Cate Alix checks off the job responsibilities she has as an office assistant at Avon-based advertising agency Mintz+Hoke.
Distributing mail, restocking supplies, scanning, making copies, inventory, keeping conference rooms clean and tidy, and best of all shredding.
“Shredding is my jam,” she laughs.
For her boss, CEO Ron Perine, having Alix in the office is about more than just her organizing skills.
For decades, the advertising industry has relied on traditional colleges and portfolio schools as their go-to sources for hiring creative talent like copy writers and art directors.
But these pricey programs, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars, are often a barrier to entry to advertising careers for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
That’s limiting the variety of new hires available and bringing together of different cultural perspectives that can enhance creativity, the lifeblood of ad agencies.
Mintz + Hoke is an Immersively Different ad agency powered by ideas and people. So, a big piece of Ron Perine’s role is to help set expectations, motivate and be supportive.
It’s this aspect of his job that he enjoys the most. Perine also serves as the agency’s lead legal and financial advisor and plays a key role in its digital offerings and new business development.
Ultimately, he is accountable for the overall success of the agency.
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