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PEOPLE

IMRE turns brands into champions

IMRE knows how to keep brands in the sports marketing game.  We rally crowds to stadiums, arenas and their TV, computer and mobile screens. Even after the final whistle, our expert blend of strategy, creativity and outreach maximizes impact and client investment.  

Marty Conway

Marty Conway

Vice President, Sports

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What I do…

I work with a great internal team and an excellent roster of clients in IMRE’s Sports Marketing division

What that means...

I am responsible for the strategic planning and development of our sports marketing practice

What I’ve done…

I’ve been the VP of Marketing for the Baltimore Orioles and Texas Rangers, and I've also done stints as the Director of Development for AOL Sports, the Head of International Business Development for AOL, and as a Professor of Sport Management at Georgetown University

Where I’ve been…

I’ve lived and worked in some really cool places… London, Paris, Dublin, Mexico City, Singapore, New York City, and last but not least, ‘Bawlmer, hon

How I got here…

It was a long trip with connecting flights at Charles de Gaule, Heathrow, Shanghai and JFK…but I made it eventually

What I believe…

It’s not WHO’s right that’s matters - it’s WHAT’s right

I root for…

The team that is winning in the 7th inning, or at the end of the 3rd quarter….In all seriousness, I root for the Orioles in baseball, the Ravens in football and Duke in basketball

If it ain’t broke…

Break it! Creative disruption is the only way you can get to a new place in life or your business - evolution takes too long

My Twitter bio says…

“And how important it is, to talk about nothing…”

What other career/job/line of work would you be in if you weren’t in the field you’re in now…

I would be the guitar tuner for Bruce Springsteen on his world tours - see the world by day and see his shows by night

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Matt Saler

Matt Saler

Account Manager

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What I do…

I make people famous

My title is...

Account Manager

What that means…

I oversee day-to-day activities for several of our accounts and help spearhead many new business initiatives for the business unit

What I’ve done…

I’m proud and humbled to say that I have worked with a wide array of Fortune 500 brands, high-profile professional athletes and large sporting events during my career

Where I’ve been…

I've spent time working in a variety of public relations and marketing roles in sports, including sports marketing agencies and organizations like the NY Rangers, NYC Sports Commission and American Youth Football

One thing I know for certain…

I will never be a PGA TOUR golfer, as much as I’d like to be

One thing I can’t live without…

Television, sports and coffee

My life changed when…

I witnessed the Philadelphia Phillies win the World Series in 2008 in person - I finally was able to move on with my life as a sports fan

The moral of my story is…

Get busy living or get busy dying

The best advice I ever got was…

Trust your instincts and always believe in your talents

I root for…

All things University of Michigan and Philadelphia

I never leave the house without my…

iPhone

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Nick Eber

Nick Eber

Account Manager

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What I do…

Make sure our clients are happy and successful, the agency business is healthy and most importantly, my colleagues are respected

My title is...

Account Manager

Where I’ve been…

I started as an intern at IMRE, but before that I was serving ice cream, putting up tents and delivering Christmas gifts

How I got here…

Hard work, an open mind and the natural maturation process for any young male

What I believe…

You never stop learning

One thing I know for certain is…

I don’t know everything

One thing I can’t live without…

My family

My life changed when…

I left Ohio

My secret crush is…

Well then it wouldn’t be a secret, would it?

My guilty pleasure TV show is…

Storage Wars

Complete the following sentence, “If it ain’t broke…”

Pull it apart and rebuild it to make it better

Chocolate or Vanilla?…

Strawberry

I never leave the house without…

My contacts – I wouldn’t be able to see a thing

When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is…

check my email

Name 5 things you would take to a desert island.…

A knife, flint, cooking pot, tarp and my golf bag (with everything in it)

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Stefen Lovelace

Stefen Lovelace

Senior Account Executive

What I do…

I'm a Sports Marketing Professional

My title is...

