The Team. The Military Has The Green Berets,
Communications Has Vantage.
Every microwave dinner looks like it was created by Wolfgang Puck if you judge it by the package photo. What you actually get on your plate is a different story. Most communications companies work the same way. The impressive people you see on the website are nowhere to be found when it comes to doing that actual work. At Vantage you’ll find CEO or VP-level personnel as active team leaders on every account. We don’t make convenient “cameos” at the end of billing-cycles – the collective sleeves of our senior team are rolled up every step of the way.
Here’s who Vantage will have working for you.
Ilene Adler
CEO – San Francisco
Q: You were here from Day One. Now it’s twenty plus years later. What about this job still excites you?
A: One of the best decisions I ever made was to keep the agency at a size where each of us can make a direct impact on a client every day. It’s an environment that rewards accountability, hard work, innovation and most importantly, producing results. The fact that I get to help clients see results and breakthrough to that next level…using the services we offer, that’s something that will never get old.
Q: Prior to founding Vantage, you were President of RAD Data Communication, Inc. Before that, you held international positions like Director of Software Exports at the Israel Export Institute. It seems like you’ve always had an affinity for technology. How do you integrate that into what you do now?
A: Being at the forefront of technology is critical but it’s important to keep in mind that any technology used in communications is only as effective as the message and strategy delivered through that technology. If someone wants to blog, tweet, create a web video, etc…all that is great. But it takes real expertise from seasoned professionals to make sure you’re using those things in a way that will connect. New technologies come and go but sound guidance will always be needed to achieve success.
Q: Do we have this right? You started out as a makeup artist in New York City and you love sci-fi books? Do you ever see a picture of Yoda and get the desire to put eyeliner on him?
A: No. But if I did you better believe my staff would put out a press release about it!
Catriona Harris
Vice President – Orlando
Q: You’re the head of Vantage’s Orlando office and play a critical role in directing the agency. You also serve as a key strategic mind in creating, developing, and managing communication strategies for Vantage’s clientele. What’s been a particular highlight?
A: Oh, it’s impossible to name just one. Each aspect of my work for each and every client is incredibly fulfilling in its own way. In creating the strategy, it’s wonderful to see the client energized when they realize they’ve finally found an agency that “gets it.” Implementing the strategy is rewarding because you get to see all that hard work and preparation put into action and start producing results. Managing the strategy is special as well because now you’ve earned the client’s trust. Trust is the cornerstone of any good relationship and we pride ourselves on great long-term relationships at Vantage. Whether it’s working with a more high profile client and garnering coverage in Time Magazine or one of our smaller clients getting a hit in a trade publication, there have been countless highlights.
Q: It seems like the two biggest buzzwords these days are “Green” and “Social Media.” You’re the go-to person for both green technology and social media at Vantage. Although not necessarily related to each other, why do you think so many organizations are turning to Vantage for communications strategies related to these areas?
A: Clients are smart. They can tell who is genuinely dedicated and knowledgeable in a certain area and who is just jumping on the bandwagon because it’s hot. These are areas we know, we care about and where we already have a proven track record of success. It’s exciting to be entrenched in both areas and have clients take notice.
Q: Prior to Vantage, you worked in local news in San Francisco. You also served as the PR Manager for the Computer History Museum in Silicon Valley where you hobnobbed with the biggest names in Tech. In 2009, you were named one of Orlando’s sharpest business minds under 40. You’ve done a lot at a young age. Do you feel the pressure to step it up even more in the years to come?
A: I love challenging myself to learn and grow. It’s not pressure. When you love what you do, it doesn’t even feel like work a lot of the time.
Rob Adler
Senior Vice President – San Francisco
Q: What would people be surprised to know about your role at Vantage?
A: As the mobile and telecom specialist, people assume my job is all about data, strategic positioning and the logistics behind implementing a campaign. That’s certainly part of it But I also put a lot of passion into how we creatively craft the messaging for our clients. First I use the left side of my brain, that business experience, to find key differentiators and competitive advantages for our clients. Then I use the other side of my brain to come up with new and innovative ways to leverage all that into something that cuts through the clutter. The whole process has to produce both short and long term results. It’s challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Q: You’ve helped Vantage pick up some pretty prestigious awards. Details?
