Meet our Director of Opportunities, Whitney Toates!

How long have you been working at iFocus?

I have been working for iFocus for about one and a half years. I started at the end of July in 2016.

Describe what you do.

I am the Creator of Opportunities (aka Regional Sales Manager) at iFocus. I support two of our major client groups by providing them with sales and strategy support. Also, I get the pleasure of meeting and speaking with business owners and marketing directors to learn about their business aspirations. Once I get to know more about the business, I have the opportunity to help them reach their goals by creating a solid digital marketing and online advertising strategy.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

Looks like a lot of phone calls, emails, meetings, presentations, follow-ups, and networking. I also spend a lot of time strategizing with my account managers and in-house digital experts.

Do you have any nicknames in the office?

Well, not any work specific nicknames that I am aware of however most people call me Whit.

What would your co-workers say is your most distinguishing feature at work?

I think my sales director would say that I have this uncanny ability to dig deeper in conversations with my potential and current clients. People tend to trust me with their stories. Translate that to the rest of my team at work… I’m a talker. I have the gift of gab.

Briefly talk about one of your all-time favorite iFocus projects you’ve worked on.

I would have to say going to the MESA Summit last September was one of the most exciting opportunities that I have worked on. It is always nice to meet my clients face to face, especially because I primarily speak to them over the phone. But it’s even more fun when I decide to jump into a sumo wrestling suit and wrestle the Executive Director of MESA. The end goal was to make a big impression on the group and I think I was able to get that accomplished.

Besides your own work, what iFocus product/service is your favorite? Why?

I love our creative! We offer, by far, the best creative services to our clients. I enjoy hearing my clients rave about their ads and marketing materials that we create for them.

What do you like to do in your free time?

My husband and I try to go see a new movie every week, we also enjoy doing wine tastings, and when I am not with my hubby, I am usually snapping photos because I also love photography.

What’s your favorite local KC food joint?

This one is tough – I like a lot of food places in KC. But, I will say that Martin City Brewery is one of my faves. Favorite dish: Steak Mac & Cheese. Yum! (P.S. I had them cater my wedding.)

What movie or TV show character do you most identify with?

I can’t think of one off the top of my head. You would think with as many movies as my husband and I see I could think of someone!

What’s one cool thing that has happened to you recently?

I got married! Phillip and I had the opportunity to surprise our friends and family with a wedding on April Fools Day. Man, the time flies! We are already planning our one year anniversary, which is just a few months away.

Describe your ideal weekend getaway.

My favorite weekend getaway is staying at a bed and breakfast in Hermann, MO., and jumping on the trolley to tour the wineries. Cheers! Although, if the mountains were closer, I would have to say there, because I love the outdoors and beautiful sceneries. We just got back from the Smoky Mountains, but a 12-hour drive isn’t a weekend getaway…

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Totally a dog person. I grew up having dogs and would love to convince my husband to let me have another. He says “baby or dog” so I may have to choose a baby. We will see what 2018 holds for us!

What celebrity would you most like to have drinks and a conversation with? Why?

I could totally go for a cup of coffee with Ellen. The celebrities and guests always look like they are having the best time when they come on her show. I also get a kick out of her humor.

What’s one weird quirk that you have?

I like to laugh a lot. I always find ways to bring laughter into a conversation whether intentional or not. Sometimes I even do that awkward thing when you “blurt laugh” really loud. (I may or may not have just made that term up, but I think it paints the picture. LOL)

What social network consumes the greatest amount of your free time?

Most definitely Facebook. Instagram would be a close second.

What’s one of your favorite quotes?

“Shoot for the moon and even if you miss you’ll land among the stars.”

Describe one thing that’s a source of inspiration for you.

My family is the most important and inspiring aspect of my life. I have the most supportive and encouraging husband and three amazing stepsons – they mean the world to me!

What’s your favorite part about working at iFocus?

I get to meet a lot of awesome people. I love making connections and building relationships and my role requires me to do just that. On top of that, I get to work with some extremely talented people every day.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from working at iFocus thus far?

I get really excited about new ideas, concepts, and marketing trends and I tend to want them right away. iFocus has helped me to learn to be more patient in so many ways. We work in an ever-changing environment and learning to take a step back and understand how campaigns are performing is key to the overall success. It’s also important that if we are going to implement a new strategy, we make sure it will be the most successful for our clients.

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