Q. Describe your background (where you grew up, college, etc.):
My name is Estée (like Estée Lauder) Baskerville (like the Hound of the Baskervilles), and I am from Atlanta, Ga. I am a results-driven and self-motivated professional with over 10 years of experience in sales, project management, retail merchandising, in-store, and visual design. I received my bachelor’s degree in Apparel & Textile Technology/Product Development from Southern Polytechnic State University the year before it became Kennesaw State. I received my Master of Science in Apparel and Textiles, specializing in Consumer Merchandising from Kansas State University. I have a cat named Tank, love scary movies and shoes. While in college, I created a shoe line called “Hi & ByE,” but I put it on the back burner to focus more on my career and schooling.
Q. What about marketing piqued your interest?
I love the different creative outlets that marketing creates. In college, I started off in Architecture and Construction Management, but I soon realize that I wanted to be in an industry that would allow me to be free, which is why I changed my major to Apparel & Textile. It is only so much you can do with a building before gravity and mother nature tells you “No ma’am” lol.
Q. What is your current job and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am the Marketing Coordinator for the OKC Thunder. I enjoy being a part of an organization that believes in creating everlasting memories for their guests and making meaningful connections on and off the court.
Q. How long have you been a member of AMA and why did you join?
I have been a member of AMA for roughly 4-5 months, and my manager Erin Lewis signed me up. I am pleased she did because I enjoy the speakers and listening to different marketing concepts and the process behind them.
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?
The world and consumers are forever changing. In order to make those meaningful connections, you have to understand your past, current, and future target market. Meaning you need to make sure you are always studying “What’s New”. This does not mean you have to implement these new practices and trends, but you do need to understand how this will affect your business. The marketing team, as well as other departments, are always researching and studying new practices within the industry. We even take time to look at practices happening in industries outside of sports.
Q. What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever been given?
Always be yourself, never stop learning, perfect your craft, and understand you will not always be number one and the best in everything. This is why you have a TEAM.
Q. Do you have a favorite marketing publication, podcast, conference, etc. that you would recommend?
I love Front Office Sports.
Q. What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I am afraid of dogs, but I have a dog named King. Yes, I have a cat (Tank) and dog (King).