Senior Account Executive

What that means…

I position brands, athletes and events in the media, create and execute client's communications plans, and help clients achieve their marketing goals

What I believe…

Sports bring people together across ages, races, nationalities and genders, and the business side of sports is even more interesting than the action on the field

My secret crush is…

Brooklyn Decker

My smartest move was…

Going to Penn State

The moral of my story is…

It certainly hasn’t been decided yet. Corny alert… the best part of life is that the story can change at any moment

My worst habit is…

I roll my eyes when I’m frustrated. And I’ve been called out on it - a lot

My guilty pleasure TV show is…

Real World/Road Rules Challenge - and I have no guilt about it

My Twitter bio says…

Follow me at @StefenLovelace and find out

Name 5 things you would take to a desert island…

iPod, basketball, bags of pepperoni pizza-flavored combos (favorite snack), several notebooks and pencils for writing… oh, and all of my friends and family

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Abby Draper

Abby Draper

Senior Account Executive

What I do...

I represent brands that I am passionate about for an agency that I am proud to be a part of out of our West Coast office in Los Angeles

My title is...

Senior Account Executive

What that means...

I am fortunate to work directly with an account manager who teaches me something new every day and supports and encourages my growth as a professional

What I believe...

I believe that saying 'thank you' goes a long way

One thing I can't live without...

My family. We’re that family. You know, the one who talks every day. But not just on the phone and not just once a day. Video chats, text messages, phone calls, emails, Facebook posts, Tweets…

My smartest move was...

Moving to Los Angeles - it has really changed my life in so many positive ways

Is the glass half full or half empty?

Totally full

Complete the following sentence, "If it aint broke..."

Shake it up and see what happens

My Twitter bio says...

Public Relations professional living in Los Angeles. University of Kentucky alum. Hopelessly optimistic. Loyal to a fault.

If I could compete on any game show it would be...

Real World/Road Rules Challenge - but mostly so I could meet the other contestants

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Denise Kitchel

Denise Kitchel

Vice President, Marketing & Client Relations

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What resonates with target audiences today?

Authenticity. We’re all consumers, and we all have high expectations that brands will create immediate connections with us.

Name one prized accomplishment to date in your marketing career.

Having a hand in bringing many celebrated brands to IMRE’s growing client portfolio.

What made you want to work in the communications industry?

There’s constant change in this business—and change is both healthy and exciting. There’s no fear of boredom here. That, plus agencies are a “liberal arts” mecca. It’s the perfect setting for someone who thrives on multiplicity of subject.

What strengths/skills do you bring to your clients?

I’m a great listener. I can “process” client needs and challenges and turn them into meaningful outcomes. I’m also keenly aware of the fact that our clients are under immense pressure and approach each conversation with that sensibility.

In your perfect world, what title would appear on your business card?

Coach K

What do you do for fun outside the office?

I run, go on adventures with my kids, drink wine with my husband, follow modern and contemporary art, travel and spend time amongst family and friends.

Tell us something about yourself that people who don’t know you would be surprised to learn.

I was a concert oboist.

Who inspires you—personally and/or professionally?

Great leaders, writers and artists, smart people…and people who overcome extreme adversity to achieve success.

What other career/job/line of work would you be in if you weren’t in the field you’re in now?

I’d either be an author or a therapist.

If you could have lunch with any famous person, living or dead, who would it be and why?

In the land of the living, Elton John would be a blast. Although parenthood may be mellowing him out a bit. In the land of the deceased, I’d dine with Matisse. Such a body of work—I’d love to learn firsthand about his creative process.

If you were writing the story of your life, what would the title be?

The Quest for Greatness

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Chris Denney

Chris Denney

Vice President & Creative Director

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What has changed the most in marketing over the past 5 to 10 years?

Without a doubt, the need for messaging and creative to work harder strategically. Channels rarely stand alone, so you have to understand the needs of each user. A print headline doesn’t necessarily work on a Facebook page, but it does need to support the brand message. That’s both the challenge and the opportunity to speak to divergently engaged audiences.

Where do you see marketing headed in the next several years? What trends are on the horizon?

The new model that’s emerging is having ideas that are big, but have a strategy of participation—lots of participation. I also heard a quote lately that I believe sums up an approach: “We have to create ideas that can be advertised, as opposed to just advertising ideas.”

