Who had the biggest influence on your career & why?

Former ABC News Anchor, Sylvan Rodriquez. He taught a writing class at UH and was extremely gracious and supportive in helping me break into the TV news business.

What drove your decision to get into the marketing business?

After working on air for a few years, I moved to broadcast sales because it was more stable and I was still able to utilize my story telling skills and people skills.

What are you most proud of – your finest hour?

Producing and writing a short feature for The River Center for Visual and Performing Arts. I got to tell the story of how this great organization uses performing arts as a healing agent in the lives of severely handicapped kids and their families. It was a life changing experience. These kids are amazing!

What was your most embarrassing career moment? (Marketing business)

I had my phone on speaker and was leaving a message for an extremely handsome client who was not at his desk. Unfortunately, I had not hung-up the speaker phone properly and proceeded to tell my assistant; who was in my office, how hot and sexy this guys is. It all ended up on his voicemail. I was absolutely mortified. Good thing; he was flattered.

Share a great client story.

I cold-called a local lawyer in an effort to get video production work. This account turned out to be huge as they were connected to many other firms all needing Direct Response Media purchases for various mass tort campaigns. We got them amazing results on their Zyprexa campaign with up to the minute online tracking, adjusting and managing on their weekly buys, along with a hard hitting creative message that drove calls and reduced the cost per call dramatically from what they had previously spent with another firm.

What attracted you to DMN3?

Excellence and Integrity! Pam's team is a cut above the competition and usually a step ahead. Integrity!

What is your method for developing creative solutions for your clients?

It's crucial to listen and to completely understand their market and their unique selling position. Once that's established, I look for the "emotion" that lies behind every purchase or buying decision. Creative is then a function of telling their story. Depending on their story and budget, I like to come up with individual messages for chosen media and work with the client on nuances that may or may not be conveyed on the first pass. Bottom line, all good creative starts with thoroughly listening to the client and being able to put "creative ego" aside for the ultimate success of the campaign.

In your opinion, what makes a great brand?

Creating a "brain tattoo" with frequency, consistency and integrity in delivering what they promise.

What driving career goals are you still pursuing?

I would love to continue to create projects that help the disadvantaged and forgotten in our society. Loving what I do is the true measure of success.

Name at least one talent that you wish you could master?

Balancing my checkbook.

If you were marooned on a desert island, what would you miss most?

Pasta and my Blackberry.

What food helps you think creatively?

Carbs & cheese!!!

What is your favorite sports team & why?

The 1974 Oakland A's. They were a bunch of guys from a rough town that weren't expected to accomplish what they did. It was an era in baseball when any team could win and players had a respect for the team instead of selling out to the highest bidder...That came later. I miss players like "Catfish Hunter and scrappy Sal Bando; unlikely heroes.

Name your biggest frustration.

When people don't communicate their needs well.

Tell us about your pets.

Binky, the 60-pound lap dog Boxer mix. She's a doll. Marmalade the orange tabby alley cat who greets me every morning and evening... I also feed her.

Describe your childhood and include where you grew up.

I grew up the youngest of 3 girls in a close-knit Italian family on the southeast side of Houston. We were a loud bunch and family get togethers were an intimate gathering of 30 people. We were all taught to love each other no matter what and of course, take care of Mama...

What is your all-time favorite TV program? (On-air or not)

Sopranos

What is your least favorite TV program?

Trashy E Hollywood clip shows that have stupid countdowns to the stupid things like; the top 100 celebrity facelifts...

When you're not working, what do you do for fun?

Workout, spend time with my nieces and nephews. Play guitar, write songs and sing.

Name your three favorite websites.

Too many to mention.