About Us
It's not really about us, it's about you. Specifically it's about making your products, services, and company more successful. Our dedicated team has the expertise and talent to help make that happen.
Applebaum Associates was founded in 1982 by Lila Applebaum when this visionary marketing consultant recognized the need for a specialized focus in developing marketing identities. Lila had gained invaluable experience at Lefkowith Inc., a large corporate communications firm based in New York City, and decided to strike out on her own. Applebaum Associates developed into a tightly knit group of smart, dedicated professionals who work together as a team on every project. This successful formula is still employed today.
Lynn Haviland — President
Lynn Haviland joined Applebaum Associates as Vice President and took over active leadership of the company in 1997. A Smith College graduate, Lynn has a background in neuropsychology and marketing, with language studies in Italian, French, and Latin. She is a recognized expert in the field of brand identity and name development, and takes an active role in both strategic and creative work at Applebaum. Lynn enthusiastically continues the Applebaum tradition of building lasting client relationships by meeting the specific needs of each project with a steadfast commitment to excellence.
Dirk Kammerzell — Creative Director
Educated in visual communication in Mainz, Germany, Dirk began his design career at Pentagram in London working on projects for Deutsche Telekom and Swatch. He then joined Interbrand to work on branding efforts for British Airways, Barclays, IBM, and GM Opel. After a stint in Melbourne to start up Interbrand's Australian creative offering, Dirk moved to New York in 2002 to work with the Arnell Group on major branding initiatives. Dirk lectures in brand identity at the School of Visual Arts and Parsons The New School for Design in New York. His work has been featured in many publications and won numerous awards around the globe.
Matt Haviland — Project Director
In addition to his 20+ years at Applebaum, Matt Haviland has extensive experience in marketing and branding both in the consumer and pharmaceutical sectors, including work as a copywriter at several major New York advertising agencies and Med Ed firms. His unique range of talents and experience — a degree in music composition, studies in Spanish, an ear for language, an eye for detail, and a mind for strategy — have added immeasurably to our team. Matt’s skills and enthusiasm have helped shape Applebaum into the company it is today.
Madeline Guven — Project Manager
Madeline Guven joined Applebaum Associates in 1999. She has a degree in graphic design from Pratt Institute, complemented by language studies in Turkish and Spanish. Madeline brings to Applebaum her experience working as a graphic designer on a range of corporate and brand identity programs for several New York corporate communications firms. She is equally comfortable in the world of words, using her creative insight and esthetic sense to develop memorable marketing identities.
Vicky Forster — Branding Associate
Vicky Forster has been with Applebaum since 2000, and continues to impress with her flair for language and unique perspectives. Her undergraduate work at Wesleyan University included language studies in French, and she went on to receive an MSW from New York University. Vicky brings intellect, enthusiasm, creativity, and psychological insight to bear on each project.
Holly Caster — Branding Associate
Holly Caster has been with Applebaum since 2007. Her background as a professional writer and journalist provide her with the skills to find creative solutions to communication challenges, while her keen eye helps refine the deliverables for each project. Holly has become an invaluable addition to Applebaum, continually taking on new responsibilities across all aspects of project development and execution.