What does it take to be a leading agency today?

For an agency, ideas are everything. No matter how we change the way we reach audiences, the idea will always be what gets you there. And the way to get great ideas is through integration. You have to have all of your capabilities involved in idea generation, and you have to have a strong account team to lead it strategically.

How has consumer behavior changed in recent years—particularly with regard to the type of information they receive and how they receive it?

While it’s well documented that audiences demand tailored messages, I still believe they’ll pay attention to a great story. So, again, the idea rules.

What made you want to work in the creative field?

I love the idea of branding and creating stories. As creative director, I also love seeing the team come up with great ideas—and the groundswell they create when they work.

What strengths/skills do you bring to your clients?

I bring a strong sense of branding to the table. I believe that all of the work we do has to support and be true to the brand. That means looking at creative through a strategic lens.

In your perfect world, what title would appear on your business card?

CIO - Chief Idea Officer

What do you do for fun outside the office?

These days, I hang out with my baby boy. When I had a life, I played squash, enjoyed gardening and cooking.

Tell us something about yourself that people who don’t know you would be surprised to learn.

When I was a photographer’s assistant, I traveled the world shooting skiers in the Swiss Alps, hang gliders in Hawaii and swimsuit models in Brazil, to mention a few.

What other career/job/line of work would you be in if you weren’t in the field you’re in now?

Something to do with cooking or food. Or wine. Or lots of wine.

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Craig Strydom

Craig Strydom

Associate Creative Director

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Where do you see the advertising industry headed in the next several years?

As the novelty of new media delivery methods wears off, the idea will re-emerge as the basis for solid engagement.

What does it take to be a leading company today?

Smart thinking.

How has consumer behavior changed in recent years?

People are consuming media at voracious levels and using a smorgasbord of new media devices, sometimes simultaneously.

Name one prized accomplishment to date in advertising.

I was involved in creating a print ad for Time magazine that elicited death threats.

What qualifies you as an expert?

Over 17 years working in four countries across three continents, I’ve been featured 15 times in Creativity Magazine, published in the Sunday Independent and the Mail & Guardian and received awards including Cannes, One Show, London International Awards, New York Festivals, Radio Mercury and the O’Toole award for mid-sized agency of the year.

What is the best part about working at IMRE?

Here the planets align, and creativity rises to the top as a true differentiator.

Describe your overall marketing and communications philosophy.

People will stop and listen if you have something interesting to say.

In your perfect world, what title would appear on your business card?

Conceptualizer

Tell us something about yourself that people who don’t know you would be surprised to learn.

I was a medic in the army.

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Ben Myers

Art Director

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What I do...

I create stuff and make things from scratch

What that means...

I concept, design, and make memorable and successful campaigns

What I've done...

If it has a visual component to it I’ve probably worked on it

How I got here...

Having worked in many aspects of design throughout my career, I was looking for a place where I could use all my skills and continue to grow and learn; I found it at IMRE

What I believe...

You have a very short window to get people to take notice, so visually it better be compelling

One thing I know for certain...

Good food cures all - that’s why I can’t live without my Wüsthoff eight-inch chef’s knife

Scrabble or Words with Friends?

Draw something

If I could compete on any game show it would be...

The Price is Right; specifically I would like to play “Plinko”

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Crystalyn Stuart

President, 5Loom by IMRE

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What I do...

I lead a team of talented Snerds who build and manage cutting edge, strategic social marketing campaigns for the world’s largest brands

My title is...

President, 5Loom by IMRE

What that means...

I’m privileged to work in the most innovative marketing space alongside top professionals who master the art, science and business of the social web

What I've done...

I've built a social marketing practice to 20 practitioners leading social marketing strategies, campaigns and programs for some of the worlds’ leading brands

Where I've been...

Client side, and agency-side—thriving in places like IMRE that support the idea of social marketing and give me the rope I need to make something BIG happen every day

One thing I know for certain...

Awesomeness can be inspired in anyone

One thing I can’t live without...

My daughter

The best advice I ever got was...

I can only control what I can control

My guilty pleasure TV show is...

The Biggest Loser - come on, it's inspiring!

