Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Smith.
Hi Jamie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up the kid of an Air Force officer, moving around every few years all over the western United States. I attended several different schools between kindergarten and my senior year of high school.
This exposure to different places and people undoubtedly shaped my outlook on life. At times I was an extrovert and other times I observed life from a far, each experience expanded my perspective on people. I graduated with a degree in communications from The University of Wyoming and it was there that I first brewed beer at home…an exploit first intended to gain access to cheap beer that would later prove to be a career opportunity.
Post-college, I went from renting cars to working in financial sales and ultimately brewing beer at home as an escape from an unfulfilling career. I dreamed of one day opening a brewery of my own and, one day, when perusing a beer-centric classified site for opportunities, I came across a position for a “Marketing Guru” with Firestone Walker Brewing Company on California’s Central Coast. This seemed like a low-risk way to gain knowledge of the industry ahead of starting my own gig.
I immediately applied and was given the opportunity to fulfill this role, becoming Firestone Walker’s first full-time marketing hire. The next few years, I managed to tackle the many marketing challenges of a family-owned company which pretty much include doing whatever needs to be done. Fast forward almost 15 years, I went from a one-person show to overseeing a team of 30-plus marketing staff supporting a team of more than 120 salespeople spanning 30 states. This included three brewery restaurants and two very influential brands in Firestone Walker and 805.
As a brand and marketing guy, the 805 beer brand is what I am most proud of from my Firestone days. Hiring, directing and working with a team of incredibly talented people to create the 805 brand and then seeing where it went was surreal. When people are getting tattoos of the brand when they are living it and are lifted up by the love we put into 805, that feeling is almost unimaginable.
Yet after nearly 15 years at the brewery, I found myself yearning to prove that I could do more, so I went on my way. I briefly worked with a tech startup before going off on my own this past year, consulting with wineries, travel groups, breweries, distilleries and more.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life is full of challenges for all of us and I certainly feel lucky to have had the opportunities and experiences put before me. I do embrace a positive mindset, believing that behind each challenge is an opportunity and that much of life is perspective, which we as individuals can change. Moving around when I was a kid was hard…but it made me a better person.
When I started at Firestone Walker, tackling a first-time marketing position in a relatively unfamiliar industry meant I needed to prove myself every day. It’s the same now as a newer business owner. And this year has been challenging, of course, like it has been for so many people. I’ve been blessed to stay very busy. Through it all, that positive mindset and reminding myself that I can change how I see things has helped carry me. My goal is to always to do exceptional things. It doesn’t always happen, but when it does…it’s amazing.
We’ve been impressed with Foreword Brand, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Foreword Brand is a brand and marketing strategic partner to business owners and internal marketing teams. I specialize in developing brand stories through collaboration with a focus on creative content and execution. My goal is to understand each client’s unique brand story and help pen a strategy to bring that story to their audience. Having successfully curated several brands and having delivered marketing plans on limited funds, I know that often creativity is needed in not only the creation of content but also in the way a brand is brought to market.
Delivering authentic and complete brand stories through creative marketing solutions is what I enjoy the most and I’m proud to have a track record that aligns with this goal. I help bring to light the things that make brands interesting and relevant. Often these things exist just below the surface, covered by all the other operations of the business.
What does success mean to you?
Success is often aligned with metrics and measurables only, but for me success is ultimately a feeling. When a brand is successful, there is an energy that surrounds it and all who engage with that brand feel it. From the owners of the company to employees to the end consumer. That’s when you achieve true impact. It’s a presence that you can’t quite describe, but it’s there.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: forewordbrand.com
- Instagram: @forewordpaso
Image Credits:
Lutes Media Colin Nearman
