How long have you been with Switch?
Almost 11 years (whoa). I started in August 2004 with my first road tour for Motorola, and I drove the semi-trailer truck for Anheuser–Busch. I joined the office brigade in 2008.
Which clients/projects are currently on your radar?
Currently I’m working on mobile operations for a few clients, including VMG and Kasasa. I’ve also had the awesome opportunity to work on quite a few of the new business pitches recently, and I really love that.
How did you first get involved in this industry?
It was really an awesome accident. When I graduated from college with a Liberal Arts degree in English & Org. Comm (and a full intention to go to law school), I applied to a bunch of positions through St Louis Business Journal’s website. I started doing interviews and was not impressed with any of them. I got a few job offers with insurance agencies, but I turned them all down and kept working at the golf course where I had been for three years. One day I came home to find a message from Bob Poole at The Spark Agency. I had no idea what the company was, but thought, “Oh, what the hell!” When I came in for the interview, Switch asked me if I would be ok to lift 100lbs every day and drive a big rig. In true interview fashion, I said that I could do anything! In reality, I was terrified, but also VERY intrigued. I got the job and my adventure began – and yes, I even received my Commercial Driver License.
What about your personal background (education, hobbies, interests) helps to inspire/enhance your professional life?
In college, I was selected to represent the United States as an ambassador for the Arafura games in Australia. Touring the country, playing volleyball and educating the area’s youth on the sport really opened my eyes to the world of promotion. I’ve always prided myself on being a good communicator, and that experience truly led me to what I wanted to do.
What sort of project is your favorite?
I had the amazing opportunity to travel on one of the big road tours that are so rare to find these days. I’m not sure if “breakthrough” is the word for the Bud Light Lounge, but the impact on consumers was huge! I feel honored to have experience that.
What challenges are you facing in the industry today?
Making the expectation fit the budget. Budgets … always budgets. The possibilities of what can be done today are endless, but with possibility and opportunity come a budget number. Educating our internal teams and our clients on these realities is a necessary challenge – it’s kind of the world I live in.
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