What company do you work for, what is your role, and how long have you been there?
Ally Financial, Director of Public Relations, 2 years.
How did you get into marketing?
I failed accounting in college! I'm half-joking. I was trained in PR in college, and then landed in a cross-discipline role at a previous agency. My career has benefited tremendously from the cross-discipline work I did with some of the industry's brightest brand planners, researchers, and digital specialists. As a PR guy, I was enlightened, and now blend the best of PR and Marketing as my specialty.
What big wins have you had in your marketing role?
Current role: In fifteen short months I've: helped turn six major cities into live Monopoly boards - thanks to augmented reality and our Ally + MONOPOLY game; launched Ally's new smart digital savings tools, helping people to become better savers and reinventing the savings account; and had the pleasure of an assist on the announcement about Charlotte scoring it's very own major league soccer team and Ally as the primary sponsor of Charlotte FC.
Another memorable career win: being asked to lead the architecture of Allstate Insurance Company's motorcycle advocacy program. Eleven years later, the program is still in motion, has been recognized by the federal government and, more importantly, is linked to actually saving lives!
In what ways has membership in AMA Charlotte benefited you professionally?
The Emerging Leaders Cohort, via the AMA Charlotte, has been a huge motivator for me in my career. I feel the connections made there have given me access to an exclusive forum where I can bat around strategic marketing with like-minded folks. It's invigorating!
What excites you about the field of marketing today?
As someone who got his start in PR, I'm a sucker for good storytelling. I'm absolutely in love with the idea that quality content marketing is now a necessity for any brand (and its leadership) to survive!
What is your all-time favorite marketing campaign? Why?
As a father and the only male in my household, I've seen the light. And humor aside, I'm a firm believer that the future is female. Thus, P&G's #LikeaGirl campaign is always at the top of my list. Not only was it on point from a targeting perspective, it also had natural extensions across other P&G platforms. I also love that its focus on empowerment and positive self image set the tone for many other big brands to pay attention. In short: it was a game changer.
What has been your favorite AMA Charlotte event? Why?
The recent Emerging Leaders Cohort, via AMA Charlotte, has been a huge motivator for me in my career. I feel the connections made there have given me access to an exclusive forum where I can bat around strategic marketing with like-minded folks. It's invigorating!
What was your favorite Super Bowl ad this year? Why?
Groundhog Day, hands down. Jeep and Highdive nailed it...a perfect blend of timelessness and pop culture. The greatest holiday of the year really deserves its time in the light...it's just a shame they didn't film it in Punxsutawney.
In terms of professional development, what area of marketing would you like to explore/learn more about?
Measurement and evaluation - and more specifically, how PR and Marketing can measure more equally.
Answer a question of your own making!
Would you be up for coffee? Yes! Hit me up on LinkedIn anytime.
