I was born in Anaheim, California, to a pair of Brooklyn, New Yorkers. After years of believing that nothing lay in-between, I split the difference and moved to Chicago, Illinois. While I’ve lived in Chicago for 17 years now, the NY/CA coastal roots remain ingrained in me. In the end, I’m some sort of laid-back LA Angels fan with strong Midwestern values who loves Bruce Springsteen.

While I have plenty of strengths, talking about myself is not one of them. Here’s what some colleagues have to say about me.

Amy Skidmore/past Director of Marketing — Bob Evans Foods Division; current Director of Branding and Communications — Assurex Global

“Talented—it’s an over-used fluff word that appears on so many recommendations–but when it comes to Steve, it fits. I looked the word up in my thesaurus and found gifted, able, brilliant, artistic, capable and clever. Okay, those fit too. Once you work with someone who possesses these traits as humbly as Steve does, you’ll discover how pleasant any production can be–even one threatened by a thunderstorm, populated by a cast of kids riddled with ADD or funded by a budget that’s tied together by a shoestring. I’ve been on all those potentially nightmarish shoots with Steve, yet he takes it all in stride and keeps clients informed and blissfully calm in the face of any problems. I’ve seen him handle egotistical directors, anal clients (not me of course), and frazzled set designers with the type of charm we all wish we had. Even an extremely painful scratched cornea suffered during one shoot didn’t distract him from the task at hand (although the required glasses were a bit distracting to the rest of us). Not only does he deliver exactly what he promises, he then kicks it into high gear and provides an even better, inspired alternative to consider (and ultimately choose). The shoots with Steve remain one of the highlights, not only of my last job, but of my entire career.”

Kathleen Tax/Associate Creative Director — DDB

“‘I wish we had Steve.’ If Mr. Ross had a dime for every time I thought that on production, well, he wouldn’t need to be in production. Steve’s one of the first producers I ever worked with. And—apologies to all my other fabulous producers over the years—Steve’s still the best. Why? Because he loves the hell out of this ridiculous business of ours. He’s all passion and brains and biting wit. His instinct, his insight, it floors me. So does his CD collection. I swear, the guy must have more time in his day than the rest of us, given how much he listens to/watches/seeks out. He’s a sponge. A ShamWow, even. In other words, he’s a creative who just happens to produce. And he’s a producer who just happens to manage up, down and sideways with the greatest of ease. You don’t know it yet, but Steve is the one guy you’ll want around. On every production. Forever. Perhaps I mentioned that.”

Matt Glarner/Creative Director — Momentum

“Okay. Here’s the thing: Yes, Steve can capital-P Produce. He’s conceptually gifted. He has exquisite taste and ever better instincts. He’s the rarest type of leader; a transparent one who leads by example and inclusion. He’s essentially egoless-Steve makes you FEEL like part of the process by MAKING you part of the process. And he’s so much more BUT… BUT… All those qualities are not what make Steve Steve. It’s this: There’s a song or a movie or a book or website that you really, truly love. Well, not yet. But you will in 2010 or so. Once Steve tells you about it. That’s Steve’s superpower: Cultural foresight. He knows good. He can see it and hear it and taste it where others cannot. Before others do. And he knows how to apply it. He’s not a cooler-than-thou scenester or some pop-culture worshipping mediaphile. He’s simply a great storyteller. He instinctively knows how to identify the finest, freshest, most compelling way to convey a message. Oh, and then he conveys the holy hell out of it. That’s Steve.”

Brad Most/Owner — Houlihan, Madison, Most

“Steve’s professionalism is unsurpassed. He is a creative, resourceful producer who embraces challenges and thrives on developing great work. I would be thrilled to speak with anyone regarding the skill and passion he brings to his work.”

Reid Brody/VP CO Founder — The Filmworkers Club

“I have worked with Steve on many projects. He is talented, fun, and gives 100% at all times. Great client and great friend as well.”

Scott Voege/Director of Client Partnership — Lisa P. Maxwell

“Steve is simply the best Producer I’ve ever worked with. His value however far exceeds a traditional broadcast production role. He understands, intuitively, his industry to a degree most will never achieve. His council brings out the very best in others (creatives, planners, and account folk alike). Which in turn, allows him to build/form/and ultimately brings good thinking and creative to life. His reputation in this industry is impeccable. And, frankly, he’s also one of the coolest people I’ve ever worked with. An absolute 100% morale fit anywhere.”

Greg Allan/Owner — Spank! Music and Sound Design

“I highly recommend Steve Ross. Steve Ross is extremely buttoned up, fair, and most importantly, a good person. He knows his job, the ad biz, and how to treat his vendors with respect and get the best out of them. I’d recommend anyone to work with Steve……………..except my competition of course!”

Jeff Hill/Account Supervisor, Digital Services — MedThink Communications

“Steve not only is one of the best people I know, but is also one of the best people I have ever worked with. His eye for detail along with his ability to see the big picture was an important piece in every project I worked on.”