Jake Yarbrough is a very polished ad man, but don’t let his vast knowledge fool you. Most of the time, he’s just his quirky, down-to-earth self. Either way, he brings dedicated success and unrelenting humor to the day-to-day.  His experience has made him a reliable lead and director on our healthcare team, as well as, a strong steward of sending agency-wide calendar invites reminding all to get away from their desks just to chat. He describes himself as a “fish out of water,” no matter the environment he’s in, but he’s planted his seat in our house, and we like to think he fits in pretty well.

Schaefer: So Jake, tell us about yourself.
I grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and graduated from TCU. I met my wife on a blind date, and have been married 21 years – 22 this summer. My wife and I have two daughters, one 17-year-old and another 14-year-old. They are truly really great kids.

I am a dad and a husband who works in advertising. I have worked in the business a long time and spent about half of my career in healthcare, and the other half mostly in hospitality, tourism and nonprofit. All have been small to mid-size agencies, because I love doing diverse work. I’ve always worked in account service, marketing strategy and brand strategy.

Schaefer: When did you decide that advertising was the route for you?
Honestly, it was a slow burn. When I first got to TCU, I wasn’t sure where I wanted to go career-wise. I took a one-hour “find yourself” course, and took tons of aptitude tests, and the test came back that I would be most satisfied in a career that combined business, art and communications. That led me on the advertising track. As I reflect back on my childhood, I was the kid who always watched the ads, memorized the ads and was fascinated by them. It started to really snowball, and after a couple of internships, I realized that I really enjoyed this.

Schaefer: What has kept you in advertising over the years?
You have to have a bit of adrenaline junky in you to enjoy this, because of the subjective, deadline-nature of what we do. There must be something in me that enjoys that rush. The first time I made a presentation to a client, I looked into their eyes and saw the lightbulb go off in the back of their head. It was impacting them, and they saw the possibility, because they could see something working toward their goals. Being able to bridge that and finding ways to connect to our clients’ people, that is what keeps me coming back every single day. The point of realization when someone gets what you are trying to share with them and it means something to them – that’s my drug.

Schaefer: So apart from the size, Why Schaefer? What caught your eye?
So I met Ken through somebody who used to work here and have always had a great respect from this agency from afar. When he reached out to me about a year ago, I truly enjoyed hearing his philosophy, which translates to the culture of this place.

Schaefer had a great reputation, seeing it and experiencing it confirmed that for me. The best description I have come up with so far is that there is a warmth in this place that doesn’t exist in other places, and I really cherish that. It is a really exciting time to be here, and I am so thrilled to be a part of a team that is growing this part of the healthcare business. I feel energized in a way I haven’t felt “professional-energized” in years. A different kind of youth and vigor.

Schaefer: What is the most fun you had while at work?
The best times at work usually have nothing to do with work. Camaraderie and belly laughter. I think we spend so much time at work, so those moments of letting off steam and connecting about non-work things is the best. We are a merry band of soldiers in an agency. We are in the fox hole together, and you develop a bond that is so different than what I have seen in corporate settings. There is just something about the need to persevere in spite of all the challenges that come our way, where you have that moment of release, and it’s great. That’s part of the fun of this business.

Schaefer: What’s a random fun fact people wouldn’t know?
I did improv comedy for a little while. I took classes at Four-Day Weekend downtown. They go by levels, so I got up to level 4 out of 5 before I dropped out. It is such a different mindset. It was really challenging for me and fun. I don’t know if I was any good at it, but it was a nice way to exercise a creative muscle I wouldn’t otherwise.

Schaefer: I notice you have a signature look with your glasses, how long have been wearing glasses?
I had better than perfect vision until I started spending late nights working on a computer. This might give away how old I am, but I have been wearing glasses for 25 years. But the mustache… is a relatively new phenomenon. I can’t grow a beard very well, but one November I just kept going and going, and then it stuck. Frankly, it is more effort than shaving it is. It takes me as much time and effort to groom my mustache as it would to shave my whole face every day.

Schaefer: And what about your hair?
As a kid, my parents told me, “do whatever you want to do with your hair.” Their philosophy, which they told me later on, was that if we let you experiment with your hair, maybe you won’t get a tattoo and, luckily, hair grows back. That being said, I have had so many different types of hairstyles. At my last agency, I actually would email out a weekly story related to my hairstyles. I’ve had a mullet, butt cut, frosted tips, reverse mullet – party in the front and business in the back, buzz cut and slicked back.

