WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE AD (ALL TIME OR CURRENTLY)?
“Where’s the beef” – the original , NOT the new version!
IF YOU NEVER HAD TO WORK AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO DO?
Volunteer and travel around the world with my family.
FAVORITE PLACE YOU’VE BEEN TO?
Snowmass, Colorado
WHAT’S YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?
Heart necklace I gave my grandmother for her birthday one year. She has passed, now I have the necklace.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO?
Beside my son and his friend singing “Fruit Salad” by the Wiggles, nothing can compare – for a mom. [EDITOR'S NOTE: the below video is definitely not as cute as Debbie's kid singing the song, but entertaining none the less]
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU MAKE REALLY WELL?
What my friends call Debbie cake, which is a cinnamon swirl, but disappears as quickly as I put it down.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHTIME SPOT NEAR THE OFFICE?
Lunch spot? Besides my desk?
WHAT’S YOUR GO TO KARAOKE SONG? (COME ON, WE KNOW YOU HAVE ONE).
“Two out of three ain’t bad”. Or “closing number” with my girlfriends
WHAT’S THE BEST MEAL YOU’VE EVER HAD?
Appetizing – Yom Kippur breakfast (after 26 hours of fasting)
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CREATIVE PURSUIT?
Knitting a really cool sweater that my daughter just has to steal (that means it’s cool)
WHAT’S THE LAST GREAT EVENT YOU WENT TO?
My daughter’s high school graduation.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Just be happy.
WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE STORY?
Family vacation in February, snow storm, pulled kids out of school early, got on last flight out, 2 hours delayed. Landed late, rental car kiosk closed, no other cars available, cab to Aunt’s house last minute, got lost and we STILL had the best vacation at club med!
I’m a Junior Planner on the digital and social side of the Integrated Planning team, and I run all things social for Saatchi NY (with @mtnewman), including this blog and @hudsonhouston.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
My first real job was working at a bakery, which was part of a big farm in my hometown. 10 pounds later, I quit.
WHAT LED YOU ON THE PATH YOU’RE ON TODAY?
I was sure I was going into Public Relations until I interned at Saatchi last summer. Then I fell in love with advertising. After attending Internet Week and Advertising Week in 2011 I knew this was the industry I wanted to be in, and it sort of took off from there.
WHAT ARE YOUR LOVEMARKS? Olay: The Olay Beauty Fluid has been passed down from my Nonna (that’s grandma, in Italian), who was lucky enough to experience it in a glass bottle, to my mother, to me. We all use it as our one and only face moisturizer, and I’ll never switch!
Nasty Gal: Don’t let the name fool you – it’s actually a clothing site known for its risky fashion choices and fair pricing.
Steve Madden: A victim of big, narrow feet passed on from my father, Steve Madden has always been my go-to for shoes. They just fit perfectly and always look awesome. Currently wearing these leopard loafers, which I pre-ordered before they went live on the site because they’ve been on back order ever since.
Café Bustelo: I love espresso, and this is the brand my Nonna (Dad’s side this time) would make for me every morning with steamed milk and a spoonful of brown sugar. My roommate Thea (AAE on Olay) bought us a fancy espresso machine so now I get to have Nonna’s café latte whenever I want.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE AD (ALL TIME OR CURRENTLY)?
I know, I know, everyone loves this one. But I have a reason other than how funny it is. The little boy in it reminds me of my little cousin, Luca … a die-hard Star Wars fan, thanks to his dad.
IF YOU NEVER HAD TO WORK AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO DO?
I’d probably go back to Italy [insert European unemployment rate joke here]. My family owns a bike shop in Assisi. I would love to just go live there and travel through Europe on the weekends. Oh, and eat a lot of homemade pasta.
FAVORITE PLACE YOU’VE BEEN TO?
Greece, for sure! I spent Spring Break two years ago in Athens, Mykonos and Santorini. Mykonos was the biggest party scene ever – we headed home around 3 am and people were just leaving their apartments to go out. Santorini was much more relaxed and romantic – a great honeymoon spot with black and red beaches.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?
A single rose my dad gave me for Valentine’s Day years ago. It dried and is still in the tiny vase, on a shelf in my room.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU MAKE REALLY WELL?
