Why I work at Gongos

Opportunity and a belief – opportunity to grow and to represent a company that I believe in 200%. I hold the Gongos brand dear. Among it are humanistic, intelligent, and passionate people who take such amazing pride in all we do. And, we have tons of fun doing it, both inside and outside the office. It makes my job of promoting the company and everyone within it very easy.

Why I love what I do

It’s pure and simple. Growing up, while I had been “in front of the camera” so to speak, at age 19 I found my worth being “behind the camera”. Seeking out talented individuals, and new and unique ways to “connect the dots of opportunity” with our industry, our community, our people and our product offerings is what I love to do. I think I was born to do this.

My career path

“Connecting the dots” also meant connecting the dots of my own career path. Upon leaving Michigan in my early 20s, Los Angeles and a recurring role in television branding became my life. There I was granted much opportunity, and it was fitting. Upon return to Michigan, I quickly integrated into the media community, drawing from my experience out West and in the global community. Finding Gongos in April 2006 was kismet for me. I never thought I could find a company in my home state that would provide all I had hoped for in a career. John Gongos is an amazing mentor and his choice of leaders and staff is second to none. For a gal who has worked for several organizations and start-up companies, I plan to plant my career right here.

A day at the office

Wow…this one is hard! While my role remains steady, my tasks and direction can change hourly. Unlike a market researcher, analyst or programmer who may remain focused on finding compelling ways to deliver insights to our clients, one phone call can change the course of my day. Negotiating a speaking engagement, writing copy for marketing materials, pitching a story idea to an editor, preparing a university presentation, setting up a booth at a conference, or working with freelance designers to enhance our brand…these are the types of things that make me tick. Luckily for me, on a daily basis I get to touch on all of them.

What I love outside of work

I love the outdoors and all it offers – hiking, biking, geocaching, etc. But one of my passions is home décor—as I renovate my “dream home.” I also engage in “retail therapy” often, keeping my favorite shops/local merchants on their toes. My favorites all welcome my dogs—Olive, the miniature wirehaired Dachshund; and Violet, the espresso brown Toy Poodle. Each may, on occasion, stop in my office that is has been affectionately renamed the “Barketing & PR Department.”