Schaefer: Alright, what is your alter ego?
Jeffrey Lebowski. He’s the dude. He is the world’s laziest, spaced out, California guy that gets mixed up in a kidnapping case. It’s a classic movie. Some days, I just really like his style.

Schaefer: If you were able to relive the same holiday every day, what holiday would it be?
Thanksgiving. I just love that holiday because the pressure is off. It’s not the commercialized Christmas or Halloween, Thanksgiving is chill. It’s a good time and brings people together.

Schaefer: Given the opportunity, what is one piece of advice you would give to someone entering the advertising world?
Ask WHY. That’s my advice. The more you can ask why, and understand the reasoning behind something, the better able you will be at solving a problem.

Julia Cooper is a UTA grad who got her feet wet in the design world working in Dallas. She’s decided to plant firmer roots and made the jump to Fort Worth, Texas, to build on her strengths. Armed with a Canon 5d Mark II named Gatwick, her ultimate goal is to marry graphic design with photography.

For work and play, she’s driven by capturing the root of what matters from varying angles, with her K-9 comrade, Toki, by her side. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words. Julia’s philosophy behind her creative drive is what keeps the team on their toes for new and fresh ideas.

Schaefer: What was your first week like at Schaefer?
It was so great! I was initially in Deep Ellum, Dallas, when I got the green light that I was hired at Schaefer. Within three weeks, I secured a new apartment in Fort Worth, took a vacation to Colorado with my dad and Toki, packed up my apartment in three days, moved, unpacked and started work at Schaefer. It was a lot of hard work getting here, and so worth it. My first week was exhilarating, exciting and absolutely a breath of fresh air.

Schaefer: So, tell us more about that.
I have a lot more creative autonomy here, and have already learned so much from the other creatives. I didn’t have a boss at my first job out of college, so I had no one to look up to for creative guidance. Here at Schaefer, I have multiple people on the team I can turn to.

Additionally, I feel very blessed and happy to be in an environment where work culture is of tremendous importance.

Oh! I now have windows! The last place I worked was windowless and it felt like a cave or closet.

Schaefer: People around the office always admire your sense of style. Where did that derive from?
Ever since high school, I always loved funky combinations – like a spaghetti strap tank tops over polos. Of course, I was 16 when I thought that combo was cute.
I guess when I went to college, I fell out of taking care of my appearance and how I dressed, so when I went back for my second degree, I started feeling more inspired and maturing into the woman I am today. I learned the value of dressing well. It’s a form of good manners, in a sense. That’s sort of become my motto now, “dressing well is a form of good manners.” Even though that was originally said by Tom Ford. (laughs).

Schaefer: What drew you into creative work?
I’ve always had a creative disposition and my parents nurtured that throughout my childhood. I’ve been drawing since I could pick up a pencil. As an adult, I love watching the transformation of a project from start to beginning, and figuring how to solve problems in a visual manner.

Schaefer: Can you tell me about a project you worked on that you were really proud of?
It was a branding project for Taiheiyo Kensha, a Japanese Akita kennel in Los Angeles. It was a passion project I did my last semester in college, which turned out to be a huge milestone for me, because it was the first assignment where things started to “click” as a graphic designer.  I designed the logo, and created all other assets, including a puppy packet and an owner’s folder.

Schaefer: What would be the “dream project” that you would love to work on or create yourself?
That’s tough for me to say. Just as if you were gonna ask the question, “Where do you want to be in 5 years,” I don’t want to pigeonhole myself.

In general, though, I love working on logo designs and branding. I’ve already had the opportunity to work on those, so I feel pretty good.

Schaefer: Since you’ve been at Schaefer, what’s been your favorite project you’ve worked on yet?
I’ve really enjoyed working on the Schaefer Christmas Card and the Near Southside’s “Crazy” invitation for their fundraiser.

To be honest though, there is something I have loved about every project. With each new assignment, there has been something new and profound to learn. It is like I get a new tool for my toolbox with each new project. That is really exciting.

Schaefer: So you’re new to Fort Worth, how have you adjusted?
I’m definitely still acclimating. Having just moved from Deep Ellum, Fort Worth is so different from Dallas. It’s obviously smaller, and feels more like a town than a city. Toki, however, really loves Fort Worth. His disposition is more happy since we have moved.

I’ve enjoyed exploring the different communities within Fort Worth. Some areas are more up-and-coming and going through their own renaissance. I witnessed that when I lived in Deep Ellum for five years. It was similar to the Near Southside district, where it’s just continued to draw more people and blossom with new businesses and retail.

