Executive Creative Director, Chris Moehn learned a lot from the agency’s founder. He’s played a pivotal role passing those values down through the generations and continues to help guide the direction of the brand and mentor many creatives along the way.
Point of Pride: Stories From Simantel
Founded by Jim Simantel in 1980, and incorporated in 1982, the exact anniversary date of Simantel is a little fuzzy. But one thing is clear. Simantel sits at the intersection of B2B and B2C and creates engaging, positive customer experiences for industrial brands. The agency also serves clients that strive to improve the quality of life throughout the community and for society.
And they’ve been doing it for 40(ish) years.
In honor of that, this season is dedicated to telling the stories of the brands they serve and the team behind the work. From new(ish) employees to those a little more tenured, like 34-year-Simantel-vet Chris Moehn, Simantelites are sharing stories about what makes them proud to work at Simantel.
You’ll hear about the people, the culture, the relationships and of course, the work. The stories are as varied as the Simantelites sharing them. Kelly Luttinen, Associate Content Director, shares her experience creating a video to raise money for ALS after losing her dad to the same rare disease. Creative Director, Jake Beyhl talks about what it was like working with celebrity influencer, Mike Rowe on an award-winning technician recruitment campaign for Caterpillar. And Alicia Ruemelin, Brand and Marketing Director dishes on what it was like planning the agency’s 40(ish) anniversary bash called Ish Fest.
Each episode is unique in its own way, yet all are about something that made a difference for Simantel, the client, and perhaps most importantly, the employee. And that’s what makes it their Point of Pride.
Thanks for joining us. We’re excited you’re here. Be sure to check out even more episodes from our first five seasons. Or click Top Episodes in the menu bar to see our most popular interviews.
When Work Gets Personal with Kelly Luttinen
Kelly Luttinen, Associate Content Director shares what it was like to help create a video for the OSF Healthcare Foundation to support fundraising efforts for ALS after losing her dad to the same terrible disease.
Authenticity in Marketing with Jake Beyhl
Creative Director, Jake Beyhl is all about authentic storytelling. His passion for truth in advertising and pushing the envelope, along with a healthy dose of client trust, helped make the Caterpillar Dealer Technician Recruitment campaign a success.
A Career Path to Self-Discovery with Clay Deal
Associate Media Director, Clay Deal didn’t take a typical career path to land in his leadership position at Simantel. As a two-time Simantelite, it wasn’t until he left the agency – and creating lifelong friendships – that he realized how special this place was to him.
Developing an Interactive Tradeshow Experience with Alan Wilson
Senior Web Developer, Alan Wilson’s Point of Pride came early on in his time at Simantel when he helped develop a live, interactive user experience for attendees at CONEXPO 2020. But when challenges hit last minute, the team had to get creative with their roll out plan.
The Power of Admitting Failure with Gena Killion
Director of Organizational Design, Gena Killion, takes pride in the way she retains and processes information. But at Simantel, she learned the power of failure – and the many positive outcomes of it – when she made the wrong decision on a major client’s campaign.
Shifting Gears and Tackling a New Challenge with Jane Olson
Jane Olson, Marketing Automation Consultant was hired to be an Associate Digital Strategist. But when Simantel landed the Cisco account, leadership knew she would be perfect for managing the marketing automation platform for their global instance.
More Than Work: Building a Community with Jason Brown
Insights Director, Jason Brown, shares with us a story about creating an identity for a joint venture with our client Knapheide. But more importantly, the moment he realized that Simantel is more than just coworkers – they’re a strong community.
Creating an Aligned Messaging Framework with Van Burnett
Consistency, alignment in messaging and digital marketing is especially challenging for highly matrixed organizations. In this episode Creative Director, Van Burnett, shares how the Take a Closer Look framework helped Caterpillar resolve that issue.
Empowering DEI with Megan Gibbons
As co-chair of the DEI committee, Senior Project Planner Megan Gibbons, fosters an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued and free to be their full and authentic selves. Through her work, she empowers others to create the culture they wish to see.
A Positive Employee Experience with Nick Knuffman-Brewer
Nick Knuffman-Brewer recently brought his wealth of corporate retail HR experience to Simantel in his role as Associate HR Manager. Hear how his background influenced his take on HR and how he’s infusing that into the employee experience.
Creating an Impact for Future Generations with Pam Aiello
Senior Communication Strategist, Pam Aiello, was hired by Jim Simantel as the agency’s first writer. She’s made her mark on many people and campaigns during her tenure here, not the least of which was her own daughter and the City of Peoria’s “Don’t Shoot” campaign.
Challenging the Status Quo with Sara Ingles
Director of Experience Strategy, Sara Ingles has poured her creativity into many projects at Simantel, but one really stands out: the Dozer Pride rap video she co-directed. It went viral, and six years later, it still resonates with operators today.
Balancing Work and Life as a Mom with Lori Johnson
Lori Johnson, Executive Director of Service Management, always knew she wanted a career and to be a mom – of three. But when it became difficult to balance both, she had to find a way to create some flexibility in her schedule in order to “have it all”.
The Impact of Strong Female Leadership with Erin Bowald
Executive Strategy Director, Erin Bowald, has learned a lot in her 15 years at Simantel. Hear how it prepared her for the role she’s in today, what she learned from the strong female leadership of the past and how she’s now shaping the next generation.
Celebrating the Agency’s Anniversary with Alicia Ruemelin
Marketing and Brand Director, Alicia Ruemelin led the planning and execution of Ish Fest, Simantel’s 40(ish) anniversary celebration in the fall of ‘22. It took a ton of work, but in the end, the event went off without a hitch(…ish).