21 Club and later the 25 Club. I soared through the ranks and at the age of 19 I was training others to be successful, as well.
With sales and leadership experience under my belt I applied for a telemarketing management position with Olan Mills Portrait Studios. I was hired on as a front line telemarketer and quickly proved my abilities to my peers and leaders. After only three months of working the phones I was relocated to Ashland, Kentucky and promoted to the position of which I initially applied.Following my time with Olan Mills, I moved on to a sales position with National Studios. I spent a few months promoting portrait sessions in local
malls and department stores. Opportunity knocked and of course I answered. I was promoted to Regional Manager of Sales and Promotions for National Studios. I spent most of my time traveling the areas of Southeastern Ohio, Eastern Kentucky, and the Western half of West Virginia. Once again, recruiting and training others.
My next venture and milestone in my career allowed me to utilize my experience in promoting products to large groups of people. I moved on to freelance marketing projects. Some companies I did promotions for are: Glamour Studios, NCNB Bank, MCI, & Ever Dry. I traveled to some of the largest cities in our country promoting products and gathering information for market research. My freelance projects also included contracts with Aria Modeling Agency, Focus, Barbizon, and John
Casablanca, where I recruited new talent and served as an independent scouting agent.
Seeking a niche in the dental field I attended dental assisting classes in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I then joined a dental practice in that area. I immediately put my sales and marketing background to work for the office. I learned everything I could about dentistry and the operations of a dental practice. Within one year of applying some innovative marketing strategies, the thirteen year-old practice opened a second office.
In 1998, a series of tragic life-changing events influenced me to join the United States Army. My permanent duty station was on the island of Oahu. Here I joined up with the Moral Welfare Recreation (MWR) & Better Opportunity for Single Soldiers (BOSS) programs. As a volunteer I coordinated events to boost the spirits of soldiers. This gave me the opportunity to work with the NFL where I managed events at the Pro Bowl. I also planned events such as, fund raisers, the Army Ball, concerts, contests, and many others.
While in Hawaii, I founded Diversity Music Company. I worked side by side with local musicians as they developed their skills to near perfection. I also worked with recording studios, radio stations, night clubs, festivals, and other venues to produce shows where these musicians later performed. Following an Honorable Discharge in July of 2002 I moved to Columbus, Ohio, where I sought higher education. Simultaneously working on two degrees, I earned an Associate of Science in Direct Marketing and a
Certification in Direct Marketing Columbus State Community College as well as a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Franklin University in less than 32 months. I will complete my graduate studies with a Master of Science in Marketing and Communication in August of 2007.
I currently serve on the Communications Committee for the Columbus Chapter of the American Marketing Association (AMA) as Director of Direct Marketing. I also serve as Chair for the Achievement in Marketing Awards, the Columbus AMA’s professional marketing awards ceremony.My dedication to the marketing industry, higher education, and professional development has led me to established JMC Marketing, where I serve as Chief Executive Officer. While JMC Marketing was formally established in 2002, a
solid foundation has been built through years of entrepreneurial ventures and building of social capital. Through JMC Marketing, my involvement with the Business Advisory Council (BAC) landed me a spot as a BAC’s 2005 Businessman of the Year an invitation to the a Presidential Dinner in Washington, D.C., and the Ronald Reagan Gold Metal. This is just the beginning of greater things to come. Thank you to all who have helped me get where I am today!