Employee Spotlight: Jessica Herman
Agency work is a fickle beast. It’s one that comes with its own rollercoaster of unique demands, requiring persistent and firm focus toward ever-changing work circumstances. Consistency isn’t always there. Burnout or employees requiring a change of scenery also simply comes with the nature of things.
So, to stay at one place for 15 years takes a very special and very dedicated type of person ending up in the perfect spot. Jessica Herman is officially a Vimarc veteran who just recently accomplished that very milestone. From being a Vimarc intern who was working part-time at a “saloon” to our current Director of Account Service, she has experienced a lot in her 15 years at the agency. To celebrate her landmark achievement, we sat down to reflect.
Q: What’s been your favorite or most memorable moment while at Vimarc?
A: Wow, tough question! It’s impossible to pick just one. I still laugh about when I was asked which “saloon” I worked for in my internship interview. I worked for Ultra Tan Salon, which was a tanning bed, but the interviewer read my resume incorrectly. Side note: I worked there for eight years, so I guess I like sticking around when a place feels right.
Some other favorite moments include having a great happy hour at Captain’s Quarters several years ago after a tough week. Winding down with others that are working hard alongside you to get stuff done feels good. I’ve had so many good times with our Humana account team as we problem-solve and laugh while doing it.
Q: What’s a favorite project you’ve worked on?
A: We had a custom blown-glass piece made for Farm Credit Services of Mid-America to celebrate our partnership. One of our Art Directors took the lead on getting this done and it turned out so well.
Q: In what areas have you seen Vimarc improve or change the most over the years you’ve been here?
A: Vimarc has become so much more of an open environment and so employee-focused. Fewer closed-door meetings and so much collaboration take place now compared to 15 years ago. It has been really special to be a part of this evolution.
Q: What was your first impression coming to Vimarc?
A: My first impression was that Vimarc came with a solid recommendation from my professor, whom I respected very much. I was so excited! Right away, I could tell that the people that worked here really cared about what they were doing and liked being here.
Q: Tell us about your journey with Vimarc. Where did you come from and how have you grown while here?
I took an Advertising 101 class and I immediately knew I wanted to go get into advertising and marketing. In order to graduate, I had to do an internship, and he suggested Vimarc as an option. My last semester, I interned at Vimarc while also working 30 hours at the tanning bed and taking my last 18 hours of school.
Over the last 15 years, I have had opportunities to work with so many clients in so many industries. Healthcare, retail, automotive and non-profit. It has been amazing. I tell people often that it is one of the things that is great about working for an agency. I am exposed to so many other types of work instead of just one field. I get to do so much; I love that every day is something new.
Q: What’s your favorite Vimarc-related tradition/activity?
A: Definitely our ornament exchange. It is a time where everyone is allowed to roast or toast other employees.
Q: What is it about Vimarc that has helped keep you interested in working here?
A: What keeps me interested is the problem solving and variety of work that we get to do each day. I love that I can build client relationships while doing great work for our clients. I love that I get to work with my friends who are like my family. The pandemic forced us to work from home for a while, and that was one of the toughest times in my life. I missed seeing my second family and wanted to get back to the office so badly. I am thankful and so proud that during that time, our agency was able to withstand the slower time that forced many of our clients to pull back on their marketing efforts.
Fifteen years is a big deal. Thank you, Jessica! Think Jessica’s experience can benefit your business? She’s always happy to talk it out. Get in touch with her and the rest of our Vimarc veterans below.
