Our Industry Profile takes a weekly look at some of the professionals working across the advertising, ad tech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles and companies across the buzzing industry.
We previously spoke with to Sizmek APAC general manager Kees de Jong.
This time we speak to Blue 449 client partner Garth Moring.
Duration in current role/time at the company:
A little over a year in my current role, and life (or close to 10 years) with Blue 449.
How would you describe what the company does?
We help our clients grow, by creating work that works.
What does your role involve?
Connecting with clients to understand how we can have a positive influence on their business.
Within the last six months/year, what stands out as the company’s major milestones?
From an agency perspective, joining the Blue 449 group. The future looks incredibly exciting as we move even further towards the open source agency model. This is an essence we started with Match but something we can drive further as part of the global Blue 449 network. On the personal front, moving down to Melbourne and adjusting to the unique vibrancy and operating flow that this market possesses.
Best thing about the industry you work in:
Sounds cliché but the people. Surround yourself with people with good intent and you can handle any challenge.
Previous industry related companies you have worked at:
Mindshare.
Career-wise, where do you see yourself in three years’ time?
Still defending Tottenham Hotspur in an agency full Arsenal supporters.
What is the elephant in the room? The thing that no one is talking about – but they should be.
Protecting the image of the industry. Unfortunately the conversation has focused on the negative practices of a few which takes away from the hard work, passion and efforts of individuals and agencies working every day to deliver against their clients’ business outcomes.
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I love to cook but I’m completely useless in the kitchen.
Top networking tip:
Be genuine.
My favourite restaurant for a business lunch is:
Coda in Melbourne.
My favourite advert is:
I really like the Deng Adut Western Sydney University ad. From adversity to purpose captured in 90 seconds.
My must-have gadget is:
My phone. More for listening to podcasts these days. I’d recommend ‘The Howie Games’ to any sports fans or ‘Here’s The Thing’ by Alec Baldwin if the arts is more your thing.
My favourite media is:
TV for live sport.
My favourite TV show is:
Grand Designs. It’s only a recent find but I have quickly made my way through the UK, Australian and NZ series. I thinks that adds up to about 40 series in total.
The last book I read:
Be Careful What You Wish For by Simon Jordan
My mantra / philosophy is:
A high school teacher once said to me (in a non-aggressive way) “don’t start anything you can’t finish”. He combined this with “if you’re going to do something, do it right”. Two simple statements but ones that I have remembered and applied over the years.
I got into advertising because:
I wanted to follow in the families footsteps and become an adman like my grandfather and uncle who both owned creative agencies back in the day. Fortunately for me, I lacked the creativity required so fell into the media side which I love and plays more to my strengths.
If I wasn't doing this for a living, I'd be:
An architect like George Costanza.
In five years' time I'll be:
Hopefully happy and healthy.
Define your job in one word:
Rewarding.
What's your poison:
Cricketers Arms Pale Ale.
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.