Today marks the first day of my summer internship here at Schaefer. I’m not going to lie, I was nervous when I woke up this morning. So many “what if” scenarios popped around in my head, like “What if it’s not what I was expecting at all?” and “What if I don’t enjoy it?” and every intern’s nightmare “What if I’m making coffees and copies all day?”

However, from the second I walked in the door at 9 this morning, I have been pleasantly surprised. The “team” have all welcomed me warmly and I have actually had one-on-one meetings with a few of them and they couldn’t be nicer or more eager to teach me and answer my questions. 

Erin met with me to discuss the clients she works with (an impressive list, might I add) and said I would be in on meetings, phone calls, and even will contribute to brainstorming ideas for clients. Hearing this made me look like I slept with a hanger in my mouth. Not only did everyone make me feel right at home, but they made sure I knew I was a part of the “team” and my ideas were just as valid as theirs. I love that. 

After a delicious lunch at Lili’s Bistro to celebrate my first day on the job (thanks again guys!) I have been busy at work learning the ins and outs of account service, PR, you name it. Oh yes, and of course, blogging. 

If today is any indicator of how this internship will pan out, I can safely say this is going to be a great summer. 

-Preston Chilton

This post will contain little wit, at least any that is intentional.  What it will contain is a blog full of thankfulness. Thankful, for people that stick by you for a life time, or at least a life time in the agency world…11 years.  

I recognize that people will come and people will in go.  But times like this remind me that this business is not about the accolade or the revenue, rather it’s all about the people. The relationships you make…with your team, with your clients, with your peers.  Spending the better part of the afternoon sending off one of your veterans to a new opportunity is humbling, tearful and joyful.  Spending the better part of the evening with your next-gen team is equally humbling and joy filled.  I am blessed to get to do what I do with the people that i get to work with.  They challenge me and hopefully make me better.  

Thanks to each of you.  

We’re looking to add a couple of key members to our agency team. 

Not just anyone is right for Schaefer, and we’re big enough boys and girls to realize that we aren’t right for everyone either.  In the end, the right fit is everything.

To love it at Schaefer – you need to be passionate about adding to the culture of our team. We avoid drama like the plague. Wallflowers and people with thin skin need not apply. You better be funny – you’ll be tested on this. If you don’t think we’re funny, chances are we won’t think you are either.

We’re a group of life-long learners, so if you think you know everything you won’t make it here. Be an active learner and an active teacher of others. We absolutely love what we do, but there is a world outside of our walls. We’re looking for people that are highly engaged and realize the importance of being a part of something bigger.

PLEASE.  PLEASE. PLEASE. READ THE JOB REQUIREMENTS BELOW – if you don’t meet them, don’t like them or can’t do them, then save us all the heartache.  We’re sure you’re nice and willing to learn, but we know what we’re looking for.  (Yeah, we ended a sentence with a preposition, we live on the edge.)

SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER

What we’re looking for:

• 4-5 years AGENCY experience
• A type A personality or pretty darn close to it
• Much of your time will be spent working on B to B clients, so you better like B to B, in fact, you should love it
• Primary client is a Berkshire Hathaway company, so this is big stuff
• Demonstrated success at measuring results of marketing initiatives
• The ability and desire to communicate well-thought out opinions and be ridiculously articulate when you present them
• Likes to lead, but knows when to follow
• A great team attitude
• The ability to juggle multiple projects

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

What we’re looking for:

• Someone that understands PR has changed dramatically.  Classical “textbook” PR is not a viable model.  You’ll need to be well versed in your philosophy of PR and demonstrate how your view translates into leading our clients and growing our business.
• At least 7 years experience.  Agency side mandatory, client side a huge plus
• Comfortable working in B to B and B to C
• A heart. You can’t be a soulless leader at Schaefer. Your ability to connect with people and make a positive contribution to our culture and our client relationships is one of the most important attributes to have.
• Takes full responsibility for managing the PR business unit
• The desire and the personality to independently grow the PR account base
• Develop well-thought out strategic plans for PR clients. Strategy is not something we take lightly; our thinking is what differentiates us and keeps our clients happy. You’ll work closely with the advertising Account Service to ensure our plans are well integrated. You’ll have to demonstrate that you are not only smart, but can articulate that thinking in a clear and persuasive manner. 
• A bigger retainer isn’t the only answer, but better thinking always is.
• Get the concept of Team.  It’s important to us, in fact it’s vital to who we are as an agency.

Get our attention at jobs@schaeferadvertising.com

Sometimes it is important to take a step back from the commotion of our daily schedules and refocus on what is truly important in life.

This is a great story of how one guy went out of his way to make a nine year-old boy’s cardboard arcade come to life. You have to love it when people use the power of social media for good, not evil.

This is an inspiring video to pay it forward and sure to put a smile on your face.

Enjoy,

-Nick

Schaefer’s 2011

DASH FOR CASH

During the holiday’s we had a feud in the agency, who could would win in a race between Bailey and her boss, Nick? There was only one way to settle the dispute: we met, outside, at 4 pm and settled things with a good ol’ fashion street race.

Since words can’t describe the emotions of this race, you must watch the video put together by 13-year old Sam Schaefer, who took time from his Christmas vacation to document the race - it was that big of a deal.

A Schaefer Christmas Party

Everyone’s doing it…It’s time to make the rounds at company Christmas parties. This year we added a twist to our extravaganza. We started the night by spreading a little Christmas cheer to our fellow Fort Worthians (Is that word?? I’m still relatively new here) in Sundance Square, hopped on a party bus, dined at our office and finished the night at Pete’s Piano Bar.

Did I mention we were in costume? Here are a few notable look-a-likes from our group.
To see more of our holiday fun, visit our Facebook page.

Stay jolly,
~Kristin

The three Thanksgiving Fs are for food, feasting and Football! We got a jump on the holiday celebrations and three Fs with with our Thanksgiving Extravaganza!

Every team member brought - well, two members purchased- a side dish or dessert to go along with the traditional turkey and ham.

It was all smiles for the pictures, but there was definite tension in the air in preparation for the first annual TURKEY BOWL.

Teams were all business as we took the field…

The competition was fierce. After two mud slips, three (minor) injuries and many team huddles, a winner was crowned. Green team #2 took the much coveted Turkey Bowl trophy.

Be sure and catch all photos on our Facebook page. And rest assured, team #1 will be back! Stay tuned for results from the 2011 Santa Bowl.

From everyone at Schaefer, we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!

~Kristin

Friday we got into the Halloween spirit and carved pumpkins!

Of course we took this fun childhood activity and turned it into a competition!

You Pick the Winner:

Visit our Facebook page - while you’re there, like us - and check out the jack-o’-lantern photos. ‘Like’ the photo of your favorite pumpkin, on Oct. 31 the pumpkin with most ‘likes’ wins.

Good Ol’ Fashion Collaboration

I think I speak for everyone when I say some of the most fun we have around here is getting together and throwing around ideas. Brainstorming meetings not only produce great ideas, but also laughs and a genuine good time.

This is the final product of a deliverable to a client. Throughout our brainstorming session the theme evolved from a literal state of Texas to organic and locally produced products, complete with a menu of services.

This fresh - ha, get it?- idea was a true team effort, and it photographed beautifully.

~Kristin