Ashley Creech has been the marketing and sales coordinator for KB Home for one year. She plans advertising campaigns, events, grand openings, Realtor events, manages the model merchandising process and assists the sales team.
Where before?
She was with Richmond American Homes for seven years as a merchandising manager. She moved to Jacksonville from Memphis with the company. “That’s what brought me to Jacksonville. I had never worked for a builder before and had no experience whatsoever. I came to Jacksonville for a merchandising job, which means I decorated all the model homes. I didn’t even know that kind of job existed. After seven years I also assumed the role of marketing manager.”
What’s different in the new job?
When she was at Richmond, the corporate office handled most of the advertising, but not at KB Home. “Here we get to do a lot of that on our own and be the creative ones. We get to come up with advertising ideas and plan all the events. The first month I started, I was told, ‘We need you to plan 30 events in 30 days. I hope you are ready.’ I had to learn how to do the whole thing. Now, I set up events, coordinate, schedule and then put on the entire event. I also help support the sales staff in addition to handling the advertising.”
How’d she get to KB Home?
Creech was laid off in April 2011 and two days later she was hired on by KB Home. “I was very fortunate.”
College?
Creech has a bachelor’s degree in furniture merchandising and a master’s degree in leadership and policy studies from the University of Memphis.
Challenges
Coming up with new and fresh ideas to market KB Home. “We are always looking for something new to do that hasn’t been done before or something that might stand out and bring the Realtors in.”
What she likes about the job
“No day is ever the same as the last. I love that I can be creative and that my leadership group encourages and wants me to think outside the box. They expect that out of me and expect me to bring that to the table every single day.”
Entrepreneurial past?
Creech owned an antique store in Memphis. “It was my place. I never worked with a corporation and it was just me and bunch of antique vendors.”
Best professional advice
“As a leader, I was told that no matter what kind of bad day you are having, never let others see you cry. No matter what happens or what others say to you, if you have to cry, take it outside. That really helped me in my leadership role.”
Advice for new marketing professionals
“In this industry, we all do the same kind of events, so don’t get your feelings hurt when someone steals your idea. Take it as a compliment instead.” Creech said sharing information and getting to know other marketing professionals can only enhance your business. “All of the marketing professionals end up being such close friends and you can get so much out of the relationships you create.”
Family
A Schnauzer named Tucker and a boyfriend who is an advertising executive.
Professional associations?
She’s a member of the Northeast Florida Builders Association’s Sales and Marketing Council and its Young Professionals Group, Jacksonville Women’s Council of Realtors and the American Society of Interior Designers. She is also a board member of the Spina Bifida Association of Jacksonville.
And ...
Creech enjoys twirling batons and is quite the thrifty shopper. “I never buy anything new and I only shop at thrift stores.”
— by Michele Gillis