We’ve got a new Digital Manager in the hot seat. Sarah de Verges came to us and we found her to be a Baylor bear who’s quick to love in TCU territory. It also helps she shares a love of breakfast tacos, homemade margaritas and all things digital.

Schaefer: How did you get started in digital?

I graduated with a degree in Journalism and PR from Baylor University. My first job out of college was as a marketing communications coordinator. The team was very small, so I was required to wear a lot of hats. I was able to learn a little bit of everything, especially digital. I like the fact that unlike many traditional forms of advertising, you’re able to measure your success in different tangible ways. Just by witnessing the growth of technology we’ve had in our lifetime, it’s infiltrating all industries and opening up a world of possibilities. It’s an exciting niche to be in, specifically in the advertising industry, because it’s only going to continue growing. Right now, I feel as if we’re only at the beginning of what digital will be.

Schaefer: What areas within digital appeal to you most?

I like working on the analytics side because, as I mentioned before, you’re able to measure the success of a campaign in a way that you can’t in other traditional forms of media. It’s interesting to be able to see how successful a campaign is running in real-time and have the ability to make changes in order to make it perform even better. Ken made a really good comment the other day where he said, “you’re always playing king of the hill in digital,” because you’re always trying to get better. Just because something is successful, it doesn’t mean there isn’t another tool or software that can make it even better.

 Schaefer: What is it like being a Baylor bear in TCU territory?

Frustrating [laughs]. It’s a fun rivalry except that Baylor’s had a hard year. Next question.

Schaefer: What are your favorite things to do in Fort Worth?

Running or walking on Trinity Trails is one of my favorite things to do here. It’s even more fun to stop at Woodshed or Press Cafe for a quick pick-me-up drink. I think the culture of Fort Worth is great – it’s still feels like an up-and-coming city. It’s been fun to see the amount of growth that has come this way over the past five years, but it’s maintained its “a big town with a small town” feel.

It’s unique because it’s a college town but has more to offer than say, Waco.

Schaefer: If someone in the office ordered last minute lunch for everyone, would you rather it be Panera or Jimmy Johns?

Panera. Because of the bakery aspect, because I would want cookies. I don’t know what Jimmy John’s cookie situation is like.

Schaefer: Actually, they’re pretty good.

Schaefer: Would you say you eat pretty healthy?

Publicly, I try. I try to eat healthy, but I definitely don’t always succeed. I cheat a lot. My desert island meal would probably be a brisket, bacon egg and cheese taco from Taco Heads with extra green sauce and a bottomless marg.

Schaefer: Rumor has it that you and your sister in law have the same name. 

It’s spelled the same way – first, middle and last. There are definitely challenges around the holidays and birthdays because of it. For example, it was her birthday a few weeks ago, and I wrote, “Happy Birthday, Sis” on her Facebook page. I didn’t even think about it, but then someone commented on the post on her page and said, “I got a bit confused here, because it said Sarah de Verges commented on Sarah de Verges’ wall.”

It’s a never-ending battle.

Schaefer: If you could control the music in the office every day, what would you put it on?

I would probably put it on late 60’s or early 70’s classic rock like the Rolling Stones, Tom Petty, Eagles and Stevie Ray Vaughan. A little bit of everything.

My dad was really into music growing up. I grew up listening to Eagles, the Beatles and the Carpenters. The first album I ever got, or stole from my dad, was a Stevie Ray Vaughan album.

Schaefer: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen happen at Schaefer since you’ve been here?

I don’t know if it’s weird, but it’s definitely unique to have a photographer come in to take Halloween portraits of everyone. That’s never happened before at anywhere I’ve worked. It felt like class picture day, but ten times more fun.

Schaefer: How would you describe the culture here compared to other places you’ve worked?

All of us function like a family. It’s a relaxed environment, but the people here are competitive and work very, very hard. That really sums it up. Because it’s like a family environment, I would say everyone works hard for each other.

Schaefer: If you had to pick three people from the office to be on your team for an Escape Room, who would it be?

I would definitely have Maux with all his man camp skills. I would have to bring Addy for comic relief, and either Kelli or Debbie. We would definitely need a mom or voice of reason in the room.

Schaefer: If you woke up one day and you were digitally impaired, what could you see yourself doing?

If I could do anything in the world, I would be a singer, but I can’t sing. Second choice would be an artist, but I’m also a bad artist. So, those are pretty much off the table.

I should probably stick with digital.

Every blank slate needs a splash of color.

As part of a new capital initiative by the Fort Worth Zoo to enhance and expand current exhibit space, create new amenities, and further bridge the gap between visitors and their wildlife friends, our team was tasked to gradually get the word out. And we mean gradually.

The Fort Worth Zoo’s capital campaign aims to increase exhibition space and enhance entertainment for its guests. Throughout the next eight years, in four separate phases, the zoo’s efforts will help fill the gaps from the original 1985 Master Plan.

Over the last century, the Fort Worth Zoo has continued to invest in this plan by optimizing an authentic, wildlife experience for its guests. So much, that it’s held a firm seat among the nation’s Top 5 zoos.
So where do we come in? Our team has had the privilege of leaving our mark on this fresh, new phase for our neighbor down the road.

It turns out, the Fort Worth community wasn’t the only one taking notice of our efforts.

Our team is proud to announce A Wilder Vision capital initiative campaign was recognized last month as a Finalist in the 2017 OBIE Awards. Each year, the best out-of home creative campaigns are chosen and recognized by the Outdoor Advertising Association of America. Google, Apple, Hershey’s and Nike were among the 2017 winning line-up.

