Interview With Joey (Google Ads Expert)

1) Where were you born and raised? Also tell us something unique about yourself.

I was born and raised in a small town right outside of Richmond called New Kent, Virginia. Something unique about me is that I share the same name and birthday as my dad!

2) What got you interested in marketing and what was your journey?

I began my marketing journey at James Madison University, where I majored in Marketing with an emphasis in Digital Media. I graduated during the height of the COVID pandemic and found myself back home and looking for jobs. I eventually landed a Jr. Account Manager position at an agency in Charlottesville, before hopping to a Paid Media Associate position for an agency in D.C.. After about a year or so, I found my current position at Spark Solutions as the Sr. Digital Account Manager!

3) What skills and industry do you specialize in?

I specialize in Google Ads, mainly focusing on Lead Generation for service-based businesses in VA and nationwide. I have really honed my skills in Google Ads, along with advanced conversion tracking tactics in GA4 and GTM. Like most account managers, I am a wiz with a spreadsheet and have the ability to keep unlimited tabs open while knowing what each one is without looking!

4) What is your best soft skill?

I am a people person, so I think my best soft skill is communication. I have great relationships with my clients because I am open and honest. I have found one of the best ways to build that relationship is to be up front about things, even if performance isn't the best. It builds trust, and it allows you to really focus on the best path moving forward.

5) What softwares and tools do you use regularly?

Besides GAds, GA4, GTM , etc. I use Google spreadsheets and Slides, LookerStudio, Monday.com and I love a good Chrome extension!

6) What are your goals for the next year and into the future?

My main goal over the next year is to start moving more into a managerial/director role and slightly out of account management. We are building a great team here at Spark Solutions, and I hope to lead us into further success.

7) What has been the hardest thing you dealt with in your career path?

There is so much knowledge in the advertising landscape and it all changes so quickly. The hardest thing for me was learning and being patient. There's a saying that you learn 80% of your knowledge in the first year, and the other 20% over your entire career. Absorb as much as you can, but be patient because there is always more to learn!

8) What is the biggest mistake you made that you want others to avoid?

It is okay to say you don't know! I struggled so much with this early on. I used to get tongue tied on calls because I couldn't provide the best answer for a question. It is 100x better to say you aren't sure of the best answer, and that you would rather do some research than BS an answer on the spot. I used to think clients would think I'm not good at my job, but it's quite the opposite.

9) Who are your favorite people in the industry that you follow?

This one is tough. Of course, I have to shoutout the GOATS, Miles McNair and Bob Meijer . Adriaan Dekker provides so many valuable resources. One of my old managers, Stephanie Balaconis , is always coming in hot with some fresh news or takes too!

10) Who has had the biggest influence on your career to date?

There are so many! Shoutouts to Mary Davin , Brendan Reece, Stephanie Balaconis , and my current boss, Shannon Adee . So much knowledge in that one sentence!

11) What has been your favorite course that you taken and why?

The PPC Advanced Conversion Tracking Masterclass, hands down. The value in that course was unbelievable. Bob and Miles are true wizards and provide so many resources for both new and veteran account managers.

12) What would you tell yourself or someone who is just starting out in marketing?

Be a sponge. Absorb as much as you possibly can from everyone around you and don't be afraid to ask questions!

13) If the entire world was listening to you, what would you have to say?

Life is too short for hate. Smile at others more. Tell your friends and family you love them. Spread more love in the little things you do, and you will find it in abundance!

14) Where can we find you?

You can find me on LinkedIn. I would love to connect!