Schaefer Advertising Co.

Culture

Let’s start by getting to know you a little better. Tell us about yourself.

My name is Doug Austin. I’m a NYC kid who grew up all across the United States. I went to college in Texas and then back to NYC to begin my advertising career. Today I live in Missouri with my wife and french bulldog, Nina. We have two boys: Cole, 23 and Willem, 19. I met my wife at an agency in Dallas (a long time ago) and have worked side-by-side with her for 28 years. Today, we spend our time outdoors as much as possible.  

My career in advertising has spanned more than three decades. During that time I’ve had a front row seat to the evolution of marketing and how consumers respond/react to messaging. What a ride that has been. The first major shift I witnessed truly fueled my desire to lean into innovation in all aspects of what we do and what I did for clients along the way. It was a way to stay ahead of the curve, carve out a leverageable point of difference for me and the agencies I worked for and probably most important, for the clients we served. Living through what I describe as three significant shifts in marketing application has prepared me to anticipate the next shift, and the next shift, and the next shift whenever they may show up.

What’s something you love to do?

If I could people watch all day long, I would. I am, and have always been, fascinated by human behavior, and I suppose that innate interest is what drew me to advertising in the first place. While I can’t say it’s a hobby or sport, it certainly is my favorite thing to do.

More traditional hobbies include hiking, kayaking and any sport that includes being outside. 

What’s your favorite place?

My favorite place is on my boat with my wife.  

What do you love about the job?

So many things. I love that I am trusted to create a narrative for a brand that honors them among the folks they want to reach and in a way that invites them to action. I love that I can have a hand in helping colleagues discover and exercise their creative thinking in a way that solves complex problems. I love that I have a hand in helping to build a thriving work culture that is built on trust and respect which provides a safe place for folks to freely share their creative gifts. I love that I get to show up every day knowing that I may be presented with a challenge I’ve never seen before. I love that this career has never been boring for me and that every day presents a platform to create.

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

Succession

What’s your favorite book?

The Bible

If you could live in any sitcom, which would it be?

Friends because who doesn’t want to hang around a coffee shop all day with their friends. Duh.

Are you a listener or a talker?

Yes.

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A big slice of New York-style pizza.

If there weren’t any more computers, what would be your new occupation?

It would still be Advertising. I started before there were computers. 

What’s the scariest thing you’ve done for fun?

Backpacked Europe as a teenager using paper maps and books.

What’s your favorite children’s story?

Stinky Cheese Man

If you had an extra hour of free time every day, what would you spend it doing?

Watching people at the train station.

Any words of advice?

My dad had a great saying: “mind your business.” This simple statement had about 100 meanings. It could literally mean it’s none of your business. It could be a reminder to keep your own business in check or when you are getting a little too big for your britches, a way to check yourself. It could mean don’t gossip. And on and on. I’ve adopted that saying and passed it on to my own kids.

Why Schaefer?

Ken and his vision for the next 10 years.

Let’s start by getting to know you a little better. Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. I was one of the first babies born in the Harris Hospital. I went to the Art Institute and got my BFA there and spent all of my professional career working in-house for clients in Fort Worth and at several ad agencies in town.

I met my husband and my dog Bear in high school. My husband Jonathan didn’t become a permanent member of our pack until after college, but he brought our barrel of a girl, Miss Bella, into our lives. She’s a big Tasmanian devil, otherwise known as a red heeler.

What’s something you love to do?

More than anything, I love my dogs. And my husband. I love them so much that I paint them. I’m a total game nerd. Video games, board games, mind games. I enjoy all the games, there’s a million on my phone and PS4, and I own every board game imaginable.

I love spending time with my minis, my nephew and niece, Coco and Margot. They are my whole world. And then there’s cycling. Because I hate running.

What’s your favorite place?

Take me to any river in New Mexico. Rio Chama is my favorite place. I got engaged there. It’s also the first place I ever caught a trout fly fishing. New Mexico is amazing. You can camp, hike, chill, swim, ski—it has everything you want.   

What do you love about the job?

In the most literal sense, I love that I don’t have to do math. But I’m a visual person and it is my version of fine art in a very digital world.

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

Bo Burnham: Inside. If you know, you know.

