Get to know our account coordinator in the communications management department, Abbie Hackleman!
HOW DID YOU BECOME INTERESTED IN THE INDUSTRY?
When I was 10 my dad’s best friend created a play structure for kids. This structure could be mounted to the wall of a playroom, bedroom etc. then pulled out for it to pop into a fort. I started calling it the Flip-Out-Fort. My dad and his friend loved the name and ended up selling hundreds of units of the Flip-Out-Fort. From that moment on I knew that I had a place in the advertising, PR and marketing spheres. I did not know where, when or how, but I knew it was what I wanted to do.
WHAT WOULD YOU CONSIDER THE MOST IMPORTANT TOOLS OF THE TRADE?
I am still very green, but for me the most important tools I use every day are effective communication, creative problem solving and the ability to stay one step ahead.
OUTSIDE OF THE OFFICE, WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES OR PASSIONS?
I grew up on a lake so outside of the office for me always includes some type of water sport. In the summer it could be swimming, wading, sailing, wake surfing or even cruising. In the winter that means ice boating, ice skating and sitting by the fire on the ice. I also have a deep passion for good food.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PROJECT THAT YOU’VE WORKED ON AT HIRONS?
My favorite and most challenging project has been the work I contributed to help amend an Indiana House Bill that repeals the protections for Indiana’s wetlands. This has been a passion project for me and something that I could spend all day researching. Growing up surrounded by the natural beauty of wetlands, lakes and streams helped me to appreciate the client’s passion and work hard to help accomplish their goals.
WHAT’S ONE IMPORTANT TIP YOU WOULD SHARE WITH ANYONE LOOKING TO GO INTO THE AGENCY WORLD?
My biggest tip is to lean into everything. Working in an agency gives you the opportunity to work on all different types of campaigns and contribute work that will be used in all forms of media. The ability to see all these opportunities as a learning experience and push yourself to be comfortable learning things outside of your wheelhouse will not only help you grow, but also give you a better understanding of the whole picture and how every piece works together.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TIME OF DAY?
My favorite time of day is the early morning. My commute to work is my time to prepare for the day while listening to my favorite podcasts or music. I love enjoying the small things and being grateful for mundane tasks we might usually take for granted.
WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL PART OF YOUR JOB?
The most meaningful part of my job is the connections I make daily. The agency world is very small, and being able to form meaningful connections with colleagues, clients, the media and other professionals helps contribute to my professional development and how I view each new project.
DID YOU HAVE ANY UNUSUAL JOBS BEFORE WORKING AT HIRONS?
I used to be a lifeguard at a public beach. This job was not for the faint of heart. At the end of my time working at the beach I had been yelled at three times, broken up two fights, called the cops once and had to rescue three children.
WHAT’S ONE QUOTE THAT DEFINES YOU?
“The braver I am, the luckier I get.”. This quote is from my favorite book Untamed by Glennon Doyle. It reminds me that everything in life requires at least a little bit of bravery.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU EVERY DAY AND CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
Something I do every day and cannot live without is my skincare routine. Washing and moisturizing my face is a daily task that helps me feel like me again. I cannot leave the house or go to bed with out a freshly washed and moisturized face.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WORKING AT HIRONS?
My favorite part of working at Hirons is the people. Everyone on the Hirons team is kind, funny and wants to see you succeed. My daily interactions are filled with laughter and care for one another professional and personal livelihood.
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