Tory recently joined our team as our Account Director. We wanted to get to know her a little better with a Q&A.
What is your new role at ColinKurtis?
I am an account director leading a portfolio of client accounts at ColinKurtis.
What does a typical day look like?
A typical day starts with reviewing my calendar to ensure I am prepared for all meetings and am aware of what needs to be accomplished that day. I tackle the projects/challenges that need a little extra brain power in the morning to make sure they get the attention they need. These tasks can range from analyzing discovery session inputs and crafting strategic marketing plans, to reviewing creative and providing feedback, to helping teammates keep work moving, and clients happy.
What part of your role do you enjoy the most?
I really enjoy the strategic thinking and planning required to effectively direct an account. Our clients come to us for help in taking their marketing and business to the next level. They come to us to identify opportunities for growth. I love delivering results in places our clients never thought possible.
I also enjoy collaborative brainstorming and deep thinking. You get a chance to see/hear what’s in other people’s brains and it brings a lot to the table. There is nothing better than a teammate reviewing your work and adding something you never would have thought of that makes it way better.
Can you tell us a little about your professional background?
I’ve been in the ad industry since I graduated from grad school with a Master’s degree in PR (Go Green!) Prior to my time at ColinKurtis, I worked at agencies big and small on a variety of clients across multiple industries including ALDI, Deloitte, KitchenAid, MassMutual, MilkPep (“got milk?”), and First Citizens Bank. That work has included not only account management but also writing, creative concepting, content development, and being the on-screen talent. My hands appeared in multiple pieces of a large client’s holiday campaign.
How do you enjoy spending your time outside the office?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, eating/baking/cooking (preferably all at once), working out, reading, swimming, and traveling. I’m a firm believer that your hobbies and adventures outside of work allow you to be much more creative in your work and day-to-day life.
What did you want to be when you grew up (before you knew you would have a career in marketing)?
As a kid, I wanted to be an Egyptologist. Ancient Egypt is fascinating and I love history. Once I realized that living in the desert might not be for me (too hot!), I was set on becoming a corporate lawyer which turned into a desire to be a sports lawyer. As a varsity swimmer for Michigan State, sports were and always will be a big part of my life.
Checking off the important milestones for the sports law career path, I took the LSAT the day before heading out to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Training Center in Colorado Springs for my dream internship following my junior year of college. That dream internship (plus a shoulder injury and subsequent redshirt) resulted in me doing more writing and PR work, ultimately guiding me to graduate school and advertising/marketing. While I do enjoy the occasional episode of Suits or Law & Order (yes, I know they aren’t realistic!), I ended up where I belong.
Learn more about the rest of our team here.
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