FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF WORKING AT MOVERS+SHAKERS (VOL. 5)

What comes with being the Small Agency of the Year (according to Ad Age)? Our amazing talent of course! Meet some of our team members, and read about their experience at Movers+Shakers so far, what they thought about us when they joined, their first impressions of our work, and, the most important question… what are they listening to right now?!

Mike Ventimiglia, Creative Director

My name is Mike and I am comfortable admitting that bios never get easier to write. I'm from New York, but I now live in LA (despite my love for flannel shirts, cold weather, seasons, rain, and darkness). I love to write music, short stories, screenplays, and ~ ✨ poetry ✨ ~. I also watch too many (and not enough) movies and read too many comics.

First impression of the leadership: It's been incredible to work with such thoughtful, empathetic, generous, and considerate leaders. From interviews to the present day, Evan & Geoffrey have continuously shown their dedication to creating a culture of caring by investing in people and always inviting new ways of thinking.

First impression of the company: I cannibalized this question in my previous response, but I've loved the level of open-mindedness and collaboration that extends throughout the company. From senior leaders to day-to-day managers, everybody is committed to making quality work. Egos can be like shadows in this industry, but there's a humility here that is truly special.

First impression of our work: The work is a labor of love and that always shines through. There's so much fun, interesting, and smart work being produced at every level. Whether it's a campaign or a one-off brand channel post, the work seems to understand and embrace the idea that culture is meant to be a shared conversation.

What has been the most surprising thing? The level of trust is amazing. Regardless of department or role or project, individuals are encouraged and empowered to share their ideas and opinions and the work is better for it. There's no preciousness or judgement to contend with. Instead, it's a free flow of information and ideas that are discussed thoughtfully and respectfully.

What is your go-to album? Cannot answer succinctly, but to name a few... Neutral Milk Hotel, In An Aeroplane Over The Sea / Kendrick Lamar, DAMN. / Phoebe Bridgers, Punisher / Converge, You Fail Me / Wu Tang Clan, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)

Rachel Edwards, Senior Copywriter

I'm Rachel Edwards, a Senior Copywriter at Movers+Shakers! My love for advertising began after seeing Matthew McConaughey star as an advertising executive in the acclaimed movie, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days when I was 11-years-old. I've always had a passion for words and writing especially when I'm using them to selling in big, disruptive ideas. Other interests include but are not limited to: Skiing, Food, Camping, Climbing, Movies, Music, Family, and Friends.

First impression of the leadership: Motivating 

First impression of the company: Connected

First impression of our work: Anomalous

What has been the most surprising thing? The joy! It's in everything we do--every interaction, every meeting, every piece of work, every person.

What is your go-to album? All the Debts I Owe

AJ Pulvirenti, Culture Strategist

Hi! I'm AJ Pulvirenti, a culture strategist here at Movers+Shakers. As a pop culture fanatic, it's my job to strategize and dream up disruptive brand work that's inspired by the zeitgeist and resonates with Gen Z. I started my M+S journey in August 2020 on the client services team, and then bopped on over to strategy earlier this year.

(HAPPY 2 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, AJ!!)

First impression of the leadership: Leadership was incredibly welcoming when I first started. As a lean and mean team of five, they made sure I was comfortable, supported, and heard. The same sentiment stands as we near 100 employees. 

First impression of the company: This company felt like a safe space from the moment I joined. Being LGBTQ+-owned, I felt encouraged and inspired to be my unapologetic self and not compromise any part of my identity for the "industry" I was entering. It was so refreshing. 

First impression of our work: Movers+Shakers' work is consistently FRESH. We ideate into the future, keeping all of our campaigns more innovative and unique than the last.  

What has been the most surprising thing? The egoless, selfless attitude of literally every employee. Everyone welcomes collaboration with open arms and there's never a moment where you feel undervalued. 

What is your go-to album? Right now, there's no other answer besides RENAISSANCE.

If you want to meet more team members, check out First Impressions (Vol. 4) and our Meet the Team page! And listen in on our West Coast team’s music taste.