Q. Describe your background (where you grew up, college, etc.):
I’m an Oklahoma City native. I went to high school at Putnam North, then went to OU and did a B.A. in Film & Video Studies and a B.B.A. in Marketing (I legitimately like school, as well as instant ramen, as it happens).
Professionally, I’ve been lucky enough to get experience in different areas of marketing and advertising, from sales to video to copywriting to data analysis to web development to search/display to whatever else needs to be done. I decided to get my master’s a few years ago, so I went to grad school at night and received an M.A. in Strategic Communication in 2015. For my “side hustle,” I teach a section of the research methods course for students in the advertising sequence at OU (again, the liking school thing).
Q. What about marketing piqued your interest?
Much like instant ramen, I think it’s the fact that it’s not 100% science and not 100% art, but somewhere in between—that mix of data-driven decision making and creativity appeals to me. Beyond that, it’s rewarding to help someone solve a business problem through smart marketing approaches.
Q. What is your current job and what do you enjoy most about it?
I’m Director of Communications for the Greater OKC Chamber. I get to work on a lot of different projects and no day is like any other, but probably the best aspect is just knowing that you’re working on things that can have a really positive effect on the community. One of the first projects I worked on was the MAPS 3 campaign. It’s been really cool to see those items and pieces get built and provide new opportunities and quality-of-life amenities for all of us in Oklahoma City. Hopefully, one of these days I’ll get to work on a recruitment project involving some sort of instant ramen concern.
Q. How long have you been a member of AMA and why did you join?
I’ve been a member for about two years. I was looking at learning and networking opportunities in the market and it seemed like a good fit. The chapter’s programming is pretty great—actionable, practical education and tips on a variety of subjects I might not otherwise encounter in my day-to-day. Really, the only disappointment at this point has been the lack of content about breaking into the instant ramen industry.
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 cliché (and admittedly logically paradoxical), but – one marker of the field that never changes is that it’s always changing. I believe taking an approach that’s open to experimentation and new knowledge (as opposed to one utilizing “catch-all” or anecdotal, “common” knowledge) and curating that in your team can have benefits and provide a real competitive advantage at times. Digital gives us the ability to put this into play in ways past marketers only could have dreamed about. It’s an exciting time—much like that first time you had the idea of adding cheese to your instant ramen.
Q. What is the best piece of business advice that you’ve ever been given?
“Make $397 from home a day with just a computer, smartphone and internet connection!” (jk) Cultivating and maintaining long-term relationships with partners/vendors/suppliers/service providers/fellow employees rather than making single/short-term decisions based solely on price is better for you both psychologically and from a total cost standpoint (via Bob Browne, CEO Emeritus, Great Plains Coca-Cola Bottling Company; if you’re into leadership/OB topics here’s a plug for his book). Also, cook for three minutes, stirring occasionally.
Q. Do you have a favorite marketing publication, podcast, conference, etc. that you would recommend?
I used to listen to a podcast called “Statistically Interesting,” but new episodes haven’t been produced for a while, unfortunately (though it might still be worth checking out if you’re into data). Ad Age’s “Ad Lib” podcast can have some decent content at times. The AMA academic journals we have access to as members are great resources. Even as an OKC Chamber guy, I have to say: I used to be able to attend SXSW in Austin, and you can get in on some really good sessions and topics there if you give yourself time to wade through the schedule (and the general morass that comprises that event). I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the Ramen Noodle.
Q. What’s something most people don’t know about you?
Travel is a bit of an obsession. I’m thinking about it constantly. If you’re thinking of going somewhere, hollatchaboy. In addition, I’ve tried all the brands, but at this point, it’s pretty clear that God straight up made me a Maruchan man.