A: We’ve been blessed to have won the 2010 Mobile Village Superstar Award for Best Mobile Public Relations Firm. Vantage has also received 16 other awards, like the Bulldog Reporter and American Business Awards, in the past 18 months. The rewards are nice but they’re really just a byproduct of the work. Our focus is only on our clients at all times. As long as you’re helping clients grow, the external accolades take care of themselves.
Q: You’re Vantage’s resident music guru. Do you take requests?
A: Growing up in Brooklyn, I learned the clarinet and had the opportunity to play with the New York City Band at Carnegie Hall. Now my music career mainly involves scouring the far corners of iTunes after work. I take requests from clients all the time but they tend to revolve around communications and not my old clarinet.
Mike Harris
Vice President, Creative Services – Orlando
Q: So you’re the proverbial “Idea Guy.” Clients continually rely on you to infuse new ideas into campaigns. You oversee Vantage’s award-winning video production, web development, and graphic design resources. So what makes for a great idea?
A: Some people would say a great idea is original and innovative and maybe even pushes the envelope a little. All those can be true but I think the problem is that many communications tools end up being too clever for their own sake. You never want your audience to remember the creative work but be unable to attribute it to you. You see that with Super Bowl commercials. “Great spot. I wish I could remember who it was for.” That’s just wasted money. A legitimately great idea is smart, relevant, original, etc…but most importantly it gets the client results. At the end of the day, every client only judges you by your ROI. We like that.
Q: You also help lead Vantage. What’s your vision for the agency going forward?
A: The one thing I know about this industry is that change is a constant. What’s worked for clients in the past won’t necessarily work for them in the future. My goal is to keep Vantage poised on the forefront. Nobody knows what the future will hold but what clients can know for certain is that Vantage will be up to speed often years before the rest of the industry catches up.
Q: In the past, you worked as an executive producer at CBS-5 in San Francisco, producing NFL telecasts for CBS Sports and NFL Network. In 2010, you were at Tim Tebow’s house when he was drafted to play in the NFL. Admit it. You were secretly hoping the 49ers would take him.
A: No comment.
Tory Patrick
Account Director – Washington, D.C.
Q: You are another member of Vantage’s “Green Team” working with clients ranging from green commercial building products makers to carbon accounting software producers. Why is this such a good fit for you?
A: We have the same core values. My relationship with my clients is organic…pun only slightly intended. I’m devoted to sustainability…to leaving this planet better than I found it. There’s no greater honor than being able to take my expertise in social media, consumer, and high-tech communications and apply it to companies making a difference.
Q: What sort of relationship do you have with editors and key influencers in the industry – particularly the green space?
A: It’s very strong. It took years to build those relationships and leverage those deep relationships to benefit our clients. Whoever says connections don’t matter, is wrong. They do, even in “Green.”
Q: A lot of people consider Washington D.C. not just the nation’s capitol but the world capitol for public relations. Every story is spun and packaged. The best PR people in the world work here. How does that environment affect you?
A: Well you don’t last here very long if you don’t know what you’re doing. Being in this city is a wonderful environment because we all push each other to become even better. I can see how many would feel intimidated by this environment but I enjoy it greatly.
Katie Lister
Account Manager
Q: You’re a member of Vantage’s social team. Describe your role in the agency and the evolving role of social public relations.
A: Each day I am tasked with delivering targeted results for companies, helping them to obtain recognition in new markets, regions and verticals. Over the past few years we’ve seen this trickle into not just obtaining coverage in key publications, but also establishing a presence in key social forums. The social revolution has given companies a new voice and way to reach their customer base. It is my job to assist in streamlining social communications for clients and to deliver messages with value and purpose.
Q: You’ve developed targeted PR campaigns, garnered top tier coverage and built influential social media followings. What do you like most about your job?
A: When I walk in the door each morning, I know that the day ahead will never be like the day before. Each day we are faced with new challenges and obstacles and it is my job to tackle those with a clear, concise message. I love my job because each day we have the ability to positively influence the various communication channels.
Q: You are the college football fanatic around your office. Who is your team?
A: Yes, I love college football season! I’ll just respond with “CHOMP!”
