Mara Orrico

Q: Tell us what it is you really do here.

A: I help keep everything on track: I make sure the creative team has everything they need to get a job done, and I make sure the client has what they need to accomplish their business goals. Even if that means pushing people a bit. And when the office fridge is full of old food, I do the unthinkable: clean it out.

Q: What made you decide to be a Client Partner?

A: I get to carry a gun and practice ninja moves, of course! But what really made me consider moving to the agency side of things? Honestly, I thought it would be fun! And given my background, I felt I had a lot to offer the right agency.

Q: What things did you do in the past that prepared you for this job?

A: At every job I’ve had, there’s been a client—be it internal or external. I’ve also been a client myself, so I feel I have empathy for their situation. As for marketing experience, I have lots! Strategy, planning, re-branding, brand launches, sales training, direct mail, advertising, trade shows, sales tracking, project management, legalese negotiation (legal disclosure isn’t always consumer-friendly!), sweepstakes, research, I could go on… but I won’t.

Q: So you’re from the South Side. How did that shape the person you are today?

A: Oh, so you think you’re funny, eh? A wiseguy? Asking questions? I can pick out a fellow South-sider from across the room. There’s just this energy about us. It’s not like we grew up on the rough side of town or anything, but we’re definitely a breed of our own… a little rougher, little tougher, with a bit of street smarts. But hey, we can be totally charming, too!

Q: We hear you have a fabulous green thumb. What’s growing in your garden this year?

A: I have all sorts of things: tomatoes, zucchini, eggplant, cucumbers, soybeans, green beans, sugar snap peas, and lot of flowers! I can barely keep up with it all. Anyone want to get in touch with nature? I’m taking volunteers for weeding.