Shannon Riley
Director of Strategic Marketing

What got you started in advertising?

I enjoyed watching the "cool" TV spots and pictured myself in advertising doing the same thing. While I didn't make it to NYC, I was still aspiring to be part of the advertising world.

Who was a big influence in your career?

I would say my college instructors as well as my current department manager. I interned at Ovation during college and was influenced to continue with this career mostly from the positive message and learning from her.

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

I'm most proud of my kids and my family. However, when it comes to work I think my finest moment was when I was assigned to my first account. I was anxiously waiting for the opportunity to work on the account services side and was given the opportunity shortly after starting at Ovation.

What was your most embarrassing moment in this business?

When I dressed up as Santa Claus at the client's office to try to set the mood for Christmas.

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

Yeah. We were just awarded a new client and flew down to their headquarters to meet all the members of the team. We went through a number of meet and greets and in the evening were taken out to dinner to get to know everyone. The dinner was at a nice restaurant and we had a table that took up an entire section of the restaurant. We had appetizers, drinks and then dinner. The conversation turned from a business conversation to a personal conversation. At one point the conversation moved to asking what type of stupid human tricks we could all do. I pulled out a couple of Austin Powers impersonations but was stopped short of the spotlight when one of my colleagues opened her mouth and stuck her whole fist into her mouth. That stole the show and made us even that much closer with the client.

What attracted you to Ovation?

Its location and people.

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

Using my brain and also learning from things that I have tried before with other clients. I also read the pubs and articles to see what others are doing to determine if it could have any application to my client.

What makes a great brand?

The ability to fulfill an emotional or psychological need. A great brand also provides the elements that satisfy your need to buy that brand (i.e., quality, style, taste, etc.).

What driving career goals do you still have?

To make it to a vice presidency role within an organization.

What's your biggest pet peeve?

Biggest pet peeve is leaving dishes in the sink.

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

Not everyone wants what you have, but finding the ones who do is key.

What talent do you wish you had?

Contracting and building.

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

Family, but aside from that I would miss eating my favorite food – pizza.

What can't you live without?

Any of my internal organs. Also my C2.

What are your plans for after advertising?

I intend to play a lot of golf and hopefully retire.

Is there any food that helps you think more creatively?

Is beer considered food?

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 Donald. I would share with him a big idea that would land me a job with the Trump organization.

What's your point of view about politics?

If we didn't have politics what would there be to complain about?

Do you have any pets?

I have a cat named Daisy.

What was growing up like for you?

I was a little of a rebel and liked to try things that didn't necessarily agree with my parents.

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

I love to golf. I also love spending time with my two girls and going to the pool, park, etc.

Do you have any kids?

Yes, two girls (one is 3½ and one is 15 months).

What advertising/catalogs do you most admire?

Advertising - Budweiser, Target, Gap and Apple. Catalog - Crate & Barrel, Red Envelope, Lands' End and Pottery Barn.

What are your favorite Internet sites?

Yahoo, BMW North America and eBay.

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

Bora Bora because of its pristine water and beautiful beaches.