The Search for a New Marketing Director
When our previous Marketing Director informed us that she was switching careers after 10 years at ROBOT, we knew we had a significant challenge laid out before us. Six months and over 100 resumes later, we found Lana Harris.
On paper, Lana was a home run. She got her start in PR and had managed marketing, media relations and crisis communications for local, regional and national accounts. A graduate of Texas State University, Lana was well established in the San Antonio market, most recently working for the San Antonio Express-News and Brake Check. Indeed, Lana had an impressive pedigree, but a resume can only tell you so much.
To fill in the remaining blanks, we invited Lana to participate in a comprehensive testing process that is perhaps best described as a recruiting gauntlet. Lana crushed it. We role-played difficult interactions. Lana navigated them with skill and tact. We tasked her with writing exercises that placed her under significant time pressure. Lana hit them out of the park. We tried to stump her with strategic marketing questions. Lana’s expertise was immediately evident.
Expanded Capacity and Service Offerings
Needless to say, we hired Lana without hesitation, and her impact was felt immediately. Lana expanded our wheelhouse from day one. Her background in PR expanded ROBOT’s offerings in publicity and media relations. Additionally, Lana’s up-to-the-minute understanding of digital marketing gives ROBOT’s clients an edge in an ever-changing online landscape.
Since arriving at ROBOT in December 2015, Lana has worked on some of the largest projects in our 18-year history. She has played a critical role in a variety of high-profile projects and lead the development of several strategic plans. Additionally, Lana has directed numerous public relations programs and managed several integrated marketing campaigns. Adding to these achievements, Lana also oversaw a hiring initiative that would double the marketing department’s staff.
Adding New Robots
Like everything she does, Lana approached hiring with the laser focus of a seasoned professional. In just four months she assembled a well-rounded team of Marketing Managers that serve as our clients’ main points of contact within the agency:
- Brian Peters, hired in February 2016, is a marketing generalist with over 10 years of experience in copywriting and strategic communications. Equipped with an MBA, Brian helps ROBOT’s clients develop measurable marketing strategies that are rooted in ROI.
- Larisa Langley, hired in February 2016, comes to ROBOT from the world of Architecture, Engineering and Construction with a broad base of experience that spans public relations, marketing strategy, writing and web development.
- Mason Rodriguez, hired in March 2016, came to ROBOT from Sea World and SWBC armed with a deep knowledge of all things social. Mason believes that every organization has a story, and he is passionate about engaging customers in those stories.
These new hires are not the only exciting news to come out of the ROBOT marketing department, however. The most tenured member of Lana’s team, Kelley Garza, was promoted to Lead Consultant in April 2016 after three years of consistently wowing ROBOT’s clients. In that time, Kelley has led some of our largest and most complex projects, and has carved out a reputation for her grace under pressure. Well versed in all things marketing, Kelley backs up Lana in directing campaign strategy and execution.
Expertise in Action
Indeed, the past year has seen many changes around the ROBOT marketing department, but one thing remains constant: Our commitment to providing our clients with powerful creative driven by the latest marketing practices and technologies.
Whether you need consulting, assistance with a project, or an entire marketing department, ROBOT has the expertise to support you. Click here to contact us today.