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PEOPLE

IMRE builds brands, at home and on the jobsite

From homeowner buying habits to building efficiency, IMRE’s Home & Building experts know how to market every aspect of the industry. And we’re equipped with powerful tools—like our Homeowner Insights and Contractor Advisory Panels—that give us perspectives straight from the source.

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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Betty Lyn Eller

Vice President, Home

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What I do...

business development and idea generation for Home & Building clients

My title is...

Vice President

What that means...

I think a lot about where consumer needs for products in their homes intersect with the need for design, style and personalization

What I've done...

I’ve been an agency production manager and an account executive to home furnishing industry clients, worked as the director of consumer marketing within the home industry, and for consumer magazines as a lifestyle and home furnishings director

Where I've been...

Masco Home Furnishings, Drexel Heritage, and Hearst Magazines like Country Living, Shop Etc., and O at Home

How I got here...

A magazine editor-in-chief referred me because she knew I wanted to work in an agency that believes in creative thinking, consistently executes smart strategies for their clients, and wants to be actively engaged with home brands and their consumers

What I believe...

Opportunity does not come neatly tied in a bow

One thing I know for certain...

I'll always have a southern accent

The earliest sign I’d work in advertising was...

In 4th grade, when I started collecting “FLAIR” felt tip pens – had to have one in every color they made and I carried them EVERYWHERE

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

Start talking to my dog

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Mike O'Mara

Mike O'Mara

Vice President, Home & Building

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What I do…

I help our teams connect our clients to their customers

My title is...

Vice President

What that means…

I get the opportunity to represent a whole slew of really creative and passionate people

What I’ve done…

Well, I’ve never been arrested for anything

Where I’ve been…

I try to focus on where I am going

How I got here…

In a round about way

What I believe…

The only constant in today’s market place is change. Brands need to embrace that and adapt

My worst habit is…

A question best answered by my wife

Chocolate or Vanilla?…

Twist. Life is short

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

Enjoy the silence - I wake up first in my house

In your perfect world, the title that would appear on your business card…

Chief Facilitation Officer

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

I’d be a professional chef

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

Trials, Tribulations and Triumphs

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Jeff Williams

Jeff Williams

Vice President, Home & Building

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What has changed the most in Home & Building over the past 5 to 10 years?

Consumer behavior. Faster Internet speeds and portable devices enable consumers to research brands like never before, which has evoked a whole new genre of communications channels. Social media, online video, product reviews—all of these elements are now an integral part of the marketing mix and allow more genuine conversation with potential customers.

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

The Great Recession will have lasting effects regarding credit availability and how credit is acquired. Land scarcity and tightening energy codes will play a critical role in accelerating sustainable building practices.

What does it take to be a Home & Building leader today?

I think the best companies have really interesting and/or useful products and they lead with service. They communicate with customers in a personable, forthright and transparent way, effectively changing their messaging ratio from one to many to as close to one-to-one as possible.

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

Bass Pro and Hammock Tester

What do you do for fun outside the office?

I’ve been working on an old Corvette for about 20 years that I hope to have running in a few months…or not. I also like woodworking and anything to do with tools.

Who inspires you—personally and/or professionally?

I live by General Colin Powell’s “13 Rules.” Number 13 is a favorite: “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.” I admire Oprah Winfrey and what she has accomplished. She’s so humble and kind.

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

I’d be renovating historic homes or building modern interpretations of classic American architecture, such as Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival or some of the eclectic styles.

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

I’d love to have lunch with Mark Twain and Ben Franklin, preferably at the same time.

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

Measure Twice, Cut Once

 

 

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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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Elizabeth Walker

Account Manager

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What I do...

Manage clients, teams and direct reports.

What that means...

I lead account teams to ensure client objectives are reached or exceeded.

How I got here...

IMRE’s old office was in walking distance to my college. I applied during my senior year and started two weeks after graduation.

