Audree Fifer, our Account Manager, lives for adventure. Each day is a new opportunity for chasing goals and destinations. Whether she’s shredding the slopes in Colorado or hunting down the latest Mac and Cheese joint, you can bet she’s doing it with a smile. So, naturally, we wanted to get to know more about her journey and what eventually brought her to Schaefer.
Schaefer: Tell us about yourself
Okay, Cliff Notes version: I was born in southern California, but that quickly became a place of distant memory being in a military family. Living in New York during my middle school years with a tendency to say “y’ all” was an experience, but it holds a special place in my heart because that’s where I learned and fell in love with snowboarding. My family still gets together for our annual “Fifer Winterfest” where we pick a different city to stay and shred powder for a week. My immediate family includes my mom, dad and my younger brother, Connor, that live here in Fort Worth. I finished high school here in Texas and graduated from TCU, so Fort Worth is certainly home.
Schaefer: When did you decide that the advertising industry was for you?
I came to my decision to pursue an advertising major in a round-about-kind-of way. Growing up, I always had a pencil in my hand. I went through phases of thinking fashion, interior, and graphic design was what I wanted to do. Coming to TCU with almost half of my undergraduate credits from a community college, I had to make a decision quick. I didn’t have credits to waste or time to pursue the wrong major. I guess you could say I lost touch with the art side of myself and had a newfound fascination for the marketing world.
We’re saturated by ads from the day we’re born – from the food we eat to the clothes we wear and beyond – so I had a curiosity for how to influence buyer behavior and for the better. After interning at local Fort Worth advertising agencies, I fell in love with agency life. The spontaneity of each day’s work was something that intrigued me. Plus, the people I’ve worked with have been pretty awesome. That’s a bonus.
Schaefer: So why Schaefer?
The office isn’t far from TCU, so naturally, a lot of students applied, and you heard about their experience. There were (and is) always great things spoken about Schaefer. If it wasn’t the cool office that felt like a second home, it was the extraordinary work the agency consistently produced. If it wasn’t the welcoming presence of the employees, it was the genuine feeling of warmth you got from the first minute you met Ken Schaefer.
With nearly everyone applying, I honestly thought the odds were against me. I never thought I had a shot but ended up landing an internship after working under Ken’s niece (unbeknownst to me at the time) at a local agency in town. Fast forward four years later and I’m back!
Schaefer: If you could give one piece of advice to someone wanting to get into advertising, what would it be?
Never be afraid to ask questions! Every day is a discovery and, man, are things continually evolving in the advertising space. We’ve all been given this piece of advice at some point in our lives, but very seldom do we take it to heart and act on it. You’d be foolish not to. I know I’ve learned more from actively engaging in project activities and asking questions along the way.
Schaefer: Can you tell me about a project you worked on that you were proud of?
You know, there’s not one in particular that immediately jumps to mind. But I can say the most exciting projects are the ones that require a team effort. That’s one of my favorite things about this industry. No one big idea is ever greater than when you can unearth it together and effectively solve your client’s business problem as a team.
Schaefer: As you can tell, dogs are a welcomed pet around the office. Do you have any pets of your own?
I do! And he is my whole world. His name is Bagheera, and he’s my 8-month old French bulldog. He’s my first fur baby and the best little man I could ask for. Everyone thinks their child is awesome but, I’m telling you, he truly is. He’s an old man in a puppy body with the sweetest disposition. Bagheera is a frequent office visitor and embraces all the cuddles he gets. He’s even got his own bed beneath my desk that calls his name every Friday.
Schaefer: How do you like to spend your weekends?
With Bagheera of course! I look forward to taking him out when and where I can. I’ve always been super active growing up, so I enjoy working out at the gym and getting outdoors when it’s nice outside. Fort Worth is always growing so I’m always on the hunt for the next best food spot and brunching with friends.
Schaefer: What are your goals for the year?
I want to travel more. I think it’s ironic coming from someone who hated moving so much as a kid growing up, but I’ve grown to have an insatiable curiosity for adventure. The weekend goes by so fast, so I’m determined to make the most of it this year!
Schaefer: If you controlled the music in the office, what would you play?
80’s rock, hands down. I’m talking hair metal and all. I’m quite positive it wouldn’t be a popular office vote. I can get down to 90’s rap too. That’d be a close second.
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