Name 5 things you would take to a desert island.

Sunblock, ipad with solar charger, cocktails, and a plane

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Tom Poe

Tom Poe

Social Marketing Program Director

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What has changed the most in communications over the past 5 to 10 years?

What hasn’t? The rise of Facebook as a dominant global communications channel is perhaps the most significant development in the past 5 years.

Where do you see marketing and PR headed in the next several years? What trends are on the horizon?

Social media, mobile technology and tools like Skype will fill in the final missing pieces of the Internet’s hyperconnected world. Improvements in automated translation will break down any remaining language and geographic barriers, creating a truly global network.

Name three keys to successful social marketing right now.

Storytelling, community and fun.

What resonates with target audiences today?

People respond to engaging content and great stories. Beyond these core marketing principles, campaign success is all about launching, testing and optimizing.

What strengths/skills do you bring to your clients?

Spreadable ideas and programs that tightly align with overall business goals.

What is the best part about working at IMRE?

I enjoy fountain soda, spontaneous happy hours and delivering an endless supply of “firsts” for our clients.

In your perfect world, what title would appear on your business card?

Chief Inspiration Officer

What do you do for fun outside the office?

I monitor how campaigns are performing off hours. (Seriously.)

Tell us something about yourself that people who don’t know you would be surprised to learn.

I founded three dot-com companies and own over 300 PEZ dispensers.

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Adam Streets

Social Marketing Program Director

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What I do...

I strategize and develop innovative campaigns to increase our clients ROI in the social realm

My title is...

Program Director

What that means...

I manage a team of talented individuals and push our clients into new social areas they haven’t yet considered

What I've done...

I try to look forward, not back

What I believe...

You will always grow older, but you might not necessarily grow up

What resonates with target audiences today?

Audiences want to share experiences, and they expect immediate action - social media offers 24-hour brand connections

Name one prized accomplishment to date.

Being part of a team that won the PRSA Silver Anvil Award for launching a new product is a great achievement, and one I wish to repeat

May smartest move was...

Folding that pair of Queens

When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is...

Check Facebook

If I could compete in any game show, it would be...

American Gladiator

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Christine Pierpoint

Christine Pierpoint

Vice President, Emerging Media

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What I do...

I head up Emerging Media

What that means...

My team and I collaborate with the other business units and practice areas to create and execute brand engagement strategies for web and mobile channels

Where I've been...

I’ve run the gamut from being the lone web person in a traditional ad agency to being one of many specialists in a mega digital shop, and everything in between

The moral of my story is...

Life isn’t a marathon, it’s a series of sprints. Each one gives you stamina to go a little faster and further then the one before

If it ain't broke...

Then my kids haven't gotten their hands on it yet

Scrabble or Words with Friends?

Scrabble – it’s too easy to cheat in Words

When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is…

Check my email (sad, I know)

If I could compete on any gameshow, it would be...

Jeopardy

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Alyssa Hulka

Alyssa Hulka

Emerging Media Director

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How has consumer behavior changed in recent years?

The iPhone has changed how I do business, how I keep in touch with friends and family and many other parts of my life. I think that product is just one example of changing consumer behaviors and how we need to adapt our marketing techniques and approaches to expanding technology platforms.

What strengths/skills do you bring to your clients?

The developers I work with will tell you I’m really detailed in everything I do, from the 60-page requirements documents to pushing cross-browser or cross-email client testing. I don’t let things go until they’re done exactly right!

What qualifies you as an expert?

I began my career in technology consulting, so I’ve had every role on an IT project—developer, QA tester, business analyst, you name it. This gives me a broad spectrum of knowledge to pull from when I’m planning a project and ensuring that each stage is executed correctly.

What is the best part about working at IMRE?

Our people and our clients. We have a culture that encourages fun and competitiveness, and everyone is hard-working, talented and dependable. It’s a joy to work on projects where we’re integrating across multiple disciplines. And our clients allow us to challenge them and ourselves in the process.

Describe your overall marketing and communications philosophy.

As a tech geek, I tend to focus more on measurement and how to judge the success of a campaign. The more tangible the better! So I encourage risks as long as we can measure the outcome.

