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What was your path to your current
role?
Caitlin Higman: My path to my
current role is long and pretty complicated! I started out at The Martin Group
as an intern during the spring of my senior year working on the account team. I
spent the semester understanding how to manage a variety of accounts and
provide excellent account service. As graduation approached, I moved over to
the New Era Cap account team taking on a part-time Brand Coordinator role.
After only a few weeks, I moved over to help with the Oishei Children’s
Hospital move in November 2017. As the need for additional resources grew, I
signed on as a full-time Brand Coordinator working on Kaleida Health. Since
that time, my role has expanded to Brand Manager and most recently, I moved
over to project management on our Creative Operations team.
Cameron Bailey: I started in
fashion public relations in New York City. I worked for a few boutique agencies
where I helped out with Betsey Johnson, Ralph Lauren Jewelry, and ASOS. My
experience with influencers came when I took an internship with the beauty brand
philosophy. The brand was popular with older women as it was big on QVC, but
through new products and influencers, they were becoming a go-to brand for
young women as well. After I moved back to Buffalo, I was the marketing
coordinator for ACV Auctions, a digital platform that connects car dealerships
with wholesalers to buy and sell vehicles. It was completely different than
anything I’d done, but definitely pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me
experience working in a startup environment. It was a wild ride getting to The
Martin Group, but one I’m thankful for.
What are you passionate about?
CH: So many things! If I had to
pick one thing…I’m a super organized person, so anything with to-do lists,
scheduling, and organization gets me so excited! I have a dual degree in
Marketing and Operation Supply Chain Management, so whether it’s work-life or
personal-life, I love being efficient and orderly. I’m constantly making lists,
highlighting and color-coding, so I can’t stand if things are out of order—it
gets me very fired up!
CB: I’m just passionate about
culture in general, specifically streetwear, art, and music. In the beginning,
I was very anti-streetwear because the fashion industry tends to take credit
for styles created by marginalized communities and subcultures. But with
streetwear, brands still pay homage and credit the Black community and hip-hop,
surf, and skate culture as well as the Japanese roots in Harajuku. It’s this
cool and unusual mix of cultures that makes it so interesting.
When it comes to
art, I prefer late modern and contemporary paintings and mixed media. I know
it’s unoriginal, but I really do love all of Basquiat’s work. I also highly
recommend Kehinde Wiley and Devan Shimoyama. One of my favorite pieces to see
in person was the Electronic
Superhighway: Continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii by Nam June Paik. It’s
this massive sculpture showing a map of the U.S. made out of neon lights and
televisions. It’s unreal!
What kinds of projects are you
working on right now?
CH: As a project manager, I work
on a variety of projects across verticals. Right now, I’m working with clients
like YMCA, Under Armour, and Kaleida Health, among others. Currently, we’re
working on wrapping up 2019 campaigns and initiatives, in addition to more
seeding boxes and print production work.
CB: As a public relations and
content coordinator, I work closely with the PR and social media teams. On the
PR side, I help with local initiatives for New Era Cap and national PR support
for 43North winners Forsake and SparkCharge. On the social media side, I handle
all of our influencer marketing. Currently, I am working on influencer
campaigns for Under Armour Women, Cornell’s Grow-NY, and ProBar Mobility as
well as a product launch for Galbani Cheese.
Did you have any mentors along the
way? What’s the best career advice you’ve received?
CH: I’ve been very lucky to have several mentors in my career that have all come from within The Martin Group. We have so many strong female leaders in our organization that have really invested in my career and provided crucial advice even when it was tough to hear. The best career advice I’ve received from them would have to be 1) advocate for yourself, and 2) pay it forward. To me, these two pieces of advice go hand-in-hand and apply to both my career and personal life. As a woman in the workplace, it’s essential that I continue to advocate for the things I want and need to make sure that I’m leaving the workplace in a place for that next generation of women. I can never thank Kelsey Shea, Jillian Gallagher, Lianne Coogan, Amy Strzelec, Kate Chokshi, and Anna Hofer enough for their continued mentorship and example.