I’m no chef, but I can make a decent omelet. I’m also in the midst of creating a cookbook from all of my grandparents’ recipes – from homemade wine to gnocchi to tiramisu.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE COLD-WEATHER NYC ACTIVITY?
Does lying in bed with wine count as an activity? I hibernate in the winter. I haven’t gone out in weeks, but in the spring and summer I’m the party planner.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHTIME SPOT NEAR THE OFFICE?
My desk mate Steffan recently took me to Deb’s on Varick. I’m hooked on their soups, but it’s a little pricey.
WHAT’S YOUR GO TO KARAOKE SONG? (COME ON, WE KNOW YOU HAVE ONE).
A Jersey girl at heart, I’m going to have to say Livin’ On a Prayer by Bon Jovi.
WHAT’S THE BEST MEAL YOU’VE EVER HAD?
This is easy – Nonna’s lasagna. Hands down. The secret is in the sauce and the bechamel she puts on top.
IF YOU COULD BE THE WORLD RECORD HOLDER OF ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Party planning and organization. I even do it as a business on the side – call me
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CREATIVE PURSUIT?
Vintage shopping for trinkets is my hobby. I love that $2 elephant sculpture no one even looks at.
WHAT BLOGS/MAGAZINES/BOOKS/PAPERS/WEBSITES CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
I’m looking for more so I’m not so main-stream, but here is my list:
WHAT’S THE LAST GREAT EVENT YOU WENT TO?
It was last September, but Electric Zoo blew my mind. I went all three days… oof.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Never get too comfortable.
WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE STORY?
Everyone told me NYU was a reach school for me and not to bank on it. I got in early decision and graduated early, with a full-time job lined up at a top advertising agency. My mom was the only person who told me I could do it.
TRACY BROSNAN is an ASSOC CREATIVE DIRECTOR for OLAY at SaatchiNY. For more info on her background, head over to her website, TracyBrosnan.com. The above photo comes courtesy of her 4-year old daughter, Angelene Cronin
WHAT DO YOU DO AT SAATCHI & SAATCHI?
I’m an Assoc. Creative Director on Olay, currently working on developing content to reach younger users and 360 projects for Olay Body products.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
I was a switchboard operator at Sears
WHAT LED YOU ON THE PATH YOU’RE ON TODAY?
I once thought I was not creative enough to fit into any art profession, but in my first design class we were tasked with designing a newspaper campaign to stop teenage suicide. I was fortunate to be one of the five chosen designs and it was all the encouragement I needed. A few years later I won a $10,000 prize and a paid internship at Citibank Marketing in Long Island City. It was during my first week, when I saw Citibank’s advertising agencies’ ideas that I knew what I wanted to do. I finally had a good plan. Eat sushi every day and stay out later than ever. Work hard on my portfolio when the summer is over.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE AD (ALL TIME OR CURRENTLY)?
This changes every single day. Today I love this one . . . it’s a tear jerker:
Now, stop crying . . . this one is funny . . .
IF YOU NEVER HAD TO WORK AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO DO?
Whoah . . .
First, learn to sail.
Next, make my own chocolate truffles.
I’d stop rushing!
Write a book about growing up with a crazy father.
Drive cross country in a convertible with my family.
Photograph everybody I like (that’s a lot of people).
Trek the Himalayas.
Meet more people to photograph.
Probably look for a job after that!
FAVORITE PLACE YOU’VE BEEN TO?
I love Buenos Aires. The food, the language, the attitude of the people . . .
WHAT’S YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?
I can’t decide. My shoes or my camera? Shoes? Camera?
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO?
Hip-hop and Jimmy Fallon. What is better than this?
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU MAKE REALLY WELL?
Turkey chili
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WARM-WEATHER NYC ACTIVITY?
Outdoor concerts and having a glass of wine on the balcony and watching the boats on the Hudson.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHTIME SPOT NEAR THE OFFICE?
Not telling . . .
WHAT’S YOUR GO TO KARAOKE SONG? (COME ON, WE KNOW YOU HAVE ONE).
Gotta be Billy Squier. Lonely is the Night or Everybody Wants You.
WHAT’S THE BEST MEAL YOU’VE EVER HAD? Waterlot Inn in Bermuda. The best steak I’ve ever had.
Another was my first Shabu shabu in Kosugi, Japan. I love any kind of meal that takes time. The table is filled with chopped pieces of everything fresh and raw. The experience was magnified just by sitting on the tatami in a traditional Japanese farmhouse.