What do you do for fun outside the office?

I love playing most team sports. Floor hockey and broomball are my current favorites. Give me a stick and a ball to chase and I’m happy.

If you had to describe your job as a Facebook status, how would it read?

Launching a new [website, Facebook app, blog, iPhone app] today and so proud of the amazing work from my team!

What’s the last great book you read/movie you saw?

I wish I could say something technical or PM-related, but I admit that I really loved the Harry Potter and Twilight series.

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Jemal Cole

Emerging Media Technology Director

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What has changed the most in Emerging Media over the past 5 to 10 years?

Everything—the technology, the platforms and most of all, the audience’s expectations. What hasn’t changed is the need for proven solutions from industry experts.

Where do you see Emerging Media headed in the next several years? What trends are on the horizon?

The success of the Internet has always been about simplifying communications. Today’s mobile websites and applications and tomorrow’s tablets continue that shift. They narrow the focus of a task to its most essential elements and enable the sharing of information anywhere.

What does it take to be a leader in Emerging Media today?

You have to take in a tremendous amount of information all the time. More importantly, you have to put all the new techniques into practice. To make something great for your clients, you have to have the experience to know what works and how best to meet their needs.

Name three keys to successful marketing via Emerging Media right now.

The secret is simple: You need to know your audience, understand your technology and focus on the message. The hard part is putting in the time to research your audience, to learn the ins and outs of the technology and to cut away all the parts of a design that aren’t communicating that message.

What qualifies you as an expert?

I was programming before I could ride a bike, and have been programming on the Internet since 1992. My expertise in development began when I put up my first professional website in 1996. I’ve been working to stay on the cutting edge of web technology ever since.

What is the best part about working at IMRE?

There’s nothing better than working with people who are excited about their job. The people here are incredibly passionate about their clients, and that passion pushes them to provide great service.

What do you do for fun outside the office?

Like most programmers my age, I play a few video games, but my real hobby is comic books. My embarrassing addiction is the reason that my wife and I have separate bank accounts: as long as she doesn’t have to see what I’m spending, we’re okay.

Tell us something about yourself that people who don’t know you would be surprised to learn.

As much as I love technology, I also make stuffed animals (monkeys and monsters) for all of my friends’ children. My wife and son got me started by taking a class at the American Visionary Arts Museum, and now I’ve got stacks of them waiting to be mailed out.

If you could have lunch with any famous person, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Anyone holding such an historic dinner would be crazy not to invite Tycho Brahe, the 16th century Danish astronomer. Not only did he make accurate maps of the paths of the planets, he also had a pet moose and a copper nose—having lost his original in a duel.

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McGavock Edwards

McGavock Edwards

General Manager, Raleigh Office

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What I do…

I drive my team to excel, ask my client to consider altering the norm, sing praises oftens hold clients’ hands, encourage, placate, read, write, teach, listen

My title is...

Account Director, PR Practice Director, General Manager, Raleigh (Tied for IMRE’s longest title)

What that means…

I solve problems, make sure my team is shining, and, I make sure the client knows it

How I got here…

Who knows? …but it’s where I’m supposed to be!

What I believe…

Good communication can solve most any problem

One thing I know for certain…

My dad was right: Love many, trust few, but always paddle your own canoe

If I weren’t an agency person, I’d be…

A White House communications aide - that’s how much I love my job.

My life changed when…

I went all Apple®

I never leave the house without…

My iPhone - duh

My worst habit is…

My iPhone

Is the glass half full or half empty?…

I’m a PR person - It’s ALWAYS half full!

Name 5 things you would take to a desert island.

iPod with solar charger, a journal, my favorite pen with cartridges, my son and a soccer ball

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Kelly Nowlan

Research Director

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What I do...

I manage IMRE's Market Research Practice Area

What that means...

I lead qualitative and quantitative research for our clients, identifying actionable insights they can use to enhance their PR and marketing activities

What I believe...

You never know until you ask

One thing I can't live without...

Good music

The moral of my story is...

You make your own luck

My guilty pleasure TV show is...

