Jamie McGann
About this Executive:
Name:
Jamie McGann
Company:
McGann Media
Interview Topics:
Entrepreneurship and Small Business
Region:
Region 1 - Central Ohio
Jamie McGann is the founder of McGann Media in Columbus, Ohio. With 25 years of experience, Jamie knows that the revenue numbers don't lie: the most effective tool to brand a business is advertising. She founded the company on the ideal that advertising is at the core of relationship building for any business, and McGann Media is all about customizing advertising buying strategies to meet its clients’ objectives.
To find the most effective communication vehicle to speak to its clients’ core consumers, Jamie and her team acquire a concrete understanding of the competitive environment that their clients face. Based off this knowledge and extensive consumer research, McGann creates advertising strategies that resonate with consumers in this message-saturated world.
By successfully helping clients exceed their goals, McGann Media has grown to seven-figure billing. Jamie says that although the company has a firm focus on business fundamentals (i.e., competitive and consumer research, advertising ROI, etc.), collectively McGann employees are eccentric and creative; they work on the philosophy that idealism is a reality away.
Jamie has worked with clients in advertising and production in markets throughout Ohio and the nation. She has also participated in or chaired numerous committees within the advertising community, including the Advertising Federation and American Women in Radio and Television.
Q. What are the top three things that Ohio uniquely offers that you feel have helped make McGann Media successful?
A. Ohio uniquely offers diverse networking groups of open, like-minded people. The state’s centrality makes it easily accessible to other cities. Ohio also has an active and progressive media community.
Q. The Ohio Promise is that you can achieve professional success within the context of a fulfilling life. Based on your experience, how authentic is the promise?
A. I think the promise is real. Ohio offers components that compete with or surpass other metro areas in terms of available experiences—in many areas of life. A few examples are the fabulous metro park systems, the many independent restaurants such as the ones found in the emerging Dine Originals Columbus Group, which focuses on developing hip districts within cities, and solid arts programs.
Q. Thinking of people you know, share a story of somebody in Ohio who, in your opinion, has excelled in achieving both their professional and personal aspirations.
A. A good example of someone in Ohio who’s achieving work-life balance is Laurie Aquilina, the general manager of Time Warner in this area. She has a strong will to be the best at work and in her personal life and makes sure she sets aside time for both. That isn’t so keenly unique, but her desire to be totally in the moment in each area of her life as it’s occurring is rare.
Q. What business benefits do you feel McGann realizes from having employees who achieve a positive work-life balance?
A. The most obvious benefit is from having those types of people in your environment contribute with their higher morale and a healthier attitude. This goes hand-in-hand with better balance. It is infectious in a good way and challenges others to do the same. One must also assume that these types are also physically healthier, which allows for better and more consistent contributions as an employee.
Q. How would you characterize the Ohio labor pool?
A. Young, skilled and very eager to do what it takes to perform! I imagine that being near The Ohio State University is the reason I can characterize the labor pool in this way.
Q. Trailing spouses need to be comfortable that relocating their family to Ohio is a good thing. What should a trailing spouse consider when evaluating Ohio?
A. Ohio has areas that are cosmopolitan, as well as areas in close proximity to nature and folksy villages, so one can get either fix within a close drive to the other. The school systems are competitive on all levels, there is a balance of blue and white collar opportunities, the cost of living is very doable relative to earning potential, and it is on an upswing compared to other markets. Also, the people are an interesting mix of all psychographics and demographics…not too young, but not too old!
Q. What is the most unique thing you have discovered about Ohio that you share with others?
A. The one thing I would identify is Ohio’s proximity to a number of large cosmopolitan areas. Additionally, the network of dedicated professionals helps businesses work together to meet common goals. The efficiencies in Ohio are great, and, I believe these benefits help Ohioans meet optimal work-life balance.