Ben Ward

Freelance copywriter, copyeditor, brand consultant

Marketing / Advertising / Public Relations

Sacramento, Sacramento

Services offered

Passionate and experienced communicator with a strong background in writing, digital content strategy, and community engagement. Proven success in developing messaging that aligns with organizational values, managing media relations, and driving impactful storytelling. Committed to social justice and advocacy through clear, compelling communications. Adept at crafting persuasive narratives, managing social media presence, and executing strategic communications campaigns.

Copywriter

Brand consultant

Communications director

Copyeditor

Quality assurance director

Approximate rate: USD$ 35 per hour

Experience

Consultant/Freelancer

Various | Santa Cruz, CA | Sacramento, CA | various locations January 2018-Present

Process, branding, and communications strategy for multiple clients including Buena Vista Brewing, Hillside Brewing, Hidden Hills Brewing, Sterling Financial, Idol Beer Works, and more.
Freelance copywriting, editing, and graphic design services for various clients, and also through gig-work-style websites like Fiverr and Upwork.
Provided guidance for branding decisions, naming strategies, copyediting, business structuring, equipment appraisal, brewing quality assurance, design and layout of public and production spaces.

Owner/Managing Partner & Communications Director

The Slough Brewing Collective | Watsonville, CA March 2020-August 2023

Led all internal and external communications, including business plans, onboarding materials, SOPs, training manuals, social media, newsletters, website copy, and public relations efforts.
Managed media outreach, wrote press releases, and developed messaging for community engagement. Coordinated with local news outlets and participated in interviews.
Oversaw brand language and visual identity, coordinating over 50 label designs and marketing materials. Personally designed our website, several labels, and dozens of social media posts.
Increased social media following from 600 to 6,600 through strategic content creation and engagement. Stayed on the cutting edge of new methods, strategies, and outlets for marketing.
Organized and promoted community events, collaborating with local non-profits and advocacy organizations. Advocated for equality, inclusion, and reform within the industry and our community.

Head Brewer

The Slough Brewing | Watsonville, CA March 2020 - September 2024

Fruition Brewing | Watsonville, CA May 2019 - April 2021

Brewery Twenty-Five | Hollister, CA January 2019 - January 2020

Humble Sea Brewing | Santa Cruz, CA January 2016 - January 2018

Created internal communication materials, including SOPs, Quality Assurance Plans, safety and training guidelines, and compliance documents. Maintained meticulous records and inventories. Advised and developed branding, including design, copywriting, and product naming strategies.

Quality Assurance Director

Bottleneck Solutions | Santa Cruz, CA January 2018 - January 2019

Created internal and external communication materials, including onboarding materials, SOPs, Quality Assurance Plans, safety and training guidelines, and compliance documents.
Developed and implemented communication strategies for quality assurance initiatives, which involved communicating complex ideas to employees and clients located throughout the country.
Led teams in Santa Cruz, CA, and North Judson, IN, ensuring consistency in messaging, production, and branding. This involved clear, organized, and concise, yet informative communication methods.

Communications Manager & Events Coordinator

Seven Bridges Cooperative Brewing Supply | Santa Cruz, CA April 2015 - January 2017

Managed and maintained the cooperative’s website and online store.
Developed and distributed weekly newsletters, increasing member engagement.
Wrote and optimized content for search visibility and audience growth.
Designed and executed social media and email marketing campaigns.
Planned public workshops and advocacy events, coordinating logistics and outreach.

General Manager & Marketing Director

Companion Bakeshop | Santa Cruz, CA March 2013 - August 2016

Designed and maintained the company’s website and social media platforms.
Created digital and print advertising, newsletters, and brand merchandise.
Managed wholesale accounts and community engagement programs.

Owner/ Creator/ Designer

Effigy Brewing | Santa Cruz, CA 2015 - 2022

Created the logo, branding, and design language for my personal brewing project.
Designed and maintained the website, including the writing section and press releases.
Maintained the brand’s social media presence with photography, design, and copywriting.
Collaborated with a dozen regional breweries and coordinated events for releases.
Planned and coordinated an annual event showcasing local food, music, and local collaborations.
Featured in brewing magazine articles and local news write-ups.