IF YOU COULD BE THE WORLD RECORD HOLDER OF ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I want to live the longest. There are simply too many things I want to do!
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CREATIVE PURSUIT?
I love photography. And I love journaling; it makes me calm. Since switching to digital photography (a few years after most people), I missed the darkroom so much I started to work with silver clay to make jewelry using tiny versions of my photographs.
WHAT BLOGS/MAGAZINES/BOOKS/PAPERS/WEBSITES CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
I’m very fickle when it comes to this. But at least a few times a week I breeze through brainpickings.org, kickstarter.com and psfk.com.
I actually have subscriptions to Real Simple (quietly hoping that one day my life will feel like one of these uncluttered, calm-feeling photos), New York, Fast Company and Self.
As an art director, I make a monthly stop at the global magazine stores to refill my brain with new images. Books and magazines are my addiction.
WHAT’S THE LAST GREAT EVENT YOU WENT TO?
My daughter’s dance recital. She started when she was 3 and a year later knows passe’, plie’, arabesque and an awesome curtsy.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Last month while I was telling my father a story (and getting a little bit mad) he said, “You gotta turn down your Irish.”
WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE STORY?
I’ve had a few . . . but today the my “nothing is impossible” challenge is making sure I raise good kids (at-their-core-kind-of-good) while at the same time making sure my Mom & Dad are doing alright as they step into retirement.
Jacob Perez is VP, Strategic Planning Director at SaatchiNY. For more info on his world travels, opinions and race car driving, be sure to check him out on Twitter at @jakepr79.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT SAATCHI & SAATCHI?
I’m the Strategic Planning Director, sharing an office with the lovely Tish Valles.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
I spent my first summer in college working at the art library of my school.
WHAT LED YOU ON THE PATH YOU’RE ON TODAY?
Curiosity
WHAT ARE YOUR LOVEMARKS?
Zappos (you can’t beat their customer service) BMW (If you are intro driving you know why) Apple (I own every single one of their products)
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE AD (ALL TIME OR CURRENTLY)?
Seriously? I’m a library of ads and it’s impossible to choose one. So here is a sampling …
Johnnie Walker Evolution
Fedex Fast Talking Guy
Apple Think Different (I think it’s better than 1984)
Lynx Getting Dressed
Cadbury Gorilla and Eyebrows
Nike Joga Bonito and Write the Future
And the list goes on.
IF YOU NEVER HAD TO WORK AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO DO?
It’s between teaching/playing tennis and racing cars. I love both. Although I have to say that when I’m actually doing planning I don’t feel like I’m working.
FAVORITE PLACE YOU’VE BEEN TO?
Another silly question, each place is tied to a specific memory.
If you want to feel like you are in another world the Galapagos are amazing. If you are into history and religion Israel and Jordan are the place to be. And if you like fun, beach and laid back people a tour of Northern Brazil starting in Rio.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?
I have a Orbea Orca Road Bike that I’ve put a lot of time and money into. I ride it almost every day in the summer, I love the feeling I get when I’m on the road. And my dogs, but I wouldn’t categorize them as possessions.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO?
Charlie bit my finger.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO?
Charlie bit my finger.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU MAKE REALLY WELL?
I make the best tortilla espanola.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WARM-WEATHER NYC ACTIVITY?
Riding my bike to Nyack.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHTIME SPOT NEAR THE OFFICE? Mexicana Mamma. They are cash only but the food is great.
WHAT’S YOUR GO TO KARAOKE SONG? (COME ON, WE KNOW YOU HAVE ONE).
Hmmm. You can’t judge me for this one …
It’s my life (Bon Jovi).
WHAT’S THE BEST MEAL YOU’VE EVER HAD?
It’s a tossup between El Bulli in Catalonia and French Laundry in Napa. Completely different experiences, both equally amazing. Too bad El Bulli is closed. Everyone should experience food by chef Adria.
IF YOU COULD BE THE WORLD RECORD HOLDER OF ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I would say eating the most cherry Starburst in one hour. People who know me would say most shoes.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CREATIVE PURSUIT?
I love design. Geometry and proportion has always come easy to me so my parents were cool enough to let me drive the design of their new place (together with their trusted architect of course). And I have to say it’s looking cool.
WHAT’S THE LAST GREAT EVENT YOU WENT TO?