What I believe...

I believe that at the end of the day, my family is the most important thing in my life. I believe good will always win, and nice people don’t finish last.

My smartest move was...

Marrying my husband.

The best advice I ever got was...

My dad once told me to “get all the facts first.” That little nugget has helped me make better decisions in all aspects of my life and reminds me not to rush into decisions based on emotion.

Chocolate or vanilla?

Chocolate.

I never leave the house without...

A snack. My mother always told me to take a little something with me b/c you never know if you’re going to get stuck in the car (bus, train, plane, etc) longer than you thought.

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

The Amazing Race. My husband and I always talk about entering one day. You get to travel the world and see amazing things – all while competing with others to win an awesome prize.

 

 

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Lindsay Muller

Account Manager

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

If you have something to say, you better say it quickly and with conviction. Thanks to real-time updates on Twitter and Facebook, consumers are now expecting information on the spot and on the go.

What resonates with target audiences today in the world of media?

We’re all looking for a little good news. People want to be inspired. They’re craving stories that make them feel good, like ordinary people doing extraordinary things or corporations giving back.

What made you want to work in communications?

When I was in the sixth grade, I participated in a White House press conference with Hillary Clinton. I spoke about the importance of keeping classes such as D.A.R.E in schools. I also won an essay contest that resulted in more than a dozen live broadcast and print interviews.

What strengths/skills do you bring to your clients?

Being a problem solver is beneficial when working in the communications industry. I’m deeply committed to understanding my clients’ challenges and developing solutions to help them achieve their goals. And I enjoy collaborating with others to create innovative communications plans that take PR and marketing to the next level.

What is the best part about working at IMRE?

The best part about working at IMRE is the people. It’s refreshing to work with results-oriented and creative colleagues in a fun, energetic atmosphere.

Describe your overall marketing and communications philosophy.

Innovative, forward-leaning PR results from integrating traditional PR tactics with the world of social media. Without the social component, a communications plan is missing a critical piece.

What do you do for fun outside the office?

I cook, bake, work out, read and spend time with family and friends.

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

With the necessary training, I’d be a chef on the Food Network.

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Chris Thiede

Chris Thiede

Account Manager

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What I do...

I help my clients to see the big picture and make sure their marketing activities are rooted in sound strategy.

My title is...

Account Manager.

Name three keys to successful marketing in Home & Building right now.

Be genuine by offering products or services that provide real, honest value. Be bold, as long as you can back up your claims with your products. And be focused on the customers who are right for your brand. Don’t be distracted by the allure of new groups unless you have saturated your core market.

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

The minute I post this, my response has become obsolete. Because customers have nearly every bit of information they need at their fingertips at all times, if you don’t give them what they need, when they need it, you lose.

I can't live without...

The simple happiness that comes from seeing my wife smile, my son play, and being surrounded by friends and family…Oh, and my iPhone. I love that thing.

What strengths/skills do you bring to your clients?

I can pull nuggets and nuances from the detailed technical information about a product or a company that shape the overall brand story.

My guilty pleasure TV show is...

“Phineas & Ferb.” I will likely continue to watch it long after my son outgrows it.

What do you do for fun outside the office?

I sail. Whether racing in a serious regatta or out on a pleasure cruise, it’s easy to leave the stresses of the day on shore.

I root for the...

Packers and whoever is playing against the Vikings.

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Danielle Hogan

Danielle Hogan

Account Manager

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What I do...

I provide strategic and sound integrated marketing and public relations recommendations that produce results.

My title is...

Account Manager.

What that means...

I work collaboratively with internal and external teams and clients to ensure smooth operations, effective results—and lots of smiles.

Where I've been...

I’ve had the unique opportunity to work on both the agency and client sides. This has given me not only perspective, but has allowed me to be open-minded, strategic, and patient.

How I got here...

I liken my journey to the timeless Dr. Seuss book, Oh, the Places You’ll Go. “You'll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You'll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that life's a great balancing act.”

