Lynda Brooks

What got you into the business in the first place?

Out of college, I got a job where I had to plan workshops and conferences and fell in love with it… and then had to start promoting them!

Who was a big influence in your career?

My grandmother was an event planner for a large corporation. She’d plan conventions internationally and then take extra time traveling abroad before or after being on site. I thought, “that’s my kind of job!”

What was your most embarrassing moment in this business?

It was more funny, than embarrassing… I was heading up the marketing and advertising for a CPA firm in KY, and put together a concept for a tv commercial to promote QuickBooks, and was ready to present it at a production meeting. Fifteen minutes before the meeting, the president of the firm stands in my doorway and says she had an idea… she wants to make it a “rap” commercial – a QuickBooks rap. While I liked MY idea, she was adamant, and proceeded to dance and attempt rapping in my doorway. It was really kind of funny coming from a conservative southern woman. So I made her stop dancing, scratched rap lyrics in 5 minutes, and then we had to inform our two head accountants, they were going to be cast as nerdy QB rappers on tv. They didn’t see that coming! (One accountant’s wife later said, “they can’t make you do that!” Fortunately, he was a good sport!) Then we had to break the news to the tv station rep and producer. They were as surprised as I was at the “new direction.” It turned out to be one of the more memorable commercials in the West KY market!

What attracted you to Adstrategies?

When I moved to Maryland last year and was looking to connect with a local firm, I found Adstrategies’ web site and reached out to Greg. We made plans to meet, and I was immediately impressed by the unique niche market Adstrategies has and how the firm clearly has event marketing mastered!

Do you have a method of coming up with ideas and solutions for clients?

My ideas tend to percolate on my time away from work.

What makes a great brand?

A red hot horseshoe.

What driving career goals do you still have?

I just want to enjoy what I’m doing, like the people I work with, and have the things I want in life. 

What talent do you wish you had?

I wish I could play piano!

If you had to live on a desert island, what would you miss most?

Assuming I’d have windpower, cell reception, a 3-bedroom bungalow, a cabana boy, a boat, and plenty of tequila and margarita mix, I wouldn’t miss much!

Is there any food that helps you think more creatively?

Fermented grapes never hurt!

What’s your favorite sports team?

The post-season NY Yankees… sorry, Greg!

What frustrates you the most?

The fact that the “gas empty” light in my car isn’t more noticeable.

What was growing up like for you?

My childhood was in Westchester County, NY. Vacations were spent in northern New Hampshire, and summers in Montauk with regular visits to Playland Amusement Park. I had an amazing grandmother who would take me to plays and ballets in the city, and called me her “favorite!”

What’s your favorite TV program?

I love Seinfeld, Will & Grace, The Office and House.  

What do you do for a good time when you’re not working?

I love traveling and spend a lot of time on the road. Now that I’m on the water, I love to kayak. I like going to music festivals and playing guitars with my friends. I enjoy wine tasting, herb gardening, riding motorcycles, snapping photos, and cooking.

What was college like for you?

It was a small private business school in southern New Hampshire… made some lifelong friends… and I was president of a sorority too!

What are your favorite internet sites

Pandora, YouTube, Facebook, Google.