Schaefer: If you could get an all-expense paid trip anywhere, where would you go?
I would go to Japan as a bit of a pilgrimage to my dog, Toki, a Japanese Akita! As a bucket-list item, I absolutely have to see the Hachiko statue at the Shibuya train station. Gotta make Toki proud!

We sat down with our newest production artist, David Jean. “Old Fashioned Dave” has worked many years in the business, but maintains a childlike enthusiasm with each person and project he comes into contact with. He’s sure to be the one to round the corner with a deadline in hand and a smile to brighten your day.
 
Schaefer: How did you start in your background as a production artist?
David: Well I started as an illustrator, actually. My sister worked at an agency in Arlington for many years, and I always wanted to get a job there. I’ve worked in the “artsy type” business for years. First, I worked in a music store off and on for 10 years, and worked at photo labs in between.  My brother owned a photo lab and I would run all the film for him. Finally, he said, “You can come on board to help out more,” so I worked there for a while just to get my foot in the door.
Then I started showing he and his team my illustrations and they started to get me to do them. After a while, I left the lab and went on my own, because I would make more money that way. I networked through my siblings and I soon became a graphic artist for Six Flags. It turned out to be a great job, and I did it for 11 years.
 
Schaefer: Everyone around the office knows to send all the dogs your way. We know you’ve had both cats and dogs. Which do you prefer?
David: Ah. I love them all equally, but Chim Chim – my kitty – has a special place in my heart. He’s kind of crazy and thinks I’m his momma. He’s the one that wakes me up in the middle of the night standing on my back – he’s also 18 pounds.
 
Schaefer: Did you have any weird pets growing up?
David: Yeah, when I around 8 or 9, I had a dog named Ginger that bit everyone but me. He was such a mutt. My parents wanted to get rid of him [laughs]. I remember getting him too, because my neighbors just handed him through the fence and said, “Hey do you want our dog?” and we said, “Sure!”
 
Schaefer: After working in a music store for a while, did you manage to pick anything up yourself?
David: Guitar, piano, and drums. It was a great place to work, because I actually met a few famous people like Doyle Bramhall, the guy who wrote a lot of Stevie Ray Vaughn songs. We ended up becoming really good friends. I was only 18 or 19 years old and Doyle was in his thirties. He would always come up to the shop and I always thought he was just a local musician.
We would go across the street and play pool together and just talk. After I had known him for like 5 years or so, I was with one of my other friends who worked at the shop and we were listening to a Stevie Ray Vaughn song and he goes, “Yeah I can’t believe that Doyle wrote this song.” It completely shocked me. That’s how I found out this guy who I had known for years and hung out with, talked music with and jammed with actually wrote 4 or 5 Grammy award-winning songs for Stevie Ray Vaughn’s album… and he grew up with Stevie. He was a drummer, kind of a guitarist, but mainly a drummer and also sings in the 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s. That shows how humble the guy was.
 
Schaefer: If you could move anywhere in the world for a month, where would it be?
David: Japan – anyplace in Japan. Tokyo would be cool, because of how fast-paced the culture is.
 
Schaefer: Which office dog is your favorite?
David: Lulu. Ya know – I really did love Boone so much because he just did his own thing. He reminded me of my old dog, Abby.
 
Schaefer: What has been your favorite project that you have worked on?
David: I would say any of the illustration or 3-D projects. I did some mock-ups for the American Leather logo and also really enjoyed doing the Nuvothera bottles as well.
 
Schaefer: What is your favorite part about being here?
David: The team. I love everybody here. I was talking to my wife about it not too long ago and she said, “Who’s your favorite up there?” I said, “I don’t think I can pick one, because everybody is so unique.” As many places as I worked, and as many cool jobs that I’ve had, who you work with has become super important. I’m so lucky. I whistle on my way to work and skip when I go to my car in the morning. I’m just always happy coming here.
 
Schaefer: Any final thoughts?
David: I’m blessed. In the last year, a lot has changed with how I look at things – how I look at life. I’m 53. I remember so clearly turning 30, like it was a year ago. I remember people saying, “You’re going to turn 30!” Then I got worried because I was like, “I’m never going to be 20 again!” But it goes by so fast, and it’s so cliché, but life goes by fast.
There’s so many things I would have done different, but being here at Schaefer made me realize that I don’t think I would change anything, because otherwise I wouldn’t have wound up here.

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.