Meet the Team: Caroline Jette and Kendra Breen

How did you get started in your profession/the industry?

Caroline Jette: I realized I liked graphic design while I was in high school, participating in every poster or t-shirt design contest I could. Seemed like an obvious choice by the time college came around. 

Kendra Breen: One of my first jobs out of college was on an experiential mobile tour. I worked really hard, met a lot of people, and got to travel the country. I was hooked.

What brought you into the world of marketing?

Caroline: My first internship as a Marketing Intern at a Minor League Baseball team is what initially introduced me to the field. After that internship, I pursued a marketing minor with my BFA at Alfred University and loved it! 

Kendra: College is where I first learned about the world of marketing, but my first job working in the marketing department of a publication company kept me wanting to pursue this line of work further.

What’s the best career advice you’ve received?

Caroline: Wayne Gretzky’s quote “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take” has always stuck with me.

Kendra: Treat each job like it’s your name on the door.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Caroline: Wedding planning, playing with our dogs, and house projects!

Kendra: Being a mom and spending time with my husband and dogs are my top priority. We love hiking, cooking, and board games.

What’s your favorite hobby?

Caroline: Kickboxing! I started a couple years ago and have loved it ever since.  

Kendra: I love creating. Whether I’m painting, doing a craft with my daughter, or recovering a piece of furniture, I love to make things.

Did you play any sports growing up?

Caroline: I attempted quite a few, but stuck with softball and skiing since picking daisies in soccer was frowned upon. 

Kendra: I played soccer, softball, and was a downhill racer. In college, I skied and was on the rowing team.

If there’s a quote that, in one way or another, sums up the way you view and live your life, what would it be?

Caroline: “Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory” – Dr. Seuss. I find it very easy to be focused on what’s next, or reminisce about what’s happened in the past, so I make it a personal goal of mine to focus on the present.

Kendra: Live and let live. A very common and well known saying, but in practice makes all the difference!

How does where you live impact your creativity?

Caroline: We bought our first house in March 2020, so creative house projects have been a big part of the past year. I’ve found owning where I live, and therefore having full control over the space, has been great for my creativity! Constant inspiration. 

Kendra: We recently bought a new house and one of the biggest factors in our decision was the outdoor area. Our new place has a lot of trees and a great view. I love being outside. Enjoying nature and the different seasons inspires me in all aspects of my life. 

What is the top travel destination on your bucket list?

Caroline: I crossed Ireland off my bucket list in 2019, so Croatia and Italy are next!

Kendra: I’d be happy to get to the next town at this point, but Alaska is big on my list.

If you were going to bust out of Buffalo/Rochester for a bit, where would you want to go?

Caroline: I’d love to go to Quebec City for a long weekend.

Kendra:  I need a quiet beach vacation!

What’s your favorite restaurant in Buffalo/Rochester?

Caroline: 100 Acres: The Kitchens at Hotel Henry in Buffalo! The menu is always changing, fantastic cocktails, and gorgeous architecture inside and out. 

Kendra: I’m still reacclimating back into the restaurant scene since moving back to Rochester (especially difficult during a pandemic), but take out from India House and Joey’s Pasta House are a couple of my favorites.

What kind of beer are you most into right now?

Caroline: Does wine count? 

Kendra: Sours.

What’s your favorite movie of all time and why?

Caroline: Christmas movies (yes, all of them) were a close second, but I have to go with Inception. Every time I watch it, I notice new details in the movie, and I love the ending!

Kendra: Such a hard question, but the movie I have seen the most is The Sweetest Thing – I still quote that movie all the time.

What’s your favorite guilty pleasure TV show?

Caroline: The Bachelor! 

Kendra: The entire Bravo lineup.

Who’s the closest sitcom character to your real life?

Caroline: Audrey from Rules of Engagement. I highly recommend it if you haven’t seen it!

Kendra: Elaine from Seinfeld, with much better dance moves.