Q. Describe your background (where you grew up, college, etc.):
I grew up in Ada where I was active in football and wrestling and was class president both my junior and senior years of high school. I then graduated from East Central University. I was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity where I was also President of the chapter and President of the All Greek Council.
Q. What about marketing piqued your interest?
I was the rush chairman for several years of the Pikes where I was successful, and I enjoyed the job. I thought marketing was the closest job to be a rush chairman so that’s the direction I went.
Q. What is your current job and what do you enjoy most about it?
I worked at OG&E for 34 years with 25 of those years in the marketing department. I retired from OG&E recently and went to work for CLEAResult, a contractor for OG&E. Currently, I am the Senior Marketing Account Manager managing the marketing for OG&E’s Energy Efficiency programs. I enjoy finding creative ways to help the various programs achieve their enrollment goals.
Q. How long have you been a member of AMA and why did you join?
I have been a member of AMA since 1995. I was a rookie in the marketing world and was looking for a place to meet other marketing professionals and learn how to do my job better. I asked a vendor if she knew of any professional organizations where I could learn and Debbie Smith, a Past President of AMA smiled and invited me to the next chapter meeting. I’ve been a member ever since.
Q. You’re a former AMA president. What did you take away from that experience? Any accomplishments you’re particularly proud of?
I met many wonderful and talented people during my time on the AMA board and as President. I learned to guide rather than stifle the talents of the board members during those years. The board members were willing to try new things and help the OKC AMA chapter grow and succeed. I’m proud that I helped AMA move from our old meeting location to the Will Rogers theatre. Mark Moad was the driving force on this move and I was proud to support this important change.
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?
It’s easy to get stale in a job if you don’t look to implement new tactics. AMA is a great place to be introduced to new tactics and to talk to others who have lived through this change. Not every new idea is great, but you need to keep your eyes open to how you can take advantage of new opportunities.
Q. What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever been given?
The marketing professional must be the voice of the customer within your organization. Don’t let the rest of the organization forget that, in the end, those that serve the customer the best will win.
Q. Do you have a favorite marketing publication, podcast, conference, etc. that you would recommend?
I know it’s old and the examples are outdated but I’ve always thought that “The 22 Immutable Laws of Marketing” is the best book on marketing that I’ve ever read.
Q. What’s something most people don’t know about you?
I’m a huge movie fan and still enjoy going to a movie theater. I may see three movies in a typical weekend which has caused me to see many non-typical movies.