Jennifer Blotkamp Stark

Associate Media Director

Media

JOINED HIRONS: 2019

Read our Q&A with Jennifer Blotkamp Stark

WHAT PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS DO YOU NEED TO BE SUCCESSFUL IN THE INDUSTRY?

You must be able to go with the flow and pivot easily without losing focus. You need that energy to be a team player and build relationships as often times those relationships will help you excel throughout your career.

OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE, WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES OR PASSIONS?

When I’m not at the office, I can either be found teaching at IU Bloomington, on a walk with my pup or in a gym watching my son play basketball.

WHEN AND WHERE DO YOU HAVE YOUR BEST IDEAS?

Feels like never in a meeting when I’m put on the spot but 10 minutes after that meeting ends. Ha! Ha! Typically, when I’m somewhere I can’t write it down like the shower or when I’m driving but always when I’m listening to music.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PROJECT THAT YOU’VE WORKED ON AT HIRONS?

Working on things like 988 Indiana and Kicking the Stigma with the Colts really makes my heart happy to know I’m not just selling widgets but I’m trying to help spread awareness that it’s okay to not be okay and make Hoosiers aware of helpful resources.

WHAT’S ONE IMPORTANT TIP YOU WOULD SHARE WITH ANYONE LOOKING TO GO INTO THE AGENCY WORLD?

Network! While it can be frustrating to get your foot in the door of the agency world, it’s so much easier and better when you know someone that can help you nudge that door open.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TIME OF DAY?

First thing in the morning before anyone else is awake where I can sit, read and drink my coffee before getting ready for the day, preferably when the sun is shining on my patio but rainy day mornings on the couch can be just as satisfying.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB?

Working at my hometown newspaper. I got to float around to all the different departments and cover for people when they were on vacation. It gave me a lot of experience on tasks I liked and didn’t like. It’s actually where I realized I wanted to be on the other side of sales and direct my focus on media buying.

WHAT’S AN ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU’RE PROUD OF, PERSONALLY OR PROFESSIONALLY?

Graduating from college on time and debt-free. I worked really hard to get scholarships and nearly every penny of my summer job went to tuition. It was hard at times but very fulfilling now that I look back.

WHAT’S ONE QUOTE THAT DEFINES YOU?

This is more of a poem than a quote but the Mother Teresa poem – Do It Anyway. I have it hanging in my kitchen as a reminder to not get discouraged by the obstacles or challenges life throws my way and just be me.

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;

forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;

succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;

be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;

build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, there may be jealousy;

be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;

do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;

give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;

it was never between you and them anyway.

WHAT’S YOUR MOST MEMORABLE VACATION?

Hands down, 24 day European bus trip with my husband and 30 strangers that became friends – started in London and worked our way down to Greece across various countries. Made amazing friends and incredible memories.

WHAT’S ONE THING YOU USE EVERY DAY AND CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?

It’s a toss up between music and Chapstick! I’m that crazy person that has Chapstick everywhere – desk, car, purse, nightstand, kitchen, etc. And I cannot function or think for that matter if I don’t have music playing. If you ever visit me in my office, I always have a playlist going unless I’m on a zoom call.