Matt McGinnis
Account Director, Armstrong Kendall
www.akipr.com

1. How did you get into PR?
I spent nine years working for a non-profit corporation. Because I had an interest in communications, I took on the role of developing public relations, marketing communications, and special events for our organization. While organizing a large event, I met the founding principals of Armstrong Kendall Inc., who volunteered to do PR for the event. They recognized my potential to switch from the client side to agency work.

2. Briefly, describe your typical workday.
Following a sumptuous breakfast fed to me by indentured interns, I adjourn to the agency spa for a massage and facial. Next I take a mid-morning coffee break to plan where I will go to lunch . . .

3. What is the best part of your job?
I enjoy the opportunity to work with many intelligent, inspired, and committed co-workers, clients, and journalists. I am always energized by the good work of the people I am in contact with on a daily basis.

4. What is the worst part of your job?
Many of the clients I work with are located out of state, so I don't get to spend as much time face-to-face as I would like.

5. What is the biggest lesson you've learned during your PR career?
Always test your "brilliant" ideas with co-workers first before unleashing your creative strategy on unsuspecting clients.

6. What is the most unique thing about your company?
No matter how large or small an account, our clients have direct contact with our principals. We are dedicated to providing our clients with access to senior counsel to deliver exceptional service.

7. What is your ideal dream job?
I would love to own and manage the operations of a small, artisan winery some day. I want to be involved in all aspects of the business from the agriculture in the vineyard, the wine production, to the sales and marketing of the final product. To make that dream a reality, I also have to include horse stables on the property to lure my equine-loving wife to life on the farm.