AJ Wendel

Performance Creative Examples

These are the ads that built FIXD’s $2M per month engine. Each piece started with a hypothesis, was measured against KPIs, and was designed to scale through iteration.

The creative mix shown here includes long-form direct response videos, influencer edits, testimonials, and social-first content. Every piece was tested and refined to maximize efficiency and performance.

Long-Form Direct Response - Video Sales Letter (VSL)

The foundation of our system. This ad proved that structured storytelling could scale performance better than production polish.

  • Directed, shot, and edited a modular VSL built from five remixable scenes
  • Rebuilt the original affiliate ad from scratch while keeping the core message intact
  • Integrated news footage, app visuals, and testimonials to build authority and trust
  • Paired with an advertorial-style landing page for a seamless conversion flow
  • Became the core performance ad, driving growth for more than five years

UGC and Influencer Content

Authenticity helped fight ad fatigue and extend campaign life.

  • Repurposed influencer and organic content into high-performing paid edits
  • Focused on pacing, structure, and graphic treatments that improved conversions

In-House Production Content

Scaled internal shoots to keep the testing pipeline full.

  • Produced both large and small-scale shoots, managing capture through edit
  • Designed content within a modular testing framework for remixing and iteration

Social-First Content

Designed content within a modular testing framework for remixing and iteration

  • Produced native TikTok and Reels-style ads that used trends and rhythm to hook viewers
  • Optimized cuts and captions for clarity and quick comprehension

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Experience

2024 - Present
Independent Creative
Content Strategist & Freelance Creative | August 2024 - Present
• Produced video, social, and brand content for independent clients, including touring musicians and small businesses.

• Shot and produced music videos and live tour content for independent musicians, creating promotional assets and social campaigns under fast-paced conditions.

• Developed branding and digital infrastructure for an occupational therapy reading service, preparing the business for future launch and client acquisition

• Continued professional growth through independent projects and training with tools such as Unreal Engine, Adobe Creative Suite, AI tools.
2018 - 2024
FIXD Automotive
Digital Creative Director | August 2020 - August 2024 (Reference From CEO Available)
• Helped build and scale FIXD’s in-house marketing department, starting from a two-person testing team

• Managed a five-person creative team and oversaw all content tied to $2M/month in advertising spend

• Directed and edited hundreds of performance ads, including a Video Sales Letter (VSL) that ran for 5+ years and supported 250+  iterations

• Developed creative testing frameworks and content pipelines that reduced reliance on new production

• Played a central role in team growth, strategy, campaign planning, and channel scaling
Video Content Creator | October 2018 – August 2020
• Produced original video content for the FIXD YouTube channel and app

• Created educational and brand-aligned visual assets using advanced After Effects workflows
2021
Craftsman Tools
Video Producer / Director / Editor | Oct 2021 – Dec 2021
• Delivered a 25-video explainer series for a white-labeled Craftsman Tools version of the FIXD app

• Handled all production phases independently—scripting, directing, shooting, editing, client communication

• Completed the project in under 3 months while managing full-time responsibilities at FIXD
2020 - 2022
Pale horse production
Freelance Director / Editor | Nov 2020 – Nov 2022
• Edited four short documentaries for the outdoor and hunting industry

• Managed story flow, edit pacing, and sound design tailored to enthusiast audiences
2015 - 2018
Charles Ryan Associates
Director of Photography | Jul 2016 - August 2018
• Led cinematography and post-production for agency video work across healthcare, energy, and public service clients

• Directed a $50K healthcare explainer video that went on to win Best in Show at the WV ADDY Awards

• Contributed to writing, storyboarding, and cross-functional creative projects
Video Production Specialist  | Jun 2015 - Aug 2016
• Shot and edited educational and advocacy content for healthcare, government, and natural gas clients.

• Collaborated with directors and PR teams to shape messaging and deliver polished video content.
Film Intern  | Jun 2015 - Aug 2016
• Supported professional film and commercial projects across camera, editing, and design roles