From 2008-2011, I was the primary copywriter for Zipp Speed Weaponry, makers of the world's fastest bicycle wheels and components. Major projects included Zipp's catalogs, website, and print campaigns. In the past, Zipp's focus on in-house design, testing, and manufacturing had resulted in extremely technical marketing content. As Zipp's writer, I helped consumers understand exactly how Zipp products improve real-world performance without glossing over the company's complex engineering processes and proprietary technologies.
In addition to my copywriting work for Zipp, I produced transmedia content at events like the Tour of California for Zipp's website and email newsletter. Pieces included photo essays and video interviews with Tour de France and Ironman champions.
"Worked with Josh since May of '08. Josh is a guy that just gets it - he listens to the client, draws on his talent, expertise and insight, and responds with great results." - Andy Paskins, Zipp marketing manager
Writing sample:
Equipment evolves, training methods improve, and tactics are refined. Each passing year offers new opportunities to improve measurable performance. Yet research and technology will never replace heart and instinct. The immeasurable ability to endure remains as significant today as it has always been and will always be. While there's no question that the world's fastest wheels can be the difference between winning and losing, not all races are defined by victory and defeat. Sometimes, the best you can hope for is that your competitors are suffering just a little bit more than you are.
Photo contributions to Zipp's Facebook page
Video contributions to Zipp's YouTube profile
Photo essay sample:
In picking a wheelset for today, riders had to balance getting over the climb with staying near the front in the finale. Read more...
Technical writing sample:
Typical hub internals are subject to warping caused by the heat-treating process used to harden the pawls and ratchets after traditional machining. To maintain the high precision of Zipp hubs, we use electrical discharge machining, a specialized process that cuts with an extremely thin high-voltage wire submerged in water. With this technique, we can machine 50% harder materials at tolerances 20 times greater than those allowed by traditional machining and heat-treating. The use of EDM means that Zipp freehubs engage more securely than any others in the industry.