A Wilder Vision was created to spur discussion over the 8-year plan that will introduce new amenities and build on current attractions at the Fort Worth Zoo. Each step in the process is aimed at guaranteeing a more engaging experience for visitors and animals alike. With an extensive list of improvements to come, our team took on the challenge to captivate and engage the community in the discussion as they were traveling from Point A to Point B.

And to that, our team can take a victory jump.

 

Schaefer audience, meet: Katherine Garner. We huddled up with our accident-prone Account Manager to introduce her formally, given that she’s sat in our office un-introduced for a few weeks. So, for our formal introduction, here’s our interview:
Schaefer: Katherine, tell us about yourself.
KG: That is a vague question. Well, to start, I’m from Arlington, Texas. I studied at Abilene Christian University, where I earned a degree in marketing and a minor in advertising. I’ve played soccer most of my life, and had the opportunity to play on the collegiate level.  I’m currently going through a huge transition, where I just bought a house in Aledo, Texas, and am about to get married in October. I have two older brothers – both local – and we are two years apart in age. I’m known mostly for putting Cholula on everything, and tripping over my own two feet.
Schaefer: Can you tell us a hometown story?
KG: I’m not from a small hometown – Arlington is a city! I guess, in this case, I’ll call it a “city town” story.
One day, when my brother and I were younger, we were wrestling like siblings do. Actually, I was only a junior in high school at the time, so we were way too old to be fake wrestling. Anyway, I remember my mom was yelling at us from downstairs to stop messing around. Of course to spite her, my brother and I continued and laughed about it. But at one point, my brother slammed me into the ground so hard that I knew something wasn’t right. My immediate inclination was to laugh – since that’s what I do when I’m embarrassed. I remember saying, “Something’s wrong. I think I broke my rib.” Being a brother, he didn’t believe me. I remember laughing and insisting that something was broken. We found out later – much later – that he did break my rib.
Schaefer: [laughing] How did you find out later as opposed to right away?
KG: It turned out I had to play in a soccer game the following day. I remember being in so much pain, but continually telling myself during the match, “there’s nothing you can do, and absolutely nothing.” I had mentioned to my coach and teammates that I was positive I had broken my rib, but no one believed me. I’m known for getting injured a lot, so I was shocked they didn’t believe me. A month later, I ended up going to the hospital for a different soccer injury, and the doctors told me I had a broken rib that was undergoing the healing process. You can imagine how relieved I felt, and how dumb my brother felt, after that.
Schaefer: So, are you really accident-prone? And, is that really your favorite story?
KG: Like I said, I will trip over my own two feet. It happens. I also realize I need a better story to kick-off with. I guess when I talk about home, I’m reminded of my injuries. [laughs].
Here’s another one: During my senior year of high school, I broke my right wrist in a soccer game and had to wear a cast. The same year, I tore my ACL on my right side, so I was also wearing a leg cast. After my surgery, I ended up going back to school too soon, because my mom insisted I would be fine. One of the first days back, I remember feeling nauseous because of all the pain medication I was on. I knew I needed to see the nurse. So as I was walking to her office, everyone was returning from lunch. At that moment, in the middle of the school hallway, I threw up all over myself in front of everybody. At that point, all I wanted to do was drop my crutches and try to find the nurse. But instead, I just stood in my own vomit as people walked by.
Yeah, I really need to find a better story.
Schaefer: Do you still play soccer?
KG: I went back to Abilene, Texas, and played in a 7 on 7 tournament this past April. I honestly can’t remember the last time I was that sore. Luckily, I survived without any injuries. It would be my luck to break or tear something six months before my own wedding.
Schaefer: Your nickname and where did it come from?
KG: Kat. My name is Katherine. I’m an animal lover, so my guess is the nickname stemmed from my love for cats. Growing up, my friends would call me “Kitty” and meow at me. It was kind of weird.
Schaefer: What’s your favorite soccer memory?
KG: We made it to the Elite-8 in California, during my junior year of college – that was huge. We ended up losing to Chico in a swampy, rainy game. It was a total mud pit and incredibly tough to play in. But we had a private plane fly us out, which was a big perk.
I’m also proud to say eight of my fourteen bridesmaids came from us all playing soccer together. When planning my wedding, I chose to do a lot of bridesmaids. I have two maids of honor and two matrons of honor. You can tell I’m reinventing the wheel on weddings.
Schaefer: What is your interest in healthcare marketing?
KG: It’s a huge market and you’re constantly learning about new products and methods that help people. I would’ve never known how many options are available for people looking for procedures and products, if I didn’t enter into this field. It’s an ever-changing industry and new things are constantly getting approved by the FDA. There’s always opportunities to research something new.
Schaefer: How did you hear about Schaefer?
KG: I’ve always known about Schaefer. Jan Blanchard was a really close family friend– still a really close family friend. We used to do ski trips with her and her family. They also attended our church before they moved to Oklahoma. I would ask her a lot about her experience at Schaefer. When I was in the market for a job in Fort Worth, I immediately reached out to her in hopes she would connect me with someone at Schaefer. At the time, they weren’t hiring, so I pursued another opportunity in Dallas. I was kicking to get back to Fort Worth, and luckily a position opened up here within two years. I jumped on the opportunity right away, and it all fell into place. It felt right at the time, and it still feels right.