Michael Ferdman is founder and ceo of Firstborn (www.firstborn.com), the award-winning digital creative agency based in New York City.  Working with agencies and brands alike on a full range of digital marketing services, Michael is responsible for managing Firstborn's internal business operations while maintaining the shop's high level of commitment to client relations.

Michael founded Firstborn in 1997, sitting just on the rise of the digital era. Early on Firstborn found its footing in the fashion industry, helping to bring the likes of Calvin Klein and Antonio Fusco to the Web. Fourteen years and now with over 70 employees, Firstborn’s digital strategies and unique design aesthetic can be seen across the automotive, beverage/liquor, retail, sports, entertainment, finance, and social responsibility categories.

Most recently, Michael and his company released groundbreaking work on behalf of: AT&T, Ford, IBM, Wrigley, Pepsi/SoBe, RMS Titanic, The Hartford, and more; securing over 30 industry awards in 2010 alone. Firstborn was named to Advertising Age’s 2009 industry A-List, and also hit the coveted 2010 Fast Company list of “50 Most Innovative Companies in the World”.

Michael is a founding member of SODA (Society of Digital Agencies) and remains an active participant of the IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau). He has served as a judge for the Webby’s, The One Show, The Tokyo Interactive Awards, HOW and other industry competitions.

A Chicago native and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Michael currently lives in NYC with his wife Stephanie and his two children, Jordan and Cooper. Michael serves on the National Advisory Council of the North Shore Animal League and has spearheaded several non-profit events including Cycle for Survival and Hoops4Hope.