What’s your favorite book?

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn, probably. Super philosophical. It’s the only book I’ve read, and read again. It’s about a talking gorilla and gets into socratic conversations. Stop me if I’m getting too weird! But also, read it. Seriously.

If you could live in any sitcom, which would it be?

Silicon Valley. Because its hilarious and tech-related, which I’m into. The nerdness resonates with my soul. AND because the show and the real-world Silicon Valley needs more women.

Are you a listener or a talker?

Talker to strangers. Listener to my friends. Quiet dinners are my kryptonite, I’ll fill any gap in the conversation with humor. Need an ice-breaker? I’m your gal.

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Without consequences, Pizza! Hands down.

If there weren’t any more computers, what would be your new occupation?

Painter. Art teacher to pay the bills.

What’s the scariest thing you’ve done for fun?

Cliff jumping in Jamaica. It was not a tourist attraction. It was this locals-only cliff we heard about on beach. If it sounds sketch, that’s because it was. A 14-year-old me thought it was a great idea. And my friend agreed. She had the sense not to actually jump though.

What’s your favorite children’s story?

Thumbelina. My nickname is Margotlina. My mom started calling me that when I feel in love with story. Plus, it’s set in nature, which I can’t get enough of.

If you had an extra hour of free time every day, what would you spend it doing?

Definitely napping—can’t ever get enough sleep.

Any words of advice?

Your first bet should always be $100 on black.

It’ll set the tone for the whole night.

Why Schaefer?

At the end of my final interview, Ken said I had undersold myself. At that moment, I knew I found the place for growth, both personal and professional. Schaefer is the kind of place you can learn the things you don’t know yet, grow your skills and talents, and have a supportive team that helps you achieve it.

Let’s start by getting to know you a little better. Tell us about yourself.

I grew up in a suburb of St. Louis with my parents, 2 younger sisters, and all of my extended family. I always loved school, taking on new challenges and staying busy. I knew I wanted an adventure for college. After touring almost every school in the South, I fell in love with Clemson University in South Carolina. I didn’t even apply anywhere else – that’s how convinced I was that it was my place! It was there where I learned my love for southern hospitality, Clemson football, lake days and the advertising industry.

I had a couple key internships during college, both in the healthcare space, one on the client side and one at an agency. These experiences gave me a well-rounded perspective on healthcare marketing and reinforced my desire to start my career at an agency. I was fortunate to intern for Schaefer on the healthcare team before starting full-time, which allowed a smooth transition into the company and our clients. 

What’s something you love to do?

I love staying active by running, cycling, or even just going on walks with friends. Similarly, I enjoy eating healthy. I’m a sucker for a green juice from Pressed Juicery after my Saturday morning workout. Spending time by the water, such as a lake or beach, is another big one. I also love cheering on any Clemson Tigers sporting event (but mostly football, of course) and traveling. But most importantly, I love spending time with friends and family!

What’s your favorite place?

Rosemary Beach, FL. Ever since I was little, my extended family and I would go on a summer vacation. I grew up going to beaches along 30A, but one year we ended up finding Rosemary Beach and now we go there every summer. So many of my favorite memories are there!  

What do you love about the job?

I love working with Kat and the fun, collaborative environment at Schaefer. I also love the clients I get to work on. It has been the most valuable first job so far. I know I will always look back and be thankful for my time at Schaefer!

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

Outer Banks 2. I watched the first season when I had Covid last year. I am not a Netflix person, and it’s atypical for me to binge-watch an entire season. In college, the free time I had would be spent with friends. But everyone was talking about it, and I just had to check it out since I was hooked after Season 1.

What’s your favorite book?

Harry Potter. I literally read the books so fast, probably in second or third grade. I loved them and watched all the movies. In my senior year of college, my roommates and I all loved Harry Potter. So, we watched a movie per week leading up to graduation.

If you could live in any sitcom, which would it be?

To be honest, I don’t really watch TV.

Are you a listener or a talker?

Talker 100%. But I want to be a better listener, and I am working on that daily!

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

My favorite meal: salad and fries. It’s all about balance, right?

If there weren’t any more computers, what would be your new occupation?

