Working at BLM: Barry Winslow

June 28, 2019

Just over eight months ago, I made the decision to pursue a job opportunity in Michigan’s upper peninsula. It’s safe to assume that for most folks my age (middle age millennials to be exact), that last sentence doesn’t carry much weight. Wait… where? Michigan’s upper what? Do they even have running water or electricity?!

To clear the air for those who’ve never been blessed with an opportunity to visit the upper peninsula (what native Yooper’s call “God’s Country”), there is running water and electricity. In fact, there’s much, much more. Sandy beaches, endless miles of freshwater shoreline where rolling waves meet the blue horizon, and hardwood forests chock full of trails running amok. There’s deer, moose, bear, wolves, coyotes, and even the occasional cougar. There are incredibly friendly people. There’s small town atmosphere, vibrant personalities and a bustling art scene, local events, and fantastic authentic restaurants for all you foodies out there. And finally, there’s a really kick ass marketing firm, smack dab in the middle of Marquette, Michigan. Bottom Line Marketing to be exact, and I’m so blessed to have stumbled across this group of caring, smart, hardworking, and creative people who’ve so kindly included me as a member of their family.

And that’s really the essence of Bottom Line Marketing. All wrapped up into one word. FAMILY. In the last eight months, I’ve experienced so much more than filling out spreadsheets, writing TV and radio creative, crunching through co-op submissions and monthly budgets, proofreading copy, and delivering voiceover audio in a recording booth. I’ve witnessed what it’s like to be part of an incredibly creative and versatile marketing family who not only get s**t done, but they do it in a way that’s exciting, inclusive, effective, and puts their clients and employees first.

So, when asked what’s most exciting about being part of the BLM family so far, I would have to say that it’s that feeling of daily creativity and inclusion. It’s exciting that every single day involves a fresh schedule, new ideas, and a wide array of projects. It’s nice to feel that my opinions are heard and that I get to collaborate, both electronically and in-person, with people in the field who are truly A-grade! They’re people at the top of the marketing game. I walk into BLM North every morning and leave in the evening learning at least one new thing, and there’s nothing more satisfying than being immersed in an educational and fast-paced environment. I’m surrounded by BLM compadres that are so good at what they do, it inspires me to improve and bring the best I have day in and day out. You can’t beat that!
Sure, there’s challenges along the way, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my short tenure at BLM so far, it’s that every situation provides an opportunity to learn something new. So, here’s to many more days of learning, collaborating, creating, and CRUSHING IT! I’m beyond happy to be part of this amazing Bottom Line family! Cheers!