography.
I have crafted a successful freelance existence since 2000 by embracing some simple professional commandments: respect the audience; honor thy partners; obey deadlines; and get the job done. Whether editorial or content strategy, I make my clients’ lives easier with a commitment to professionalism, collaboration, and responsiveness. Simply put: I am a no-fuss, no-hassle, get-to-the-point workhorse.
Most Memorable Interview
Conducting a conversation with billionaire businessman Sam Zell in his Chicago office as his pet ducks waddled and quacked on the adjacent terrace.
Most Head-Scratching Assignment
Quorum sensing, which is basically how bacteria communicate with one another inside the body. After completing that assignment, I knew I could tackle any other topic I might ever encounter.
Favorite Closing Line to a Story
“Hello, I’m Hope. What’s your name?”
Writing Awards of Note
2015 Eddie Award for UIC Alumni feature on 50 notable moments in UIC history
2013 Tabbie for Pizza Today story on the Affordable Care Act
2010 Azbee for QSR feature on sustainable seafood
2006 Basil Stevens Award
USBC Top Ten Feature Story (2004, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014)
Notable Professional Titles
Senior Writer at Running Insight
Resident Historian at 19nine
Behind the Name Turn Left Creative
A competitive track athlete in high school and then college, the best racing advice I ever received was also the simplest: “Run fast. Turn left.” The same philosophy applies to my professional work. I run like heck until I hit the finish line, albeit with some creative flair.
Degrees of Separation from Kevin Bacon
3. I went to high school in Chicago with actor Michael Patrick Thornton, who acted alongside J.K. Simmons in “Counterpart.” Simmons starred in “Patriots Day” with – you guessed it – Kevin Bacon.
Family
Married to my lovely wife, Tina, since 2003. Two children, Fiona (born 2012) and Gavin (born 2014)
My
5-4-3-2-1
Top 5 Indulgent Foods
Buona Italian Beef
Dino’s Sausage Pizza
Dairy Queen Chocolate Milk Shake
E.L. Fudge Double Stuff Cookies
Portillo’s Chocolate Cake
Top 4 Podcasts
How I Built This
The Lowe Post
Sports Media Podcast
Sincerely, X
Top 3 Books
Travels with Charley
Tuesdays with Morrie
All I Ever Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
Top 2 Movies
“Good Will Hunting”
“Hoosiers”
Best Word in the English Language
“Hustle”