November 20, 2012
Andy Ross ’06 moves in the fast-paced world of advertising. He recently joined the A-list agency Olson in Minneapolis after a couple of years honing his craft on the world’s biggest advertising stage: New York City. The Winona State marketing graduate talks about the role of the account supervisor, working with the world’s biggest brands, and what really drew him back to his native Minnesota.
I cut my teeth at Harvest Moon Advertising in La Crosse. I had no advertising experience so had to learn every aspect of the business: planning, creative, writing, media, budgets, building relationships.
New York was a big adventure. Moving to Bartle Bogle Hegarty gave me the opportunity to hone my craft at a big firm. I worked with Google Chrome and Axe personal care products, two of the most recognized brands in the world.
I guess Minneapolis is my true north. It’s at the center of the advertising universe in many respects. Olson is giving me similar opportunities to work with some of the biggest names in multiple industries.
Account supervisors play quarterback within an agency. I try to see the big picture and connect the dots between strategy, creative, and execution.
My wife and I started to miss the little things. New York is incredible, but you’d be surprised about how much you miss driving a car. Or an apartment with a bedroom.
What really sold me on Olson? It had to be the view overlooking Target Field from the top floor of our offices. I’ve always been a diehard Twins fan.
