Spotlighting Media Director Sam Elmore
Why do you love working with Sam?
Sam is an amazing leader to work alongside. He brings a level of accountability that everyone knows they can trust and, more importantly, an ability to think creatively at an immense depth. He is always the guy you want on your team!
—Erin Heikkinen, VP Ecomm Strategy
Sam is smart, funny, levelheaded, and he has a clear, concise communication style that clients and team members trust and appreciate.
—Oliver Becker, Media Supervisor
What’s something Sam does better than anyone else?
Organization and follow up. Sam is just amazing when it comes to staying organized. Whether it’s for a client or for the AUC team, Sam is adept at both.
—Shawn Green, Media Supervisor
He is always willing to lean into the unknown and doesn’t shy away from any challenge.
—Jessica Ruscito, SVP Media
Sam always appears calm and unflappable no matter what situation we are in, giving both our team and the client confidence.
—Dion Reese, Sr. Account Director
How does Sam make you better at your job?
I can always rely on Sam as a leader of the team to not only deliver high-quality work, but also express genuine concern for the happiness and growth of our team.
—Jessica Ruscito
Sam is someone who always has your back; he is my go-to reliable resource for any question I have any time of day. Sam makes me better every day by being a mentor and leader when it comes to Retail Media and Digital Marketing. Learning from him has been such an amazing opportunity for my own career growth.
—Erin Hekkinen
I've learned so much just from being on calls with him. The way he thoughtfully listens to clients and addresses their concerns is great!
—Brayanna Montoya, Sr. Account Executive
Sam gives me the room to shine, while always being there to help as needed.
—Oliver Becker
How does Sam make AUC better?
Sam is all-in with keeping clients and team members on an upward trajectory.
—Vickie Shaw, Media Director
Sam undoubtedly brings huge smarts, an approachable leadership style and an even keel nature that makes everything better!
—Erin Heikkinen
Simply by being Sam.
—Jessica Ruscito
From Sam
What’s your secret advantage at work?
Curiosity. The retail media landscape is constantly innovating and evolving, and keeping an open mind to the possibilities helps me ride the wave.
What professional lesson or advice do you return to time and again?
Task prioritization is something I discovered was a need early in my career, and I maintain a list of tasks that I evaluate the urgency, importance, and impact of throughout the workweek.
What do you take the most pride in about your work?
Developing the skillsets of other employees is always a fulfilling experience that brings me a sense of pride and accomplishment. Knowing that I have contributed to the growth and development of colleagues is a source of great satisfaction and motivates me to continue improving their skills—and my own.
What makes you good at your job?
Staying positive helps boost my motivation and resilience, allowing me to overcome obstacles and approach challenges with a solutions-oriented mindset, which ultimately makes me more effective.
What about your life today would make your younger self proud?
The personal growth I have experienced over recent years cannot be simplified into one or two areas. My younger self would be proud of my persistence through it all.
Obscure fact about yourself
I am a fraternal twin.
Dream vacation
Visiting the set of Hobbiton (from The Lord of the Rings) in New Zealand and staying in a hobbit hole.
