Bryan Locke - JDM Impressions

Working remotely, like we do at JDM, doesn’t mean being disconnected from colleagues. As part of our culture-building initiative, and to introduce the digital marketing world to our awesome team members, we regularly peel back the curtain on the lives of JDMers. This week, we’ll get to know Bryan!

Name: Bryan Locke
Position: Performance Marketing Manager
Location: Redding, California

When did you begin working at JDM?
I began with JDM in early Nov 2021

How did you know JDM was the right fit for you?
Shared values! After being in the industry for well over a decade. I’ve seen the difference between fly-by-night companies trying to make a few bucks selling traffic and companies that actually have vision for the industry and their partners. JDM is a business that’ll be here for many years to come.

I knew JDM was the right fit when I learned about their client-centered focus. That’s always been my heart for business and I love that JDM is a place for me to help business owners succeed and large corporations thrive through online advertising.

I love JDM’s value for life outside of work too. They promote a healthy balance between working hard and having a life outside of the agency.

What’s your favorite part of the workday?
I actually love checking stats first thing in the morning! Especially if we’ve just launched a new campaign or we’re waiting for data to come in.

What’s the most gratifying part of working with your clients?
Having had a business, I love watching business owners thrive and succeed! The absolute best is when a client’s ROI on ad spend turns positive and they’re able to grow their company. We all win when online advertising is done with a commitment to excellence. Our client’s company gets to grow and we at JDM get to grow with them.

In a remote company, how do you stay connected with your team?
Being intentional! Messaging coworkers and seeing how things are going. “How’s their new account?” or “How was their recent vacation?” There are a lot of ways to engage and connect with coworkers. 

I have a few recurring meetings with coworkers where we just talk about life outside of work. Almost feels like we’re grabbing lunch together or taking a walk around the block. Love getting to know my coworkers!

I’m also a huge fan of coworking…So…Not our team, but it’s a great way of meeting other remote workers, anywhere in the world! I highly recommend this for those extroverts out there!

What three words would you use to describe the JDM culture?
Ambition, Teamwork and Success

What's something you love about JDM?
There’s a lot to love about JDM. We have such a talented pool of marketers and business builders. I love getting to work side by side with such talented and driven people. I’ve learned so much working with these amazing people!

Can you recall a time when JDM challenged you, and how we supported you through that time?
Onboarding my first client with JDM left me with a lot of questions. The team supported me and went the extra mile to make sure that I and my client had everything needed to succeed.

What’s the best thing you’ve done with your unlimited PTO?
My favorite thing has been taking little day trips and having long weekends. Probably the most epic trips have been seeing the Grand Canyon and visiting Napa!

What's something you love about the marketing industry?
I love the ingenuity and creativity that goes into marketing. There is a constant need to grow and improve as a marketer. Even the best campaigns come to an end - Finding inspiration and remaining curious are crucial to long term success!

Alright, alright, two answers for this., I love how marketing can highlight great people, businesses and products. When you have something truly excellent and add marketing to it, it’s like pouring gasoline on a fire. ‘Great marketing’ paired with ‘great companies’ is a force to be reckoned with!

What do you think has been the most interesting change in the marketing industry or in your channel this year?
The increase of international web traffic prices. I’ve watched the prices at least double/triple in countries like South Africa, Thailand and Vietnam. Some of these geos weren’t even viable for SaaS or ecommerce a few years ago and now they are a core part of some company’s marketing plan. I still believe there is a lot of room for online-only businesses to see huge ROI’s in obscure, wealthier countries.

What digital marketing platform, technology, or skill do you see gaining the most traction in the next 1-2 years, and why?
I believe video-centric skills will become more important to have as videos become a more efficient way to produce leads. Video leverages a whole different skill set for marketers, besides copywriting. Oftentimes, it’ll require cooperation with a designer. I’d guess in 2 years, a digital marketer that can produce effective reels and videos content will have a competitive edge.

What are the names and ages of your kids (or furbabies)?

I have two kitties, Chef (white) and Fancy (orange). Both are 3 years old and love working from home as much as I do!

What's something you've implemented or tested, and what was the outcome?
This was more of a ‘lifestyle adjustment’ but having a dedicated office space outside of the home! I began leaving the house for a ‘typical work day’ and went to a shared space with friends. I’ve been so much more productive and have felt more inspired being outside of the house. This has also helped me establish ‘working hours’ that are great for my clients and team, as well as my personal life!