THE WAY I SEE IT

Always Thinking:
Marketing, Creative, Travel, Tourism and Adventure!

A background in alligator wrestling may seem like an odd prerequisite for a career in advertising…

…but Jeff Pankey would tell you it was all in a day’s work and one of the ways he funded his education in advertising and architecture at Miami-Dade College.

Much of his travel and marketing experience developed during his years as the Director of Marketing and Creative services for a new startup called Air Jamaica Vacations. Starting off with only five people, his ten years of service included building over thirteen island brands, developing the marketing and creative for each of them, launching an AJV Busch Series Nascar Team, and being an intricate part of a business that became a powerhouse for travel to the Caribbean.

However, the “Figment” of his imagination would continue to call, and re-ignite his passion to run his own agency he founded in 1993. Initially working alone and wearing all the hats from acquiring new business and account management to creative director and production manager, he would mold it into one of Miami’s most creative shops with the ability to tackle complex and high profile projects. The past 27 years has brought a variety of clients in the door and earned him a spot at many conventions and panels speaking on marketing initiatives that drive new business.

Although Jeff is known for his marketing strategy and creative direction, his understanding of the business side of advertising helps guide our approach through the extensive processes. His philosophy is to treat customers as you would treat family and it always begins with listening. But once you’ve listened, “Say what you feel, not what you think people want to hear.”

This straight forward approach to helping clients has worked well for Jeff and led to business relationships that span years as one successful project leads to another. He sees challenges where others see problems, with a leadership style based on optimism and openness. He also firmly believes in laying it all on the line, he often says, “tell them the truth up front, even if it hurts, if they choose to go a different route, they will always remember that you were honest from the start. If you can’t make a positive difference…at least make a positive impression.”

When asked what the future holds for advertising agencies like ours, Jeff responded, “There are so many new media outlets being introduced into the market that advertisers are confused and overwhelmed with digital and social options galore. And with technology advancing at a record pace; deciding where, and how much to spend is more critical than ever. Businesses will need top notch advertising professionals to carefully craft their media buys and deliver superior messages that can break through the clutter.”

Jeff Pankey likes to balance his work life with adventure and fun; and with all the destinations he visits, he always tries to find time to explore and immerse himself in a new experience. So throughout this site, you should find marketing ideas and thoughts, along with some pretty cool stuff to keep up with…but one thing is for sure when you follow me, you’ll always find the Truth in Travels.