Rockin Rio, it’s hard to beat and if you get a chance to go you should. It takes days to come down from the high you get.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
A quote by John Wooden from my uncle:
Talent is God-given. Be humble.
Fame is man-given. Be grateful.
Conceit is self-given. Be careful.
WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE STORY?
TBD, I’m sure something more trying that what I’ve experienced so far will come and then I’ll tell you.
Tish Valles is VP, Planning Director at SaatchiNY. For more background, you can find her on LinkedIn or follow her on Twitter @TishValles.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
The very first job I had was at the school where my mother was a teacher. They needed help collating the workbooks the students would eventually use. Not very stimulating, and since we worked in the library we couldn’t even chat! I must have been 12 or 13. My first job related to my current one was as a qualitative researcher. I imagine my title was something like ‘Research Assistant.’ Yep, so long ago now I can’t actually remember.
WHAT LED YOU ON THE PATH YOU’RE ON TODAY?
There are two ways I want to answer this question:
I was ‘smuggled’ into America by a six month pregnant mother who came because my father did his MBA at CUNY, Buffalo. I am an accidental American of Spanish-Filipino descent; inevitably I would have found my way back to New York. I just took the long and winding road, which went: Buffalo, NY -> Manila, Philippines -> Jakarta, Indonesia -> Singapore -> Bangkok, Thailand -> Manila, Philippines -> New York, NY.
I also happened to use the right shampoo brand. In my senior year in college, I was using Neutrogena – which happened to be relevant for a focus group my friend’s aunt was organizing.
During this focus group I felt a spark which told me – “wait, I can get paid for doing this?!” After my first year as a qualitative researcher it was clear to everyone (especially my clients) that I needed a more creative context for my work. A client who I apparently made a good impression on endorsed me to Ogilvy, who took me on as a Creative Planner.
During my 14-year tenure there, I went from Creative Planner to Planning Director at a local office to a Regional Planning Director working on Asia Pacific’s second largest client (yes, it was as exhausting as it sounds!). I moved to New York in 2007, free-lanced for four years and finally kismet led me to Saatchi. I was impressed with most everyone I spoke to here, and I knew it was for me. Fortunately, they felt the same way about me.
WHAT ARE YOUR LOVEMARKS?
I’ll talk about two of them (is there a pattern of twos emerging here???)
MAC Viva Glam. I’ve loved Viva Glam since it came out eons ago. It carries values of style and purpose that resonate very strongly with me. It is beautiful, glamorous, on the cusp of style and popular culture, inclusive and accountable. It represents a tribe rallying together around beauty with deep conscience. It takes a problem head on, raising awareness and taking its cause seriously without taking itself too seriously. All proceeds from MAC Viva Glam go to AIDS charities, this is why it has won the endorsement and loyalty of celebrities like RuPaul, Liza Minelli, Lady Gaga, Elton John, Cyndi Lauper, to name a few.
Apple. I grew up in an Apple household and now our household is equally fanatical. Apple continues to enhance the way I live…the way I listen to music, the way I access the internet, the way I communicate with my family across the ocean, the way I hold on to memories, the way I access entertainment. It is definitely love.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE AD (ALL TIME OR CURRENTLY)?
I should preface to say that I am no longer a ‘normal’ consumer of advertising. I doubt that any of us are. Asking an ad geek to pick one favorite ad is like asking the woman who runs an orphanage to choose her favorite child!
So I’ll go back into the archives, to a time and place long before the Scandinavian wife, the scandals, and the women. During a time when Tiger Woods was this magical beacon of what was possible for all children of the world. Are you with me? Ok, good. Now think back to that TV spot where children of all variations speak four magical words loaded with promise, bravado, ambition and hope: I am Tiger Woods. Every child in the world had that much promise. All they needed to do was, well … Just do it. Epic.
IF YOU NEVER HAD TO WORK AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO DO?
I don’t think I’ll ever stop working. I LOVE what I do. I am a brand geek. I believe in the power of brands and communications. Living the dream for me would involve dividing my time among my four favorite places on earth (New York, Taos NM, Paris, and the Philippines) and doing a combination of creative work and philanthropy. I am co-founder of an online charity whose goal is to use digital technology to empower the world’s women and their children.
FAVORITE PLACE YOU’VE BEEN TO?
