Marketer of the Year Submission

In October 2011, TRIO's president and founder Jessica Munday was notified she had been nominated for Charleston's American Marketing Association's Marketer of the Year award. All nominees were asked to answer a few questions to help differentiate themself from the other nominees. After nearly 2000 votes, Munday was selected as one of the three finalists. The finalists and their submissions were turned over to the American Marketing Association's chapter in Reno, Nevada. A panel of judges then selected the award winner. Munday was named The Post and Courier's Marketer of the Year. Here is Jessica's submission:

What is your signature project?
There have been so many wonderful client projects over the years but honestly, I would have to say that my signature project has been starting and running my business, TRIO. It's the best, most rewarding project I have ever worked on. It challenges me every day. It inspires me to do my best every day. It provides livelihood for a group of incredibly talented people and most of all it allows our entire team to use our talents to make a difference every day. Whether we're working with a nonprofit that is playing a role in saving the world, a health care organization that saves lives, or helping promote services for an international business, we strive to ensure our work makes a positive difference for our clients. Hands down, opening the doors of TRIO has been, and continues to be, my signature project. The rewards are truly priceless.

What were the project goals?
My main goal when I started TRIO was to create a full-service creative agency that would allow me to use my professional knowledge and talent in an independent environment. I wanted to create a business where going above and beyond was the culture. I wanted to focus on working with organizations that made a difference in this world while specializing in three main areas: marketing, events and web.

What were the project results?
This year TRIO is celebrating its 10-year anniversary. Many small businesses never make it past three years so to be at the 10-year mark is truly an accomplishment. I'm proud to say that since 2001, TRIO has grown to a team of 10 talented professionals all personally driven to use our creative skills to make a difference in the world. Our client roster represents more than 70 businesses and our annual gross revenue tops nearly $1M. We are a certified woman-owned business with the state of South Carolina and the official CreateAthon agency for the Lowcountry—an international collaboration of creative agencies dedicated to providing nonprofits with pro-bono marketing services. TRIO has exceeded all of my expectations and would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of all our employees, past and present; our partners, clients and our families.

What was your role in the project?
My role in establishing TRIO has been to motivate my team and to ensure our clients view us as a partner, not a vendor. I strive every day to lead TRIO the same way that I would want to be led Ð with respect, integrity and dedication.

What is your favorite quote or words you live by?
LOL—anyone that knows me and knows TRIO knows that I live and breath by the words: WORK HARD. ENJOY LIFE. MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

What motivates you?
Three little people named David, Hannah and Hudson. They are my life, my love and my inspiration to be kind and set an example that they can admire and respect.

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Read the media release for Jessica's award.