AURORA, CO, February 24, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Ralph Laucella Jr. has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Mr. Laucella has established a distinguished career in commercial production, marked by innovation, leadership and a commitment to creative excellence. Since 2007, he has served as the founding partner and executive producer of O Positive, a prominent commercial production company specializing in comedy and versatility in branded content. Under his guidance, O Positive has produced a wide array of commercials, consistently earning recognition at major industry award shows. In 2025, the company achieved a significant milestone by winning the Emmy Award for Outstanding Commercial for its work on Uber One featuring acclaimed actor Brian Cox; prior to the win, the company was nominated nine times. O Positive's directors have also received multiple nominations from the Directors Guild of America and won many Cannes Gold Lions over the years.

Mr. Laucella's most notable professional achievement is rooted in the trust placed in him by Jim Jenkins, who left hungry man to co-found O Positive exclusively with him. This partnership was pivotal, as Mr. Laucella reflected on the responsibility and honor of being chosen as both a partner and confidant. The two founders later welcomed award-winning director David Shane and veteran producer Marc Grill as partners. Mr. Laucella attributes much of O Positive's success to assembling exceptional directors and teams of writers, cinematographers, production designers, visual effects specialists and editors. He emphasizes that creativity flourishes when surrounded by talented colleagues and team work—both within O Positive and through collaborations with independent talent.

In addition to his executive responsibilities, Mr. Laucella has contributed to the industry as a judge and mentor. In 2025, he served on the direction category jury for the Shots Awards and was also invited to evaluate the commercials which aired on Super Bowl LV by advertising title, Little Black Book. His leadership has extended to chairing the AICP Show in 2024 at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, one of the most esteemed events in United States commercial production.

Prior to founding O Positive, Mr. Laucella spent a decade as executive producer at hungry man from 1997 to 2007. During this period hungry man established itself as a premier commercial production company specializing in comedy and he played an integral role in producing iconic campaigns, such as ESPN's This Is Sports Center campaign created by Wieden+Kennedy; the Los Angeles Times highlighted the campaign as a quintessential example of advertising brilliance. His tenure at hungry man provided invaluable experience and set the stage for his later achievements.

Mr. Laucella's educational journey began with a diploma from Half Hollow Hills High School East in Dix Hills, New York. Although he did not pursue formal higher education beyond high school, he credits his success to a robust support system that includes his partners Jim Jenkins, David Shane and Marc Grill, as well as his wife Trisha. Her encouragement was instrumental in his decision to move from New York to Denver, Colorado—a change that improved his quality of life and allowed him greater flexibility in balancing work and family.

Mr. Laucella's entry into commercial production was also shaped by early experiences working in his family's trucking business at Hunts Point Market in the South Bronx. Despite expectations to join the family enterprise, he aspired to a career in film. After spending time in California during the late 1980s and early 1990s, he returned to New York and leveraged his family's business teachings to gain experience as a production assistant. His first industry role involved recruiting contestants for the FOX television show "Studs," which provided initial exposure but did not align with his ambitions.

A turning point came when producer Doug Farwell offered him an opportunity in commercial work. Mr. Laucella advanced from production assistant to producer, directing test commercials and public service announcements that solidified his passion for directing and producing. His networking skills led to an introduction to Beauty & Fashion Photographer and Director Ken Nahoum and his Executive Producer Ken Licata at Edge Films, where he honed his craft under pressure and built essential industry relationships. Producer and Assistant Director John Towse later invited him to work on a project which led him to over a decade at hungry man since its inception—a move that launched Mr. Laucella's career working at the highest level in comedy-themed commercial production.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Laucella is deeply committed to civic engagement and industry advancement. He and his partners at O Positive sponsor scholarships at the New York Film Academy and donate to City Harvest, supporting food rescue initiatives in New York City. He also serves as trustee of the Directors Guild of America C.Q. A, and sits on the executive committee of the Television Academy - Commercials Peer Group and on the National Board, Executive Committee and Board of Governors for the AICP (Association of Independent Commercial Producers). He previously served as national chairman of AICP from 2016 to 2018 and consistently serves on the AICP's various Labor Board negotiating committees.

Mr. Laucella's creative pursuits extend beyond film production; he launched a podcast through O Positive with his partner Marc Grill, inspired by writer Jimmy Breslin's works, collaborating with Breslin's son Kevin. He is also actively involved in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives by mentoring new directors.

Born in Queens, Mr. Laucella enjoys an active personal life centered around family and recreation. He is married to Trisha, a special education school teacher and consultant whose support has been vital throughout his career. They have four children: Nicolas works alongside his father in Los Angeles while pursuing writing, Alexandria is employed as a fashion designer in New York City, Daniel is preparing for studies in mechanical engineering with interests in aerospace and business, and Mia is a high school sophomore who has already achieved distinction as a world cheerleading champion and aspires to become a lawyer.

In addition to spending time with family, Mr. Laucella enjoys playing golf, skiing, and pickleball as well as hiking and cycling in his free time. Looking ahead, he aims to uphold O Positive's standards while fostering growth within the company and expanding creative projects like the "What's Doin?" podcast—endeavors he finds intrinsically rewarding due to their storytelling potential. On a personal level, he looks forward to dedicating more time to family pursuits beyond professional commitments.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who's Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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