There is a gorgeous 7 kilometer strip of paradise in the Philippines, where one finds the most pristine beaches and sand as white and soft as talc. And once the sun sets, the island has a vital night life. Its allure is such that it has attracted an international clientele and its ‘locals’ are so diverse. The place is Boracay, a must see for sure.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?
For now it would be my iPhone, my link to everyone I love who are spread out all over the world.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO?
None at the moment.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU MAKE REALLY WELL?
I make a pretty good adobo (Philippine soy-vinegar stew), a killer garlic-fried rice and I am a pretty good poet. Do haikus or sonnets count in this question?
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WARM-WEATHER NYC ACTIVITY?
Back to the theme of twos: an active one and a passive one.
New York is a great walking town, and when the weather permits NYC and I have this ‘thing’ we do. I let the city lead me to where I am going through the traffic light changes, so that I never get from point A to point B using exactly the same route.
Brunch. I know that’s an all-weather activity, but my friends and I do Brunch 2, aka liquid brunch, aka cocktail hour. We do this in Brooklyn at Franklin Park, and in warm weather they have a gorgeous outdoor spot that is delightful.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHTIME SPOT NEAR THE OFFICE?
Two again: Better Being Underground and Pret-a-Manger.
WHAT’S YOUR GO TO KARAOKE SONG? (COME ON, WE KNOW YOU HAVE ONE).
Anything by Madonna tends to be a crowd pleaser, and not too much of a vocal challenge. And since I still remember most of the dance moves to ‘Into the Groove’ from the Virgin Tour videos (circa 1984!), that would be my go-to.
WHAT’S THE BEST MEAL YOU’VE EVER HAD?
My best meals involve the ones where both my parents, all of us 3 siblings, our partners and the nephews can come together. Our family has a favorite paella spot by the water in Barcelona we go to. It’s called ‘el Xiringuito Escriba‘ and it’s always a wonderful experience. If you like paella, seafood and traditional Spanish meals you might like it, too. The food is always good, you’re right by the Belearic Sea (you can take a dip in the summer) and you’re on that relaxed Spanish pace.
IF YOU COULD BE THE WORLD RECORD HOLDER OF ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Number of FB posts about her nephews? I am CRAZY about them.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CREATIVE PURSUIT?
Poetry has always been my most treasured skill.
WHAT’S THE LAST GREAT EVENT YOU WENT TO?
We had friends over for dinner on New Year’s Eve, and this year was a magically warm NYE. Ten minutes before midnight, we walked to Prospect Park and enjoyed their gorgeous fireworks. It was low key and magical all at once.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
One of my bosses once told me: People will come to you carrying monkeys on their back, hoping to pass the monkey on to you. Don’t take the monkey!
WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE STORY?
This is a serious one. Do you know that if we grant all women in the world their rights, we can end poverty by 2015?
I grew up in a country where there is so much inequity. It has always been clear to me that my life’s work will involve bridging the gap between those who have and those who don’t, and I have done work to this end from the time I was in high school. It’s this desire that led me to co-found the Women’s Worldwide Web, which is in its very early days. In my heart of hearts, I know that if all women (and men!) weave their women’s web and form a supportive community, we can empower women, transform the communities they belong to and end poverty in our generation.
Kelsey Montague is an AAE at SaatchiNY, as well as a talented designer and entrepreneur. Did we mention she’s also really nice? Because she is. You can find more info on her and her philanthropically fashionable endeavors on LinkedIn or by follow her handbag line on Twitter @hiddenbaby.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
I was a Lifeguard, even though I sort of cheated to pass the swimming exam.
WHAT LED YOU ON THE PATH YOU’RE ON TODAY?
Professor Dickerson and Professor Mary Robert, Richmond Uni London. Both are extraordinary friends and true mentors.
WHAT’S THE LAST GREAT EVENT YOU WENT TO?
My sister’s graduation from NYU.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
Learn to let go and have faith.
WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE STORY?
My parents. They married as teenagers, and spent their first year living in an abandoned cabin without heat or running water in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. They managed to give my sister and me amazing childhoods and incredible educations, and they are still crazy in love after 39 years of marriage.
Adam Beilman is an AAE at SaatchiNY. For more info on his background and sports enthusiasm, be sure to follow him on Twitter @thebeils. He offers the most insightful commentary on The Buffalo Bills of anyone we know.
