How We Make Our MARK – A Day in the Life featuring Nicol Spigai-Klein

This is the conclusion of our yearlong behind-the-scenes blog series but certainly not goodbye! We hope you’ve enjoyed the journey and getting to know our creative and dynamic team a little better.

If you missed any of our previous issues of How We Make Our Mark, check them out here!

Lastly, we caught up with Chief Creative Officer Nicol Spigai-Klein.

What was your WHY for starting On The Mark Communications?

“Christine and I were inspired by our father’s entrepreneurial spirit. It's interesting how early experiences will shape our own ambitions, even if we don’t realize it at the time. As I grew older and began thinking about my own career, it was easy to draw from the many examples of his hard work, drive and ambition but it wasn’t until later that the idea of starting our own business became a clearer vision.”

Can you share the story of how On The Mark was founded 24 years ago in Christine’s basement? What were some of the early challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?

“We both worked for one of our father’s businesses where we started and managed the company’s marketing department. That business was eventually acquired and after a transition period, we got the crazy idea to venture out on our own. We had an iron-clad non-compete, so in those early days we had to forge new relationships by pounding the phones and knocking on doors. It was challenging – but that’s where those early examples of hard work and perseverance were so important.”

The start of On The Mark in Christine’s basement 24 years ago

As a co-founder, how has your role evolved from the early days to the present?

“In the early days, as a graduate of FIT with a degree in Advertising Design, I was solely responsible for all the creative work. As the company grew, we built a talented design team and that’s allowed me to focus more on development and the overall growth of the company. My love of design remains strong though, so I’ll wrestle a fun project from the design team just to keep those muscles strong.”

What sparks your creativity?

“I find inspiration in many different places – nature, magazines, even the grocery store! Keeping up with design trends and industry innovations offers fresh perspectives and new techniques to incorporate into our work. I also love to experiment and collaborate with our designers for their perspective. We all look through a different lens when viewing a project and that always sparks interesting ideas and approaches.”

What moment of OTM’s journey are you most proud of, and why?

“This might be the hardest question for me to answer because I am proud of so many things. I am proud that we have an amazing team, a portfolio of wonderful clients – many who have been with us for decades – award-winning work but most of all, I am proud to have accomplished it all with my sister.”

If OTM had a mascot, what would it be and why?

“Since we’re a team of all women, maybe a modern muse – Greek goddess style with incredible creative energy. Visually with a sleek and contemporary style, she holds a smartphone and design tool ready to inspire and creatively innovate.”

What does life look like outside of the office?

• “Spending time with my daughter Taylor, husband Andy, my family and friends.
• Going to the gym daily, working out and challenging myself with weightlifting goals.
• I love photography, in particular taking photos of sunsets.
• Going on our boat, either to fish, go to the sandbar or go to a restaurant on the water.”

Andy, Taylor and Nicol
Ship Bottom, LBI
Nicol with her extended family

If you could go back in time to the day you and your sister founded OTM, what advice would you give yourselves?

“I would tell us both that in life we will always find people with more talent, more resources or more education, but there's no excuse for anyone to work harder than us. That’s in our control and if we stay focused, surround ourselves with good people, anything is possible.”

BONUS! Check out Nicol’s CEO Starter Pack.
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