Meet Tenaya Winkelman; Director of Digital Strategy at RBA

• October 30, 2019
• Agency

What is your background?

My background is pretty diverse and I wouldn’t have it any other way! In undergrad I focused on Fashion Merchandising and Business and went into the corporate retail world at Zale Corp (before the buyout) where I got to work in the Bridal and Diamond Fashion departments. I loved learning about marketing in my time there, and that’s when I caught the bug.

After being a stay-at-home mom for a few years, I dove back into the “real world” and was fortunate enough to get on with a wonderful agency in Fort Worth that really allowed me to learn and grow and learn about all things Digital. Just a few months in that world was enough to convince me to go to grad school to get my MBA from LSU-Shreveport with a focus in Marketing Data Analytics.

I’ve loved the fun and wacky journey that has brought me to RocketBrand!

What drew you to a career in marketing and advertising?

I really enjoy getting to make a real difference in a company’s trajectory—what we do affects the bottom line, and I love being part of the catalyst of change.

What’s your favorite part about working at RocketBrand?

I’ve been a BIG fan of RocketBrand for a couple of years, so I can say that I love the attitude of the brand, the creative vibe that you instantly feel when the door opens—and honestly—they had a taco breakfast for my first day. Does it get better than that?

What do you do outside of work?

Outside of work I’m constantly on the move with my family! From bouncing around to activities with our 5-year-old to catching movies at Alamo Drafthouse or shows at the Bomb Factory, I’m literally never home. My family enjoys being outside, trying new restaurants, and taking Sunday drives to Houndstooth for our favorite coffee.

What’s the best vacation you’ve ever been on?

This was a tough decision! The winner would be the 2016 trip to Norway to climb to Trolltunga. We spent almost a week in and around Bergen—and talk about a stunning city with so much incredible history. Just being there and experiencing that culture was life-changing.

The big highlight (or, lowlight at the time—it was intense!!) was our climb to Trolltunga: a giant rock on top of a mountain that juts out over a gorgeous valley in a remote part of the country. The hike was a total of 15 miles, with a massive change in elevation. Had I not been prepping for a half marathon at the time, I don’t think I would have made it. Seriously. I love going on vacations that challenge me and draw me out of my comfort zone.

What’s your guilty pleasure movie or show? 

Four Weddings and a Funeral (the new Hulu version).

Best Dallas BBQ? 

Pecan Lodge—you also can’t beat their collard greens!

What music are you currently listening to?

My musical taste changes all the time—it’s got to suit my mood! Right now I’m listening to a lot of Billie Eilish, A Day to Remember, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Breathe Carolina, and the Dirty Heads.

What inspires you?

I’m inspired by meeting interesting people and hearing new perspectives. I think that’s why I love to travel and step away from “real life”—it helps to put life and the mundane into a new lens so that I can re-focus and come back energized and ready to conquer the next challenge.

What advice you’d give someone looking to get into Marketing and Advertising?

If someone were considering a career path in Marketing or Advertising, I think it would be important for them to understand that in this business you have to have a thick skin. Not everyone’s ideas are chosen, and there are no participation awards. Wake up every day prepared to come up with 30 new ideas, and if one shakes out, it was a great day.