WHAT DO YOU DO AT SAATCHI & SAATCHI?
I’m an Assistant Account Executive on Head & Shoulders, but I suspect some people might think I’m still an intern …
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
I was a ride operator – specifically the Mind Eraser at Darien Lake Theme Park. Nobody ever died on my watch.
EDITORS NOTE: Here’s a picture of young Adam working said job -
WHAT LED YOU ON THE PATH YOU’RE ON TODAY?
I was a diehard basketball fan growing up, and would have asked mom to buy anything with Michael Jordan’s face on it. I recognized at a young age that advertising really worked when I felt the compulsive need to buy Gatorade. Shortly thereafter I realized advertising was also a real-life job you could have.
SECOND EDITORS NOTE: Here’s a picture of Adam standing in front of the famous Michael Jordan statue in Chicago -
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE AD (ALL TIME OR CURRENTLY)?
There’s a common theme developing here:
IF YOU NEVER HAD TO WORK AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU WANT TO DO?
Start refining my (very unimpressive) golf game now to be ready for the PGA Senior Tour in 30 years.
FAVORITE PLACE YOU’VE BEEN TO?
I haven’t been that many cool places, and in fact have never lived anywhere outside of New York State. I’d like to visit every continent in my life. Except Antarctica. Screw penguins.
WHAT’S YOUR MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?
Does my Twitter account (@TheBeils) count as a possession? Because I don’t know how I could live without it.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE YOUTUBE VIDEO?
“I wanna kiss you.”
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU MAKE REALLY WELL?
Breakfast. I’m a terrible cook for the other meals, but I own a griddle, waffle iron, several frying pans and two toasters for the most important meal of the day.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE WARM-WEATHER NYC ACTIVITY?
Running down the Hudson through Riverside Park. It’s my backyard.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHTIME SPOT NEAR THE OFFICE? Dos Toros – but I’m usually too lazy to walk there and end up at Chipotle.
WHAT’S YOUR GO TO KARAOKE SONG? (COME ON, WE KNOW YOU HAVE ONE).
I have a paralyzing fear of singing in public. That being said, if I had to do Karaoke, I’d go with an awkwardly self-censored version of some Biggie song, as I know all the words to several.
WHAT’S THE BEST MEAL YOU’VE EVER HAD?
Despite roots that are nowhere near Italian, my mom makes really great meatballs. My cousins started calling them “Auntie Balls,” and the name stuck.
IF YOU COULD BE THE WORLD RECORD HOLDER OF ANYTHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I’d like to go around the world in 79 days. That would be a record, right?
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE CREATIVE PURSUIT?
Naming fantasy and rec-league sports teams. Past entries include:
- We Fancy Huh?
- The Mexicutioners
- Jim Boeheimian Rhapsody
- Morning Norwood
- Ray Rice Guys Finish Last (an ESPN award winning name…not kidding)
WHAT BLOGS/MAGAZINES/BOOKS/PAPERS/WEBSITES CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
I’m a really big fan of Chuck Klosterman. “Eating the Dinosaur” is great, but so is everything he writes for my new favorite blog, Grantland.com.
WHAT’S THE LAST GREAT EVENT YOU WENT TO?
I saw “The Book of Mormon” a couple months ago. I’m not sure what a Tony is, but it should have won all of them.
WHAT’S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED?
I was a shy kid, and my dad always reminded me that “the squeaky wheel gets the oil.” Now, I’m really good at complaining.
WHAT’S YOUR GREATEST NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE STORY?
I once won a spelling bee by correctly spelling sarsaparilla. It’s root beer-like drink commonly found in the Southwest and in Central America. It’s pronounced sas-pah-rill-a.
This week we’re profiling SaatchiNY Copywriter Lindsay Coomes. As one might expect, she’s good with words. And funny. Also, she makes a convincing/frightening Bamm-Bamm (see above photo for proof).
WHAT DO YOU DO AT SAATCHI & SAATCHI?
See 1:32-2:19:
Also – answer Anitha’s phone calls, tell Craig to be quiet, make Peter giggle, and creatively get some s#*t done.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?
Detecting under and over pronation, basically looking at old people’s feet at Omega Sports. The last stop in sporting goods.
WHAT LED YOU ON THE PATH YOU’RE ON TODAY?
Expense reports and travel arrangements.
