About us
Building experiences that inspire and perform
Explore our values, philosophy, and approach that guide every project and help our clients build stronger, lasting brands.
Our expertise
We believe marketing should deliver more than promises
Over the years, our team of strategists, creatives, and marketers has worked with brands of all sizes to build meaningful connections with their audiences, grow their businesses, and deliver measurable results. Every project reflects our commitment to strategy, creativity, and long-term success.
15+
Years of marketing
experience
100+
Successful
cases
Our team
Meet the Founder
Dan McDermott
Dan McDermott is the Founder of VL Communications, a strategic communications firm built on a “skin-in-the-game” philosophy that directly aligns the firm’s success with successful client outcomes.
A recognized expert in shareholder activism, Dan serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey School of Law. His premier course on shareholder activism, hostile M&A, and board disputes is nationally recognized as the leading academic offering in its field.
Prior to launching VL Communications, Dan spent eight years as a senior member of ICR’s Special Situations and Shareholder Advisory Group. In this role, he developed and executed critical communications plans for shareholder activism, high-stakes litigation, short-selling defense, corporate governance, ESG initiatives, and other crisis-related events.
Dan’s deep industry expertise is anchored by his previous roles at Involved Consulting, a boutique shareholder activism advisory firm, and Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS). At ISS, he served as a Senior Analyst—one of only four professionals globally tasked with evaluating and rendering vote recommendations on complex proxy contests, contested mergers, and executive compensation for major institutional clients.
Dan holds a B.A. in Political Science from Fordham University and an M.B.A. in Finance from Johns Hopkins University. He also earned the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Fundamentals in Sustainability Accounting (FSA) Certification, combining traditional financial acumen with modern ESG expertise.
Dan McDermott
Dan McDermott is the Founder of VL Communications, a strategic communications firm built on a “skin-in-the-game” philosophy that directly aligns the firm’s success with successful client outcomes.
A recognized expert in shareholder activism, Dan serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey School of Law. His premier course on shareholder activism, hostile M&A, and board disputes is nationally recognized as the leading academic offering in its field.
Prior to launching VL Communications, Dan spent eight years as a senior member of ICR’s Special Situations and Shareholder Advisory Group. In this role, he developed and executed critical communications plans for shareholder activism, high-stakes litigation, short-selling defense, corporate governance, ESG initiatives, and other crisis-related events.
Dan’s deep industry expertise is anchored by his previous roles at Involved Consulting, a boutique shareholder activism advisory firm, and Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS). At ISS, he served as a Senior Analyst—one of only four professionals globally tasked with evaluating and rendering vote recommendations on complex proxy contests, contested mergers, and executive compensation for major institutional clients.
Dan holds a B.A. in Political Science from Fordham University and an M.B.A. in Finance from Johns Hopkins University. He also earned the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Fundamentals in Sustainability Accounting (FSA) Certification, combining traditional financial acumen with modern ESG expertise.
Values
Our standards and principles
These standards define how we operate every day and the qualities we expect from our people and partners.
Client is out top priority
Strategy backed by creativity
Clarity over complexity
People first
Embrace reality
Transparency is our default
Diversity drives innovation
Results over vanity
Why work with us
What sets us apart
01.
Focused on what truly matters
We prioritize the outcomes that make a real difference, like performance, growth, and long-term value, ensuring every effort contributes to meaningful business results.
02.
Driven by insight, not assumptions
Every decision we make is backed by data, research, and real customer understanding, so your strategy is grounded in what works.
03.
Committed to long-term success
We don’t chase quick wins. We build strategies designed to grow with your business and deliver sustainable results over time.
Testimonials
Real feedback from businesses we’ve helped grow
A clearer marketing direction
Working with this team transformed our marketing strategy. Their expertise helped us clarify our direction and focus on the channels that deliver real results.
Sophia Turner
Managing Director, Oakridge Manufacturing
Helped us improve performance
The team provided detailed insights and practical recommendations that helped us improve campaign performance and attract more qualified leads.
Alexander Greenwood
CFO, Horizon Tech Ventures
Professional and attentive approach
From the first meeting, they focused on understanding our business and goals. Their professional approach and attention to detail made the entire collaboration smooth and effective.
Anna Hayes
Founder, Apex Startups
Strong results across digital channels
The team helped us improve our digital presence and optimize our campaigns. Their insights and data-driven recommendations made a noticeable impact on our overall marketing performance.
Jessica Wallace
Finance Director, GreenLeaf Enterprises
Reliable marketing partner
They quickly understood our goals and developed a strategy that aligned perfectly with our brand. Their support and clear communication made the entire process efficient and productive.
James Walker
Co-Founder, GrowthLab
Ready to grow your brand?
We’ll respond within 24 hours. No pressure, just expert advice.