Confessions of a Seasoned Marketer

As I was introduced to my new team mates a couple of years ago I was referred to as a “seasoned marketer.” That’s a kind way to describe a grizzled veteran of 36 years. I liked it and have come to embrace this descriptive classification fondly.

I entered the marketing profession in 1978 as a Sales Promotion Assistant with Hardee’s Food Systems in Rocky Mount, NC. I had recently graduated by accident (a story for another time) from Barton College in nearby Wilson, NC. I was an English Lit major with minors in Philosophy and Business Administration.

“Why should I hire you?” asked Ron Werthiem, the Director of Sales Promotion and Advertising. “Because I can read, I can write and I’ll give you an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay,” I replied. I got the job and my love affair with marketing began.