CB: Demi: There’s nothing wrong
with being confident. Beyonce: I’m a survivor and should never give up.
Arianna: If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
What’s your favorite part about
working in the sports vertical?
CH: I love the diversity and
difference between sports and how those differences play into the marketing! I
played so many sports when I was little and so did my friends; so now to take
that understanding and learn how it plays into the way different clients
approach marketing that sport is so interesting. No two sports are really the
same in that sense, especially if you take into consideration the men’s game
versus the women’s. The political and social justice landscape is also adding
another layer to this vertical, so working in this vertical is challenging and
complicated, yet so straightforward at the same time!
CB: I’ve gotten to speak with
and build relationships with some amazing influencers thanks to our sports
vertical! I even got to meet U.S.A Volleyball Olympic silver medalist Kim Glass in person!
What sports do you enjoy watching?
CH: Futbol and Football- I love
watching the NFL and NWSL/USWNT. Growing up in WNY, watching Bills games every
Sunday has always been a tradition; and now my understanding and passion for
the game has grown beyond just Bills games to other teams in the league—but the
Bills will always be my #1!
More recently, I’ve
rediscovered my love for women’s futbol! I grew up in Rochester—hometown of the
great Abby Wambach—and graduated from the same high school as she did. Growing
up in Rochester, every little girl my age looked up to Mia Hamm and Abby. I
always enjoyed playing soccer and watching the women’s game, but ultimately
lost sight of the game during high school and college. Over the past few years,
because of the success and voice of the USWNT on the world-stage, I started
watching the USWNT and NWSL games again and I’m addicted! Not only are these
women extremely talented, they are taking a stand for girls and women
everywhere, which has been amazing to watch and support!
CB: I watch mostly esports on
Twitch and YouTube. I prefer to watch fighting style video games like Super
Smash Bros, Dragon Ball Fighter Z, and competitive Pokemon. RPGs like
Hearthstone and World of Warcraft are cool, too. I think it’s so easy to write off
professional gaming as “not a real sport,” but what they do requires its own
form of training, strategy, and learning that not everyone can do.
Also, does RuPaul’s
Drag Race count?
What
is your favorite guilty pleasure song?
CH: Probably any old-school
Taylor Swift or a good pop remix!
CB: So hard to choose! Top 3:
“Countdown” by Beyonce, “Good as Hell” by Lizzo, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody”
by Whitney Houston.
What music artists are on your
heavy rotation?
CH: It definitely depends on the
season, but some consistent favorites have to be Zac Brown Band, Luke Bryan,
Dave Matthews, Ben Rector, Lizzo, and Beyonce. Quite a diverse group!
CB: There’s so much good music
right now! Post Malone and Missy Elliot both have amazing new albums out. I’ve
been listening to a lot of emo rap (trust me, I’m fine) like Blackbear, Lil Peep,
and Lil Uzi Vert. Also, plugging my other favorite rappers: Dreezy, Angel Haze,
BROCKHAMPTON, and Frank Ocean. Willow Smith, who is way past her “Whip My Hair”
days, actually does some really great alternative R&B and soul music. And
then I always return to the obvious artists like Beyonce, Ariana Grande,
Whitney Houston, SZA, and Lizzo. Honorable mentions to Janelle Monae and Billie
Eilish.
What TV show represents your life?
What character are you?
CH: It may be obvious or cliché,
but I’ll go with Peggy Olson in Mad Men. I just finished watching the entire
series, so it is top of mind, but so many of the elements and day-to-day tasks
of agency life still hold true. Certainly, the time period elements have
changed and we have far more female leadership than Sterling Cooper Draper
Pryce, but I started out as the low man on the totem pole, so I relate to
Peggy’s constant battle to shake that perception.
CB: I’m going to say Parks &
Rec. I identify most with Donna’s cool demeanor, low tolerance for B.S., and
high levels of sass.