I would love to teach cycle/group fitness classes!

What’s the scariest thing you’ve done for fun?

Jump into the lake off of a bridge! I’m such a rule follower, and this was so scary to me.

What’s your favorite children’s story?

Goodnight Moon

If you had an extra hour of free time every day, what would you spend it doing?

Writing letters to friends that live far away or cooking/baking more!

Any words of advice?

Act confident, and no one will question you.

Why Schaefer?

I loved the opportunity for growth. The people are committed to each other and the community.

Let’s start by getting to know you a little better. Tell us about yourself.

Hi! I’m Siera. I graduated from Georgia Tech, but I am not an engineer. I wanted to be a biology major, but I was terrible at chemistry, despite the fact that my dad is a chemist. We had a guest speaker in one of my college courses, Lisa Galanti a leader of a local Atlanta ad agency, and her presentation convinced me that advertising was the career path for me. She helped me get my first internship, and I have been on the agency side of things ever since.

What’s something you love to do?

I love to read and travel to really scenic destinations. My husband and I went to Tuscany and it’s definitely one of the most beautiful places that we’ve visited. We stayed at a winery where I was able to sit and read overlooking a valley with a glass of wine, incredible.

What’s your favorite place?

My favorite place is the library – I really love the library – the smell, the quiet and of course the books. I love books – not audiobooks, or e-books, but physical books.

What do you love about the job?

I like solving problems for brands – I like solving people’s problems, generally speaking. I’ve been fascinated with branding since I was young and love being able to find creative solutions to brand’s biggest (or smallest) challenges.

If you could do anything besides what you are doing now, what would you do professionally?

I’d be a photographer so that I could travel and photograph. I went to a performing arts high school, and was a ballet dancer for 17 years. Creativity is a part of me. Growing up, I took photography classes and I just loved it. I find the dark room and developing film very therapeutic.

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

I am ashamed to admit I watch a lot of TV. My biggest binge watch was Law & Order: SVU – all 490 episodes. On this trip, I’ve been binge-watching “Girlboss,” and I’m re-binging “the Handmaid’s Tale” right now.

What’s your favorite book?

“Pride & Prejudice.”

If you could live in any sitcom, which would it be?

“Parks and Rec.” I see a lot of myself in Leslie Knope and I find it really funny. I’m not nearly as enthusiastic as Leslie, but I think I have as much drive as she does.

Are you a listener or a talker?

Listener. I’m very introverted. As a kid, I was really quiet in social settings and wouldn’t talk a lot, but it was because I was observing and taking everything in. Afterwards, I would tell my parents about all of the things I had heard and seen, and they would be surprised about the number of things that I saw that they didn’t notice.

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Tacos – because you put anything in a taco.

What’s the scariest thing you’ve done for fun?

We went whale-watching in Vancouver right before the pandemic. It doesn’t sound scary, but I’m terrified of whales. We were in more of a little motorized raft than a large boat, so it was pretty scary for me.

What’s your favorite children’s story?

“Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse,”because she wears red boots, and I had red cowboy boots growing up, so I thought that we were the same.

If you had an extra hour of free time every day, what would you spend it doing?

Sitting in the sun with my Labradors, probably reading or drinking a glass of wine.

Why Schaefer?

I chose Schaefer because of the people. Everyone that I spoke with seemed like good humans, which you think would be the norm in most organizations, but it’s not. Throughout the interview process, every interaction I had was positive. The people here are fantastic.

Let’s start by getting to know you a little better. Tell us about yourself.

I moved around a lot growing up, so I was always around different people and environments. It was tough having to leave my friends and make new ones in school, but I think that has somehow contributed to me being a bit more open-minded and forced me to seek to understand people.

What’s something you love to do?

In a nutshell, I enjoy learning new things and immersing myself in different challenges in the things that I do. Things like researching and deconstructing a skateboard trick so I can learn it quickly, trying a trick over a different obstacle, finding new tools to make working on my car easier, learning new guitar chords, the list goes on and on.

What’s your favorite place?

Denver – I love the scenery, the people and the atmosphere.

What do you love about the job?

I love that you get challenged in many different aspects throughout the day.

