Julie Plath
Director of Strategic Marketing

What got you started in advertising?

I started out in college as a pre-engineering student, but after a grueling semester of Calculus & Analytic Geometry, I realized I didn’t want three more semesters of that hell and decided to change my major. My mom suggested marketing because as I was growing up, I always critiqued ads on TV and wouldn’t let them channel surf during the commercials. Guess mom knows best!

Who was a big influence in your career?

I’ve been fortunate to work for several great people. Thanks to Linda Zeits who taught me the importance of balancing work and family; to Jim O’Neill for teaching me the importance of always having a 30-second commercial in mind for any project you’re working on (just in case your boss/client asks for a quick update); to Madeline Di Nonno who taught me the value of networking; and to Kim for making it fun to come to work.

What was "your finest moment," the thing you’re most proud of?

I’m very proud of my daughter, but my "finest moment" would be passing my black best test in karate. The best part was having my daughter, who is also a black belt and was on the testing committee, present me with the belt.

Is there a great client story you’d care to share?

It most definitely would have to be the bonding session we had with one of our clients where everyone shared their stupid human tricks. If you read Shannon Riley’s response to this question, I’m the one that stole his spotlight with the client by demonstrating my superbly stupid human trick. Yes, I can actually get my entire fist in my mouth.

What was your most embarrassing moment in this business?

Letting my co-workers coerce me into demonstrating my superbly stupid human trick in front of the client.

What attracted you to Ovation?

The opportunity to work with clients from various industries and the culture. There is such a team spirit here at Ovation – it’s a really innovative and fun place to work.

How do you come up with ideas and solutions for clients?

I read a lot and subscribe to several online research services. Oftentimes a case study or article will stimulate an idea. I also value brainstorming with the rest of team.

What makes a great brand?

A differentiating idea that creates an emotional connection with consumers and is well executed. No matter in what channel the target audience experiences the brand (in-store, online, contact with salespeople, e-mail, direct mail, catalog, etc.), their experience should be consistent and rewarding.

What driving career goals do you still have?

Someday I would like to own my own business.

What’s your biggest pet peeve? (work or personal)

When people make excuses or look for a scapegoat when something goes wrong.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about advertising?

The devil is in the details. You can have a great idea, but if it isn’t executed properly and consistently, it’s not going to produce the desired results.

What talent do you wish you had?

I wish I could speak Spanish.

If you had to live on a desert island, what would you miss most?

Assuming my family was with me, I would miss my first can of Diet Pepsi in the morning.

What can’t you live without?

My family.

What are your plans for after advertising?

To sell sea shells by the sea shore.

Is there any food that helps you think more creatively?

Popcorn and pop (Diet Pepsi, of course).

What's your favorite sports team?

Green Bay Packers.

If you could spend a day with any person, living or dead, who would it be and what would you do?

I would like to spend a day with the Dalai Lama and hear his thoughts on life, death and the afterlife.

What’s your point of view about politics?

I avoid political discussions. My parents love to debate political issues and it drives me nuts. I try to stay up on politics and learn both sides of an issue, but I’d rather keep my opinions to myself than try to sway people to my point of view.

Do you have any pets?

We have a squirrel-obsessed dog and a pond full of Koi.

What was growing up like for you?

My parents are great. We’re a very close-knit family. I’m an only child and my dad molded me into a little tomboy…hunting, fishing, practicing my fish filleting skills on dead minnows, grubbing in the dirt, you name it. I was raised to respect nature, work hard and be kind. Being an only child, I have self-imposed high expectations for myself, and therefore, tend to be somewhat of a perfectionist.

What do you do for a good time when you’re not working?

Enjoy the outdoors (golfing, fishing, hunting, skiing, gardening) and karate.

Do you have any kids?

I have a great teenage daughter who breaks all the stereotypes of what teenagers are supposed to act like (so far).

What advertising/catalogs do you most admire?

Target, for how they consistently deliver on their brand message, and of course, Anheuser-Busch for their ability to entertain us year after year during the Super Bowl.

What are your favorite Internet sites?

Sierra Trading Post because they have such great deals. I have a hard time resisting their offers.

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I would like to go fly fishing in the Patagonia region of Argentina or Chile. It looks absolutely beautiful and the fishing is supposed to be awesome.