Michael J. Keating is a co-founder and President of Vertical, Incorporated, a marketing communications firm based in Chicago that focuses on energy, technology, and sustainability. Launched in 2002, Vertical works with a select group of Fortune 500 corporations and others to market and communicate complicated concepts and achieve sales, marketing, and brand development goals. Keating's expertise is taking the complexity out of communications and helping organizations better relate to customers, stakeholders, and the general public. An experienced storyteller, Keating knows how to explain abstract ideas in a way that allows audiences to relate to them. Prior to launching Vertical, Incorporated, Keating launched Michael J. Keating & Associates, an organization that helps small businesses and individuals succeed.