5 Questions With Ad Club Operations Manager Cole Sales

You might already know this, but Kansas City is a hotbed for advertising. Of course, you know that. You work here, you joined the club and get this great newsletter in your inbox. You get it? But you might not know everyone who works in KC – or everything the people who work here work on. That's why we're here to help. 

In this space we're going to introduce you to the talented people, the movers and the shakers, in the KC Advertising Scene. This week, we're going to get to know Cole Sales.

What is your current position (on KC AD Club) and your current job? How long have you been in both?

Cole: As the Operations Manager at the KC Ad Club, I oversee all aspects of the club's day-to-day business, including financial and membership operations. I've held this role since last fall, and it's been an exciting journey to be an integral part of the KC Ad Club and Kansas City’s thriving advertising community. 

In addition to my responsibilities at the KC Ad Club, I also serve as the Marketing Manager at eShipping, where I have been rolling up my sleeves and working to drive our lead generation sales strategy for the last two years. Being a part of the eShipping team has been a rewarding experience, allowing me to play a role in the company's success within the hot-topic transportation and logistics industry. Balancing these two roles provides a unique opportunity for me to bring a diverse perspective and a valuable set of skills to both organizations.

How did you get started in advertising?

Cole: My journey into advertising has been a bit unconventional but incredibly rewarding. While marketing and advertising had always piqued my interest, they weren't initially a part of my career plan. 

After graduating from Northwest Missouri State University, I found myself working at Garmin on the Global Event Marketing & Retail Marketing teams. Both of these roles early in my career opened up a world of opportunities as I traveled and learned the intricate world of advertising, product positioning, and brand management. 

My professional journey in advertising embarked on an exhilarating new trajectory when I became a part of the dynamic team at eShipping. At eShipping, my role as Marketing Manager has not only honed my advertising skills but has also immersed me in the intricacies of the transportation and logistics industry. This shift brought a fresh dimension to my career, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for creative marketing strategies. I've learned to navigate the logistics sector's complexities and leverage my advertising expertise to effectively promote eShipping's services.

Simultaneously, my career plan took another exciting turn when I assumed the role of Operations Manager at the KC Ad Club. This dual commitment has allowed me to actively contribute to and engage with the vibrant advertising community in Kansas City. Balancing these two roles has been an incredibly rewarding experience, as each organization offers distinct perspectives and challenges within the advertising industry.

What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on?

Cole: As a college student, back in 2014, I joined the Kansas City Royals as a Game Day Field Producer, where my responsibilities involved coordinating various aspects of game day operations, working closely with players, coaches, and dignitaries. This role was particularly crucial during the unforgettable World Series runs of 2014 and 2015. Later, I continued in a similar capacity with the Kansa City Chiefs, contributing to their historic Super Bowl successes. My duties included producing live shots, planning presentations, and coordinating brand partnership activations to enhance the overall game day experience. These moments were monumental, not just for the hometown teams but for all of the passionate fans worldwide.

Where do you go for inspiration? 

Cole: I find a significant source of inspiration right here in the vibrant and rich advertising scene of the Kansas City area. Our city boasts a rich history in advertising, reaching back to the early 20th century, where visionaries have made lasting contributions to the industry.

What truly distinguishes Kansas City is the fusion of creativity, innovation, and a strong sense of community. I actively engage with our unique local advertising scene by participating in events hosted by the KC Ad Club. These gatherings bring together some of the sharpest minds in the field, creating an environment conducive to the exchange of ideas, valuable insights, and the opportunity to build connections with fellow professionals in the area. The collaborative spirit and synergy that result from these interactions continually motivate me and provide fresh perspectives for my work.

What are you reading/watching/listening to right now? 

Cole: I'm currently reading Scott Mautz's book, "Leading from the Middle," because I firmly believe in the importance of continuous learning and personal growth, particularly in the constantly evolving business landscape we navigate today.

In this dynamic and fast-paced world, keeping ahead of the curve and effectively responding to new challenges is not just valuable but essential. "Leading from the Middle" is one of the resources that offer insightful strategies and wisdom applicable to both my personal and professional life. 

Would you rather: Have a client who never made a deadline but had unlimited budget OR have a client that met a deadline but had unlimited feedback?

Cole: That's an interesting dilemma, and it certainly presents a unique set of challenges. While both scenarios have their pros and cons, I think I'd lean towards having a client that met deadlines but had unlimited feedback. Here's why:

Having a client who meets deadlines ensures a certain level of predictability and stability in project management. It allows for better planning, resource allocation, and a smoother workflow. However, dealing with unlimited feedback can be challenging, as it may sometimes lead to revisions and iterations.

Nonetheless, feedback, even when extensive, can provide valuable insights and opportunities for improvement. It shows that the client is engaged and invested in the project, which can lead to a more refined and successful end result. It also promotes a collaborative working relationship, which is often essential in creative and marketing fields.

Ultimately, while dealing with extensive feedback can be challenging, it aligns better with the principles of effective project management and collaboration, which are crucial for delivering successful outcomes in the long run.

In this space we're going to introduce you to the talented people, the movers and the shakers, in the KC Advertising Scene. This week, we're going to get to know Cole Sales.