If you could do anything besides what you are doing now, what would you do professionally?

If I can’t design, then I’d go back to shooting photography full-time.

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

Stranger Things 3 – it’s been a while since I’ve watched TV though.

What’s your favorite book?

“Feck Perfunction” by James Victore. It touches on many topics, but embracing your peculiar traits and getting rid of your inner perfectionist as a creative were the two that really resonated with me. I also enjoy Victore’s writing style—very raw, direct and concise.

If you could live in any sitcom, which would it be?

Parks & Rec because of the many hilarious personalities.

Are you a listener or a talker?

I’m a textbook introvert, so definitely a listener in most situations. However, I’m often mistaken as an extrovert since I’ve learned to break the mold over the years, but I still need time to recharge.

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Burgers 4 life.

If you had an extra hour of free time every day, what would you spend it doing?

I’ve been meaning to make more time to read, so I’d dedicate it to that.

Why Schaefer?

There’s a great balance here of camaraderie and quality work.

Any words of advice?

Always seek to venture outside of your comfort zone, and view obstacles as opportunities in disguise.

The 2021 ADDYs are in the books! It may have looked a bit different this year, but the entire Schaefer team was so grateful to get together outside and celebrate a year of hard work under unique circumstances.

When the final votes were tallied, Schaefer walked away with 19 awards out of our 22 entries, and we earned two Special Judges Awards! We’re proud to say that we won more awards than any other agency in Fort Worth and that each our of verticals brought home the hardware. Our team earned recognition in multiple mediums, including video, branding, illustration, print, social media, website, out of home and integrated campaigns. Of the awards, three of our wins were for Covid-related campaigns.

It’s been an interesting year, to say the least. Celebrating a year of hard work with our team was a breath of fresh air and a reminder of how fortunate we are to work together every single day and compete against such fantastic and talented friends and neighbors in the Fort Worth advertising community.

Congratulations to everyone that competed this year. We can’t wait to see you next year – hopefully in person – for the 2022 ADDYs.

2020 Zoo Membership Campaign

Gold ADDY Award and Special Judges’ Award: Most Popular | Client: Fort Worth Zoo

In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Fort Worth Zoo needed a way to sell holiday adoptions and memberships. More than that, they needed a campaign that cut through the clutter of holiday advertisements to connect with consumers.

TCU Baseball Video – Day in. Day out.

Gold ADDY Award | Client: TCU Baseball
TCU Baseball Video

Telling the story of an elite collegiate baseball program is a large task – and it’s one we help TCU Baseball accomplish every year. But, like every task that our team tackles, it’s best to take it one small step at a time, day in, and day out.

Behind the Scenes Filming the TCU Gold Addy Award Video
VIEW WORK

UNTHSC – Day x Day Campaign

Gold ADDY Award | Client: UNTHSC

When COVID-19 first struck the United States, people weren’t sure what to think or how to appropriately respond. This left a void of reliable information, and The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth – a medical research center and university – saw an opportunity to step forward as a reliable source of scientific information that people could trust.

UNTHSC Covid DayxDay Social Posts
VIEW WORK

OMNI Go For Three Campaign Illustrations

Gold ADDY Award | Client: OMNI

When OMNI® launched their new 2.0 device, which has functional advantages over other similar products on the market, we had to communicate the benefits this new device had over its competition.

Omni Icongraphy

Near Southside Rebrand

Gold ADDY Award | Client: Near Southside
Near Southside Branding

Places are defined by people, and the Near Southside is among the most vibrant and diverse communities in Fort Worth. So, when they approached Schaefer to help them rebrand their identity, we drew inspiration from the neighborhood they create and the people and ideas the Near Southside attracts.

Before and After Near Southside Logo
VIEW WORK

River & Blues Brand Campaign

Gold ADDY Award | Client: River & Blues Festival
River and Blues Campaign Branding

River & Blues Fest is a new kind of music festival, featuring a uniquely American lineup of longtime favorites and soulful up-and-comers in country and blues. Launching its inaugural year right here in the heart of Fort Worth, the River & Blues Festival needed a dynamic identity system to engage and attract music lovers and artists alike across a primarily digital landscape.