Mad Men, Smash and Celebrity Apprentice

Is the glass half full or half empty?

50% full, with a margin of error of 3%

I never leave my house without...

My iPhone

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Mark Eber

Partner & President

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What I do…

I help provide collaborative work environment where all who want to can achieve success

What’s my title…

Partner & President

What that means…

I get to choose what flavors are in the fountain soda machine

What I’ve done…

I've hired lots of people smarter than me and provided them the tools and empowerment to do their jobs

How I got here…

Focus, hard work, dedication and a little bit of luck

What I believe…

Set goals and challenge yourself and those around you every day

One thing I know for certain…

If you ain’t first, you’re last

My life changed when…

My wife and I had our first daughter, then our second, then our third and then our fourth. Claire’s and Hollister is where I roll

The moral of my story is…

I think Bob Marley said it best, “Every little thing gonna be alright”

Is the glass half full or half empty?

Overflowing

When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is…

Say good morning to Jody (my beautiful wife of 20 years)

If I could compete on any game show it would be…

Press Your Luck – no Whammies!

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Shawn Draper

Shawn Draper

Partner & President, Home & Building

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What I do…

I bring the best people together with the most progressive clients in the Home & Building industry to accomplish great things

My title is...

Partner & President, Home & Building

What that means…

I have the opportunity to facilitate the development and implementation of our vision for our home and building business for the agency

What I’ve done…

I've put together a team of experts that are recognized by clients, media, and peers as the best in the industry…plus a few other big ideas

Where I’ve been…

I have been around the block a few times with different people – industry leaders, challengers, and start-ups – often in the drivers seat with great support and success

How I got here…

Serendipity. Three mutual industry friends introduced Dave Imre and I to one another on the same day; the real twist of fate is these three people were the only ones that know Dave and I were looking for what’s next

If I weren’t a Marketer I’d be a…

A lawyer - both professions master the art and science of changing people’s behaviors for the benefit of their clients

One thing I can’t live without…

DIzzle…ask me about it some time

My life changed when I…

Met Jana Johnson (now Draper) in college - since that day, everything in my life has gotten better

My secret crush is…

Anyone who has mastered the game of golf - I would give most anything to play the game well

My smartest move was…

Joining IMRE. No joke. At the risk of coming off as a big suck up, I am a person with a million ideas, and, at IMRE, I get paid to share these ideas

The moral of my story is…

Fortunately, the final chapter has not been written yet, so stay tuned to find out

The best advice I ever got was…

The best answer to most challenges is to simplify. Money problems, simplify. Work stresses, simplify

My worst habit is…

Being impatient - this is root of all evil for me. It prevents me from relaxing and enjoying the success in hand - which is why I have taken up golf (psych)

Chocolate or Vanilla?

Twist – there is no reason we cannot have the best of both

I never leave the house without my…

Shirt, pants, shoes, iPhone, clean hair, and a place to go

When I wake up in the morning, the first thing I do is…

Count my blessings

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Dave Imre

Dave Imre

Partner & Chief Executive Officer

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What has changed the most in communications over the past 5 to 10 years?

The overall importance of communications hasn’t changed, nor have the basic tenets of authenticity and connecting brands to customers. What has: the speed and the number and variety of channels being used.

Where do you see communications headed in the next several years? What trends are on the horizon?

I see more change at a more rapid rate.

What does it take to be a leading company today?

It takes a strong brand with strong products and services that’s willing to be a good corporate citizen and is willing to listen to customers and react accordingly.

Name three keys to successful communications right now.

Listen, listen, listen…

What qualifies you as an expert?

The expert label is earned anew at virtually every encounter. It’s not like being granted tenure in a college setting.

What is the best part about working at IMRE?

It’s an environment where I can constantly learn new things from my colleagues.

What would people who don’t know you be surprised to learn?

I was an intern for Oprah when she was in Baltimore. (Oops—showed my age!)

If you were writing the story of your life, what would the title be?

The Accidental and Lucky Entrepreneur

What’s the last great book you read/movie you saw?

I like mindless, fun comedies and will run to see anything with Will Ferrell.

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