What is your current position (on KC AD Club) and your current job? How long have you been in both?

Cole: As the Operations Manager at the KC Ad Club, I oversee all aspects of the club's day-to-day business, including financial and membership operations. I've held this role since last fall, and it's been an exciting journey to be an integral part of the KC Ad Club and Kansas City’s thriving advertising community. 

In addition to my responsibilities at the KC Ad Club, I also serve as the Marketing Manager at eShipping, where I have been rolling up my sleeves and working to drive our lead generation sales strategy for the last two years. Being a part of the eShipping team has been a rewarding experience, allowing me to play a role in the company's success within the hot-topic transportation and logistics industry. Balancing these two roles provides a unique opportunity for me to bring a diverse perspective and a valuable set of skills to both organizations.

How did you get started in advertising?

Cole: My journey into advertising has been a bit unconventional but incredibly rewarding. While marketing and advertising had always piqued my interest, they weren't initially a part of my career plan. 

After graduating from Northwest Missouri State University, I found myself working at Garmin on the Global Event Marketing & Retail Marketing teams. Both of these roles early in my career opened up a world of opportunities as I traveled and learned the intricate world of advertising, product positioning, and brand management. 

My professional journey in advertising embarked on an exhilarating new trajectory when I became a part of the dynamic team at eShipping. At eShipping, my role as Marketing Manager has not only honed my advertising skills but has also immersed me in the intricacies of the transportation and logistics industry. This shift brought a fresh dimension to my career, presenting unique challenges and opportunities for creative marketing strategies. I've learned to navigate the logistics sector's complexities and leverage my advertising expertise to effectively promote eShipping's services.

Simultaneously, my career plan took another exciting turn when I assumed the role of Operations Manager at the KC Ad Club. This dual commitment has allowed me to actively contribute to and engage with the vibrant advertising community in Kansas City. Balancing these two roles has been an incredibly rewarding experience, as each organization offers distinct perspectives and challenges within the advertising industry.

What is your favorite project that you’ve worked on?

Cole: As a college student, back in 2014, I joined the Kansas City Royals as a Game Day Field Producer, where my responsibilities involved coordinating various aspects of game day operations, working closely with players, coaches, and dignitaries. This role was particularly crucial during the unforgettable World Series runs of 2014 and 2015. Later, I continued in a similar capacity with the Kansa City Chiefs, contributing to their historic Super Bowl successes. My duties included producing live shots, planning presentations, and coordinating brand partnership activations to enhance the overall game day experience. These moments were monumental, not just for the hometown teams but for all of the passionate fans worldwide.

Where do you go for inspiration? 

Cole: I find a significant source of inspiration right here in the vibrant and rich advertising scene of the Kansas City area. Our city boasts a rich history in advertising, reaching back to the early 20th century, where visionaries have made lasting contributions to the industry.

What truly distinguishes Kansas City is the fusion of creativity, innovation, and a strong sense of community. I actively engage with our unique local advertising scene by participating in events hosted by the KC Ad Club. These gatherings bring together some of the sharpest minds in the field, creating an environment conducive to the exchange of ideas, valuable insights, and the opportunity to build connections with fellow professionals in the area. The collaborative spirit and synergy that result from these interactions continually motivate me and provide fresh perspectives for my work.

What are you reading/watching/listening to right now? 

Cole: I'm currently reading Scott Mautz's book, "Leading from the Middle," because I firmly believe in the importance of continuous learning and personal growth, particularly in the constantly evolving business landscape we navigate today.

In this dynamic and fast-paced world, keeping ahead of the curve and effectively responding to new challenges is not just valuable but essential. "Leading from the Middle" is one of the resources that offer insightful strategies and wisdom applicable to both my personal and professional life. 

Would you rather: Have a client who never made a deadline but had unlimited budget OR have a client that met a deadline but had unlimited feedback?

Cole: That's an interesting dilemma, and it certainly presents a unique set of challenges. While both scenarios have their pros and cons, I think I'd lean towards having a client that met deadlines but had unlimited feedback. Here's why:

Having a client who meets deadlines ensures a certain level of predictability and stability in project management. It allows for better planning, resource allocation, and a smoother workflow. However, dealing with unlimited feedback can be challenging, as it may sometimes lead to revisions and iterations.

Nonetheless, feedback, even when extensive, can provide valuable insights and opportunities for improvement. It shows that the client is engaged and invested in the project, which can lead to a more refined and successful end result. It also promotes a collaborative working relationship, which is often essential in creative and marketing fields.

Ultimately, while dealing with extensive feedback can be challenging, it aligns better with the principles of effective project management and collaboration, which are crucial for delivering successful outcomes in the long run.

About KC Ad Club

Since 1902, the KC Ad Club has played an active role in the advertising, marketing and communications industry in the greater Kansas City area. A 501(c) 6 trade and professional association, KC Ad Club serves the advertising and marketing industry through educational programming, volunteer opportunities and networking.

As a member of AAF District 9, which serves the advertising communities in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska, and AAF National. KC Ad Club boasts nearly 2,000 members throughout the greater metropolitan area.

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