Six Questions for Amy Clardy

Get to know the newest member to join the BatesMeron team, Amy Clardy! Amy is our new Account Manager, bringing with her extensive industry experience and plenty of personality.

I interviewed Amy as part of our 6 Questions feature: a series of one-on-one interviews with people we work with who make us proud. Sometimes I like to turn the tables and put our own staffers in the hot seat so you not only get to meet them, but also see just how special our team really is.

1. Okay, Amy. You know the drill. We’re starting this off with some Spill the Bees. From a randomly drawn card: What is the most interesting thing you have in your purse or wallet?

Being a crazy dog mom, I always have dog treats in my bag.

2. You’ve got a pretty impressive history in account management. Tell us a little bit about your experience leading up to joining our team.

My background is pretty diverse. I’ve worked on the brand side and on the agency side, always with a strong focus on CPG. Both sides of the business provide a different experience.

Agencies provide work that allows you to get creative with a variety of brands in a fast-thinking environment. You get to take on new, exciting projects and create fresh creative ideas.

Working for a brand allows you to gain an in-depth understanding of your target audience. It means you get to think in more of a long-term strategic way. You’re working for one brand and trying to achieve one mission.

I think having worked in both environments gives me a unique perspective on the work I do.

3. What sealed the deal for you in working at BatesMeron?

Dogs at work, LOL! I mean not totally, but it definitely helped pique my interest. I was looking for a creative environment that felt team-oriented and had a positive workplace culture—BatesMeron checked all the boxes on those things. Also, the job description said “You have to love animals—because if not, you’re probably not a good person and we don’t want to hang out with you.” I loved that!

4. We already know you have great organizational skills and are a dedicated question-asker and to-do list-maker, but you also have the mind of a creative. How do you incorporate that creativity into your work?

I’ve always had a passion for creativity and the arts but lack the raw talent for it, so I pursued a path that allowed me to combine my analytical talents with my artistic creative interests.

As a project manager, most people see my role as the person who makes sure other people complete activities, schedule and manage endless meetings, force people to make detailed plans, and keep track of everything associated with a project—but there is much more.

Sometimes people don’t understand the complexity of the PM role or the need for creativity and innovation to meet the objectives of the project. PMs are continually challenged with changing priorities, customer requirement changes, resource shortages, competition with other projects and budget uncertainties, just to name a few. Maintaining a creative edge is really important to meet these challenges and overcome the many barriers that are experienced throughout the project life cycle.

5. As a native Chicagoan who just moved back, what are you liking about life in the Windy City? (You know, besides the luxurious winter weather.)

I love everything about Chicago—the food, architecture, museums, the lake, the people, the diverse neighborhoods, but the one thing I missed the most while I was away was just walking around the city…exploring and taking in all the beauty Chicago has to offer.

6. Alright, we’ve saved the best question for last. We’re dying to know, what’s your dog, Ralphie, like?

Haha, where do I start? He’s a unique little guy. We rescued him at age 2 and all we knew was that he had been very neglected. He was pitiful looking when we found him—he had been shaved down because his hair was so matted, he was really skinny and shaking. But once I held him, and he nestled his little head in my neck, I knew I had to take him with me. You know, they say dogs choose you, and I truly believe that.

If I had to summarize Ralphie, I’d say:

• He’s a quirky pup who loves people
• He’s the best cuddler
• His nickname is ‘Pinky’ because he sleeps with his little pink tongue sticking out
• His favorite foods are popcorn and pizza crust
• He’s a spoiled little stinker who does not enjoy the company of other dogs