By Rosie O’Hara
In 1984, when Miller Brooks opened its doors, I was just a freshman in high school. Too young to be part of the industry yet, I was already deeply familiar with agency life, thanks to my upbringing. My father, an agency creative director, and my mother, a family counselor, provided me with a unique perspective. Weekends were sometimes spent playing with Pantone markers at Bloomhorst, Story, and O’Hara, raiding the snack machine at a local production studio, or observing commercial photo shoots with my brothers. This was no ordinary childhood, and it gave me a unique appreciation for the advertising world.
Seeing my father’s dedication, often working late into the night, instilled a strong work ethic in me. My mother’s career in mental health taught me the importance of empathy and understanding others—invaluable lessons for anyone in marketing.
When I began college, I was initially drawn to psychology and philosophy. However, I soon realized that my high level of empathy might make a career in mental health personally challenging. After exploring the journalism school, I found my calling. The excitement I had felt in sixth grade, writing my first published story (for the Peanut Butter Press) after touring the governor’s mansion, resurfaced. I pursued a degree in journalism and advertising, with minors in philosophy and psychology.
Post-graduation, my career started at a print shop and an event planning agency before I finally embraced agency life. I joined a full-service agency’s public relations department, and seven years later, I moved to Miller Brooks as it was launching its PR arm. Over the past 20-plus years at Miller Brooks, I’ve witnessed and been part of the remarkable evolution of the industry.
Reflecting on 40 Years of Marketing Evolution
For our 40th anniversary, we decided to showcase the significant changes in marketing since Miller Brooks’ inception. The cultural shifts and technological advancements have been astounding. From the rise of digital marketing and social media to the integration of data analytics, the landscape has continually evolved. For a detailed historical perspective and a glimpse of what’s to come, visit the interstellar marketing path.
But what has NOT changed?
Three Timeless Truths in Marketing
Psychology Matters in Storytelling: Understanding the Audience
Understanding your audience is the cornerstone of effective marketing. It’s not enough to create visually appealing content; marketers must step into their customers’ shoes, comprehend their journey and recognize that each customer is unique. This means making both logical and emotional connections to motivate action. Effective marketing meets the audience where they are, using research, targeting software and analytics to ensure precision and relevance.
Alignment Matters: Bridging Sales and Marketing
One of the biggest opportunities for organizations today is better alignment between sales and marketing teams. Working in an agency, I’ve seen firsthand how a lack of alignment can lead to wasted resources and missed opportunities. Ensuring these teams work together harmoniously can significantly enhance audience awareness, sales, culture and growth.
Building Trust and Relationships Matters
Trust and strong relationships between agencies and clients have always been the bedrock of successful marketing. Miller Brooks’ ability to remain independently owned and operated for 40 years is a testament to our commitment to evolving with the marketing landscape while prioritizing trust, accountability and collaboration with our clients.
As we celebrate Miller Brooks’ 40-year journey, we honor our past achievements while looking forward to a future filled with promise and potential. The lessons learned and the relationships built over these decades have positioned us to continue leading in an ever-evolving industry.