If it ain't broke...

Break it. Nothing is perfect, and putting the pieces back together can sometimes unveil new and exciting opportunities.

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

Minute to Win It!

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

My husband, two children, iPhone, and a keg of Blue Moon Summer.

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Christine Costa

General Manager, Los Angeles Office

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

The concept of sustainability has become a driver for innovation. Most of the innovative products hitting the market have environmental efficiencies that make them more effective. Companies are using sustainability as a catalyst for supply chain improvements, development of new technology and a brand differentiator from a marketing perspective.

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

Quality of life, whether professional or personal, is intersecting with sustainability—making sustainability more accessible to the mass market.

What resonates with Sustainability target audiences today?

Authentic communications is a must-have.

What made you want to work in the Sustainability field?

The spaces we occupy define our everyday lives and inform the choices we make. When it comes to sustainability, buildings can teach their occupants quite a lot about the values of environmental sustainability—whether it’s improved health through better indoor air quality, increased productivity and happiness through day lighting or greater collaboration among family and peers through smarter space planning. Communicating these impacts makes my job meaningful.

What strengths/skills do you bring to your clients?

I’m an organizer by nature, so I’m able to synthesize masses of information about sustainability into messaging that’s simple to understand and authentic to each client’s brand.

What is the best part about working at IMRE?

IMRE encourages its staff to take risks and pave new paths.

Describe your overall marketing and communications philosophy.

Be authentic and create communications that are data-driven and audience-centric.

What do you do for fun outside the office?

I’m a flea-market junkie and a blog addict. I also have an unhealthy obsession with designing and reorganizing friends’ and family’s living spaces.

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

I’ve spent time in every state but three. Look out, Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana—you’re next.

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Katie Huegel

Katie Huegel

Account Manager

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What I do...

I oversee the develop of integrated marketing communications strategies and tactics, as well as act as a teacher and mentor for my teams who are leading the charges

Where I've been...

I’ve worked at a variety of ad agencies with clients of all shapes and sizes

How I got here...

I've had a couple of great mentors along the way

One thing I know for certain...

I'm an OCD planner - I couldn't function without my lists or my calendar

One thing I can't live without...

My cats are my furchildren - yes, I fully admit that I'm a cat lady

My guilty pleasure TV show is...

My Fair Wedding with David Tutera - I watched it before I got engaged and will continue to do so long after my wedding

My life changed when I...

Completed the Iron Girl Triathlon in 2009

I root for...

The Baltimore Ravens

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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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Eric Lent

Eric Lent

Manager, Client Relations

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

For both B2B and B2C audiences, digital, social and mobile vehicles have shortened the time needed to build awareness about a product, research the specifications and consider a purchase.

What strengths/skills do you bring to your clients?

I’m genuinely curious and committed to see our clients succeed. I’m able to help them identify challenges and drive results.

What qualifies you as a Home & Building expert?

For many years I’ve helped B2B and B2C market leaders take their efforts to the next level. Also, I’m a tradeshow junkie who enjoys learning about game-changing products. From building products, concrete, kitchen and bath, to heavy equipment to interior design and furniture—I just can’t get enough!

What is the best part about working at IMRE?

I enjoy the opportunity to work with sharp, passionate people and big brands—and I get to go to a lot of tradeshows.

Describe your overall marketing and communications philosophy.

Right place. Right time. Right message.

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

Matchmaker Extraordinaire

What do you do for fun outside the office?

In addition to spending time with my wife and our three children, I enjoy kayaking, sailing, surfing and fly fishing. And, of course, attending tradeshows.

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

At age 14, I sailed across the Atlantic on a 42-foot boat.

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

I’d have lunch with James Brown, a self-made man who rose from the depths of Depression-era poverty to become a trail-blazing success by giving 110 percent. Plus, he’s the Godfather of Soul!

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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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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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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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