Our Young Guns profile takes a weekly look at some of the young talent across the advertising, ad tech, marketing and media sector in Australia. It aims to shed light on the varying roles, people and companies across the buzzing industry.
Today we speak to Adstream account manager Andrew Thomas.
Time in current role/time at the company:
I have been at Adstream for just over a year.
How long have you been in the industry?
This is my first role in the media industry, but I have been working in marketing since early 2016.
How did you get here? Was this always the plan?
I started out as a sales and marketing coordinator at a local software company and I learnt a lot about myself there. I knew that I was destined for something bigger, ultimately in the media industry.
Who is your right-hand person/who guides you day to day?
Elissa Carnegie and Georgie Charlish are guiding me daily through this role. I have learnt a lot from them, but we are only just starting to scratch the surface.
What’s the best thing about the industry you work in?
It is an industry that keeps you guessing. All of my clients have their own unique perspective on the campaign process.
And the biggest challenge?
Problem solving on the fly. It is a challenge, but who doesn’t enjoy a challenge to keep the day moving!
Whose job have you set your sights on in the future?
If you are an account director or a sales manager, watch out! that is where I am heading. I enjoy achieving targets, but I also relish retaining long-term clients and maintaining a good relationship with them.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
My spare bedroom has a TV with Fox Sports in one corner, and my guitar in the other. So whichever way I turn my head, I can always find inspiration.
My favourite advert is (and why):
It has to be the Cadbury ad for the Caramello Koala, ‘They Call Me, Caramello’, the nostalgia surrounding it represents a simpler time in my life when all that mattered was chocolate, cartoons and a catchy song.
Also, an honourable mention has to go to the ‘Another Moment of Genius from Toyota’ campaign. The one with Alex Jesaulenko taking the ‘speccy’ with the assistance of the crane. Toyota will always be the heart and soul brand of the AFL; this ad lives on as one of the best. Jesaulenko, you beauty!
Tell us one thing people at work don’t know about you?
I have the full set of Space Jam Tazo’s. Remember Tazo’s? If you do, then you will be impressed.
In five years’ time I'll be:
I will be in the media industry and I will be managing my own team. I can’t wait.
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