What is your sign? Do you believe
in astrology?
CH: From what I understand, I’m
an Aquarius, but I was born on the Capricorn-Aquarius cusp. I don’t necessarily
believe in astrology, but I do think it’s fun and interesting! It’s one of
those things that I think people see and hear what aligns with their
personality, but ignore the traits in their sign that don’t align with them.
It’s certainly something you have to take with a grain of salt!
CB: I’m a Gemini Sun, Libra
Moon. It’s nice because typically, Gemini’s twins are often in conflict with
one another, but Libra’s scales help bring a bit of balance and harmony to
them. In college, I used to do readings of star charts, palms, and tarot cards.
From my experience, a belief in astrology and spirituality is enough to
actualize it. But even if you don’t believe, it still provides a unique
perspective on how to view life, shaping destiny, and your sense of self.
What’s a hobby you have that people
wouldn’t expect?
CH: Baking! My first job in high school was at a cupcakery, baking and decorating wedding cakes and cupcakes. When I was younger, it was all about decorating and making detailed fondant cakes for various celebrations like weddings, baby showers, and birthdays. I loved watching shows like Cupcake Wars and Cake Boss. Since that time, I’ve worked in several bakeries, ice cream, and chocolate shops, expanding my knowledge and expertise in different desserts. Now it’s more about the science, especially with baking. Now I love watching The Great British Bake Off since it focuses more on technique and the science of everything from bread to cakes to crackers. It’s so interesting to me and something that I find very relaxing—a great escape!
CB: Gaming. I play mostly
Nintendo titles like Legend of Zelda and Super Smash Bros. But my favorite
video games are the Pokemon series. I’ve played every major Pokemon title and
remake since Pokemon Yellow on Gameboy Color. I used to be a part of a local
Pokemon league and did pretty well, and I might try out competitive battling
when the new games drop this year. My favorite Pokemon are Rapidash, Absol, and
Mega Mawile.
What made you interested in pop
culture?
CH: So many things! It’s funny how history repeats itself…sometimes!
CB: The earliest I can remember
are TV shows like Kenan & Kel and
Sister, Sister as well as Missy
Elliot’s “Work It” music video. The 90s/early 2000s were so lit: what a time to
be alive.
What is the top travel destination on your bucket list?
CH: Tough one! In the U.S.,
probably Hawaii or Utah. Outside the U.S., probably Australia or a little
European tour. London is my favorite city in the world, but I didn’t get a
chance to see most of Europe when I was living in London!
CB: I’d love to spend a couple of weeks traveling across Alaska. Seattle and London are also on my list, I’m a fan of cold, dreary cities, I guess.
Do you have a favorite meme?
CH: It wasn’t a meme, but I saw the most accurate tweet the other day that said, “Britney Spears was 25 when she shaved her entire head…I get it now.” I don’t know why I find that so funny, but I remember when it happened I couldn’t understand what she was thinking, but as someone on the verge of being 25, I get it!
CB:
If there’s a quote that sums up the
way you view and live your life, what would it be?
CH: “For what it’s worth, it’s
never too late, or in my case too early, to be whatever you want to be. There’s
no time limit. Start whenever you want. You can change or stay the same. There
are no rules to this thing. We can make the best or the worst of it. I hope you
see things that startle you. I hope you feel things you never felt before. I
hope you meet people who have a different point of view. I hope you live a life
you’re proud of, and if you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start all
over again. -F. Scott Fitzgerald.
CB: “The only thing fake about
me is this…*slams her plastic leg on the table*” – Aviva Drescher
OK, two truths and a lie.
CH:
1. When I was little, I was cut by a hand saw.
2. Growing up I had two dogs—Bailey and Finn.
3. I once met rap artist, Waka Flocka, while visiting the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
CB:
1. I’m related to one of the Real Housewives of Atlanta.
2. My family knows Whitney Houston’s family.
3. I was on Slime Time Live as a kid.