Posters for River and Blues Festival
VIEW WORK

Special Judges’ Award: Best of Print

Schaefer Christmas Card

Schaefer is proud to have been recognized by Medical Marketing and Media as “Best Place to Work” in 2020. In a tumultuous year marked with uncertainty, we are truly humbled and energized by the recognition. It is the result of tireless work done by the entire agency, lead by the vision and guidance of our Healthcare team. We couldn’t be more grateful for the recognition.


From the winners announcement article by MM+M.

In a year when the workplace has been upended, the prioritizing of company culture and staff matters to a greater extent than ever before. The results of our third annual review spotlight the best small, midsize and large agencies, along with life sciences support firms, as rated by those who know them best: the employees themselves.

Schaefer Advertising

Never before has Schaefer’s mission to “Make Life Better” been more important to its employees than right now. From vital healthcare assistance (the company waived testing and hospital fees related to COVID-19), to an emergency cash fund for bill pay in the case of a spouse or family member being laid off, staffers say they have felt “seen” and “supported” from the very start of the pandemic.

In an effort to increase communication and boost morale, the company instituted virtual work anniversary celebrations on Zoom with heartfelt tributes from colleagues, and a daily “silver lining” email thread where one team member shares a positive experience from their quarantine and then chooses which colleague goes next.

While almost all Schaefer staffers shared their immense appreciation for how “fully transparent” their company president has been, through his efforts to send daily update emails and to reassure the team no furloughs or layoffs would take place, it was his turn as ice cream man that really garnered accolades.

Despite the fact that many employees live between 40 and 150 miles from Schaefer’s offices in Fort Worth, Texas, the company’s owner personally delivered pints of ice cream from a local artisanal creamery to every employee to thank them for their hard work during these difficult times. A gesture welcomed by all as “an incredibly unexpected and much-appreciated surprise.”

Survey Stat

Schaefer Advertising had 31 responses — the most in its category — and was one of the highest-scoring agencies for the answer to “Responded quickly and decisively to ensure employee productivity was unaffected as much as possible.”

Let’s start by getting to know you a little better. Tell us about yourself.

I was born and raised in Fort Worth, and the only time I’ve left here for an extended period of time was when I went to Austin for school for four years. I’ve always loved living here, and I really enjoyed visiting Fort Worth when I was in school because it seems like every few months Fort Worth is growing and changing. 

I have one sibling, a younger brother, and he goes to UT as well – we come from a big Longhorn family. Both of my parents went to UT, some of my grandparents, tons of my cousins, aunts and uncles went there, too.

I love Texas sports – I grew up playing softball and field hockey, which I played from seventh grade into high school. My current dog is named Dak – after Dak Prescott – and my last dog’s name was Romo – after the other Cowboys’ quarterback.

What’s something you love to do?

I love to travel, but it’s obviously been a tough year for the travel industry. My goal pre-covid was to visit a new place every single year. I’ve been to a chunk of cool places out of the country, but I’d like to explore more US cities. 

What’s your favorite place?

I really like the beach, but I don’t love the ocean. I like the sand, and I don’t mind boats, but I’d rather enjoy the ocean from a comfortable distance. I also really like the mountains – I love Colorado for how diverse it is; a lot of hiking, biking and skiing in Colorado.

 What do you love about the job?

I just love the spontaneity and the constant changes that advertising has. There’s always new projects and the space is constantly evolving. I don’t think we’ll ever reach a stage where advertising is mundane or boring.

If you could do anything besides what you are doing now, what would you do professionally?

I would own a restaurant and/or write a cookbook. 

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

Greys Anatomy, hands-down. There are rumors that it’s the last season, and I would be crushed. Although, they’ve gone on for a while, so they’re running out of storylines. I just hope that they end it on a high note.

What’s your favorite book?

Favorite book is American Royals, and it’s about what it would be like to have a royal family in America. It’s fiction, but it’s interesting and entertaining. I’ve always been fascinated with the royal family; there’s so much legacy there.

If you could live in any sitcom, which would it be?

I would probably say The Office because it’s such a classic. When you don’t know what to watch, just put it on. It’s a feel-good, funny show and the characters just can’t be beaten.

