|
Member Spotlight - December 2015 MEET PRSA AUSTIN CHAPTER MEMBER: Eric Webber
What did you want to be growing up? There was a time when I wanted to be a garbage man, mostly because you got to hang on to the outside of the truck. I know; it was an odd ambition. What motivated you to pursue a career in the communications industry? I didn’t seem very well suited for anything else. But I discovered that it is a unique mix of art, science, business, anthropology and so many other things. It’s a blend I don’t think you find in any other line of work, and it keeps things constantly interesting and challenging. Where are you from? Where have you lived? My family home is New Mexico, but my dad was in the Air Force, so I grew up on bases around the world. What college(s) did you attend? University of Texas, BS in Advertising. What was your first job in PR/communications? Intern at GSD&M. I started in what was then called Research. Today it’s usually called Strategy, Planning, Insight, something like that. What is your most memorable experience as a communications professional? When Bill Clinton was president, I worked on a project for AmeriCorp that was being headed by Hilary Clinton, an old friend of my boss, Roy Spence. I was invited to a meeting at the White House where they were announcing some new initiatives. I thought I was just representing the agency, and didn’t realize that I would need to make some remarks until I got into the meeting room (the Roosevelt Room, I think). As I filed in with the other 50-60 people, I noticed there were eight chairs with name cards, one of them mine. Fortunately I was the last to speak, so I had at least a little time to prepare. What publication/book/blog do you recommend others read (professionally or personally)?
What are your favorite things to do in Austin? Favorite places to visit? Favorite restaurants? I live on a greenbelt in Westlake, and I love walking my dogs there. 15 minutes from downtown, yet you feel like you’re far away from everything. Like 90% of Austin, I like BBQ and live music. Micklethwait Craft Meat and Kerlin are current favorites for BBQ, Little Longhorn, Scoot Inn and Continental Club for music. I like dive-y bars, so Lala’s, the Carousel, Dry Creek and Deep Eddy top that list. Restaurant-wise, East Side King, Justine’s, Dirty’s and Nau’s Enfield Drug are frequent stops. What do you do in your free time? What are your hobbies/interests outside of work? I love to travel and do it whenever I can, whether it’s day trips in the Hill Country or longer trips abroad. I’m on the board of the Nobelity Project, which does mostly education-related work, primarily in Kenya. So I’ve been a frequent visitor there and other parts of east Africa. I’m an avid if not skilled photographer. I still play soccer in the Austin Men’s League and tennis 2-3 days a week. I’ve got two dogs and two sons and I enjoy hanging out with each of them and all of them, when they’ll let me. What is one of your favorite quotes? “If you don’t think too good, don’t think too much.” Baseball great Ted Williams said that. We often overthink, and thus over-complicate things. What is the best part about your job? This industry attracts a fascinating mix of people: smart, eccentric, curious, innovative. I’m fortunate to work with and around engaging and entertaining people. What Austin brands or companies do you think are doing a good job in communications/marketing? Shiner and Yeti come to mind, and I’m not just saying that because they’re my clients. Well, maybe I am. But I also believe it. Howler Bros., a clothing company, seems to nail the essence of their brand in everything they do. And Bird’s Barbershop stands out. iPhone or Android? iPhone. I got my first Mac in 1984 and have been committed ever since. |
Interested in becoming a PRSA member?
Join today!