Tara Erwin
SKM Group - Buffalo Advertising Agency - Creating results through targeted marketing.
The leaves may be a-changin’ outside, but we’re seeing plenty of changes inside as well, most notably with these four new faces who proudly call themselves SKMers. Each one of them has impressed us with their experience and creativity, and we loved finding out more about their diverse interests. From a standup comedian to a Zumba instructor to an environmental activist to a marathon runner, their extracurricular hobbies are just the beginning of what makes them such a good fit at the agency. Read on to learn more about them:
Greg Bauch, Copywriter
Greg started out in broadcasting, where he was a producer at WGR Sports Radio before segueing into copywriting at LocalEdge prior to SKM Group. This Buff State graduate and former South Buffalonian not only won Rochester’s Flour City Comedy Festival in 2004, but the Comix Café’s Buffalo’s Got Talent contest in 2005. At SKM Group Greg will be working on direct mail projects for Bank of the West, SunTrust, Webster Bank and TD Bank. He also helped create branding materials for Louie’s Texas Red Hots and develop TV spots for NOCO and Northtown Automotive Group. When he’s not being intentionally or unintentionally funny, Greg enjoys writing (insert Captain Obvious), hiking, barbecue chicken nachos and keeping his dog from eating non-food items. “Copywriting is the perfect fit for me because I’m passionate about finding and fitting the correct word into any situation,” he says. Greg lives in Wheatfield with his wife, Tracy.
Theresa Siconolfi, Production Manager
It’s a good thing Theresa’s in great shape as a licensed Zumba instructor, since her workload as production manager in the DM Center of Excellence can sometimes get a little intense. A graduate of Syracuse University with a degree in architecture, Theresa will be responsible for tackling the challenges of making the creative concept come to life in the world of production for her primary client, SunTrust Bank. Before SKM Group, Theresa was an account executive at Advance Marketing Direct and is a member of the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy, Association of Fundraising Professionals and Direct Marketing Association. When she’s not chasing her pug and little nephew around, Theresa can be found cooking, gardening and tackling home improvement projects. “It could be an occupational hazard of this industry, but I am always on the go and always looking for something new to challenge me,” she says. Theresa is originally from Elmira and now lives in Hamburg.
Wendy Swearingen, Proofreader
Wendy loves to read and write, and it’s a good thing, too, because as one of our proofreaders she sees many, many writing samples come across her desk, whether they’re print or digital materials for clients such as Identifix, SunTrust, TOPS Friendly Markets or First Manhattan Consulting Group. Her sharp eye provides quality assurance that what we produce meets client and industry branding standards. Wendy received her BA in English from SUNY Brockport and her MFA in English/creative writing from the University of Montana. The winner of several gold ADDYs for writing from the Advertising Club of Buffalo, Wendy also contributes to “Buffalo Spree” magazine. She previously worked in corporate communications for WNED-WBFO, and was a copyeditor, copywriter and proofreader for another local agency. Wendy is a member of the Orleans-Niagara Board of Cooperative Education, past member of Lewiston-Porter CSD and member of the environmental group Residents for Responsible Government. A Lewiston native, Wendy currently lives in Youngstown with her husband, Garrett, and their two sons, Henry, 11, and Parker, 8. Besides reading and writing and community involvement, she enjoys cooking, gardening and yoga.
Amanda Waggoner, Account Executive
Amanda’s drive and ambition certainly show, as she’s currently working full-time at SKM Group in the demanding role of an AE while pursuing her MBA in strategic marketing management from Niagara University. Her undergrad degree is nothing to scoff at, either, earning it in business administration with a concentration in marketing and a minor in communication studies (whew!) from SUNY Brockport. Amanda will be responsible for ensuring her clients’ needs and wants are successfully developed and executed by the creative team, on time and within budget. Her clients include First Manhattan Consulting Group, American Benefits Consulting and Louie’s Texas Red Hots. She was previously an advertising traffic coordinator for the Seneca Gaming Corporation. Originally from our favorite ZIP of 14043, Amanda currently resides in Buffalo, where she’s training for the 2015 Buffalo Marathon, an achievement she’s reached for the past two years as well.
Welcome, everyone!
Tara Erwin
Public Relations Manager
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