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Sushi. I can go into a sushi restaurant and enjoy anything on the menu. 

What’s your favorite children’s story?

The Olivia books by Ian Falconer. Olivia is a pig, and her professions and adventures change every book – in one book she’s a pilot, another book she’s a scientist, and in another she’s helping with Christmas. I just love those books. My middle name is also Olivia, so I really connected with that series early on.

If you had an extra hour of free time every day, what would you spend it doing?

I would put an extra hour into the morning and spend it having coffee. I’m so much more productive in the morning; I’d add an hour and just spend it working and drinking coffee. 

Any words of advice?

Wake up every day and choose to be happy. I think it’s definitely a choice, and it can be easy to let things get to you and stray away from that. But, choosing to be happy is such a key to being successful and enjoying your life, which is why we’re all here. 

Why Schaefer?

As a person who has grown up in Fort Worth, working at Schaefer has always been a goal of mine. It was a familiar place when I was in high school and people from Schaefer came into our school to speak about advertising and the industry, and it was always attractive to me that they were invested in the people of Fort Worth. I also love that Schaefer invests in the people that work here: we’re invested in the numerical growth of the agency, but we’re also really focused on growing the individual and improving their strengths and making them a more capable person. I love that the people here genuinely care about each other.

Let’s start by getting to know you a little better. Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Durham, NC, and moved to DFW when I was four years old, and I’ve been here ever since. I went to college at UNT and got my degree in advertising. I’m an Eagle Scout and have been big into the Boy Scouts for my entire life – I love being outdoors. The Boy Scouts are a bit of a tradition in our family; I have three uncles that are Eagle Scouts. I appreciate a good book, but with a young kid, I don’t have time for much reading right now.

What’s something you love to do?

I love being around a campfire. We just bought a house, and we have a fire pit in the backyard, and it’s my favorite thing to do at home.

What’s your favorite place?

All of Minnesota, I have a lot of family there. My parents were raised there, and I love it up there. The Summer months are great. I love camping and fishing up there. I’ll visit during the Winter on occasion, but I can only take – 20 degrees for about a week.

What do you love about the job?

I think what I love most is taking an idea and physically creating it for the web to be viewed anywhere. I like taking multiple unique perspectives and turning them into something tangible that people can see. 

If you could do anything besides what you are doing now, what would you do professionally?

I would be a brewer. My dad, brother and I have looked into it – there’s a lot of risk, but if I had to choose something else, that would be it. 

What is the last thing you binge-watched?

Right now, I’m on “The Boys,” I’m not done with it yet, though. I’m really liking the angle of “evil Superman.”

What’s your favorite book?

“Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell. He uses his perspective and personal stories to captivate the audience. After 10 pages, I was hooked.

If you could live in any sitcom, which would it be?

Probably “How I Met Your Mother.” I think Marshall and I would get along really well; we’d definitely relate to each other. 

Are you a listener or a talker?

I would say that I’m more of a listener, and definitely more introverted. I was far more introverted in high school, and I’ve had to break out of that as I’ve gotten older.

If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Mac n’ Cheese. Mac n’ Cheese is super pliable; you can customize it to be as rich as you’d like, and basically make it for all occasions.

What’s the scariest thing you’ve done for fun?

Probably when I went to Sea Base with the Boy Scouts. We were swimming right next to our sailboat, and we were right next to a lot of barracuda, which was unintentional, but still fun. 

Any words of advice?

Try not to make the same mistake twice. 

Why Schaefer?

I chose Schaefer because I felt like it had a great culture, good people and an environment where I could really grow and build something really exciting.

October 1, 2020

Make Life Better DAY

Today is a celebration of all the days that lead us here. A reminder that each day is a gift and that every pursuit, big or small, is worthy of the good you put into it. In that spirit, we ask you to think of today as an opportunity to Make Life Better.

For the past 25 years, those words have been the lens through which we at Schaefer see everything. It’s present in our culture, on our walls, and how we approach each day. So, at this moment, on this day, lean into the idea that the good you do now can make the world a better place. We certainly will be!

It may only be official in 2020, but this is the kind of day we love to repeat. So make the most of your Make Life Better Day, and meet us back here, next year. Better yet, make life better every day.