Q. Describe your background (where you grew up, college, etc.):
I graduated from Del City High School and immediately began working part time at Arvest Bank at the end of my senior year. While I did attend a few semesters at Rose State College, I didn’t complete a degree program. Instead, I began working full time at the bank and quickly progressed in my career. I spent a number of years in the sales training and special projects areas of the company until transitioning into digital marketing in 2010. I spent two years initiating an enterprise email platform, as well as developing a microsite for small businesses. In 2013, I moved into a database marketing role focused on direct mail and outbound call campaigns.
Q. What about marketing piqued your interest?
In high school I was the vice president of DECA, Distributive Education Clubs of America, and there was a strong focus on marketing and public relations. We coordinated several fundraisers and I loved every aspect of both promoting and executing those events. I knew I wanted to end up in a marketing role someday.
Q. What is your current job and what do you enjoy most about it?
Since 2015 I have enjoyed the role of Marketing Manager for Arvest Wealth Management. I thrive on the fact that there are so many aspects of marketing and my team is responsible for many components including: customer experience research, new delivery channel positioning, internal marketing, educational content, newsletters, blogs, web strategy, advertising, branch merchandising, sales tools, campaign development across several channels, lead generation and brand management across a decentralized organization.
Q. How long have you been a member of AMA and why did you join?
I began attending AMA events in 2010 as I changed career paths from sales training to a digital marketing position. As a member I was able to attend conferences at a discounted rate, along with obtaining a large library of white papers and industry articles. I wanted to learn as much as I possibly could about the industry and develop a network of peers that I could learn from.
Q. Why do you feel it’s important to stay up to date with new practices and tactics in the marketing world and how does it relate to your job?
Marketing is one of the fastest evolving industries due to technology which means if you don’t stay up to date, you’re a dinosaur in no time.
Q. What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever been given?
“It doesn’t take much to be better than average.” You just have to work a little harder than everyone else and that will set you apart. There are a lot of things we cannot control so figuring out what we can control and making big strides in those areas is what creates momentum and progress.
Q. Do you have a favorite marketing publication, podcast, conference, etc. that you would recommend?
SEO Podcast from eWebResults.com is on top of the never-ending maze of changing algorithms and all things internet marketing and branding. I think the annual AMA conference is always packed with great content and speakers, as well. In March, Cheryl Lawson with #SMTULSA will host the 10th annual social media conference in Tulsa, also one of my faves.
Q. What’s something most people don’t know about you?
My passion lies in all things shrouded in mystery such as energy healing, psychic mediums and divination tools such as rune stones and tarot cards, in fact, my new side hustle is giving tarot readings on Sundays!