Our internal creative agency, CheckMark, is one of the many unique aspects of Nestlé Purina. Here is where you’ll find the best of both worlds—the excitement and energy of agency life with the benefits of working for a leading corporation. Our campus even houses a dedicated space for our creative team at CheckMark, to ensure they have ample room to flex their skills. Hear from Emily, Group Creative Director, on her growing career with CheckMark.
Tell us about your career path and how you found your current role with CheckMark.
Being a pet lover from birth, I was always drawn to the idea of working for Purina. For the first eight years of my career, I gained experience as a copywriter at ad agencies in St. Louis and in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The entire time, I never stopped checking job postings at CheckMark. When the opportunity to work here came my way, I knew I couldn’t pass it up. I’ve been with Purina for 16 years now.
Have you always worked in CheckMark? Or did you start in a different part of the organization?
While I started at CheckMark, I did step away for a brief moment. A few years ago, I became interested in exploring other options within the company, and I moved to the PetFinder® marketing team. While it was a great experience, my creative roots were calling. I returned to CheckMark, and I am forever grateful for the chance to see how things work on both sides of the parking lot.
How is CheckMark different than a typical advertising agency?
Like the rest of the company, the people at CheckMark have a passion for work that you won’t find anywhere else. We can dive deeper into our brands, products, and consumers than outside agencies. I believe our unique position shows in the insight, strategy, and excitement we put into the creative we produce day after day.
What is your favorite project that you have worked on?
There are so many! I worked on Pro Plan® for a long time, so I was able to attend several Westminster dog shows. Each show was an incredible experience, especially when we started creating the “overnight” spots to celebrate the Pro Plan-fed winners the morning after the show. The year King won; we followed him on his PR tour throughout New York City then joined him in Malibu to tell his full story. The entire experience was one I will never forget.
How have you felt supported by CheckMark and Nestlé Purina to advance in your role?
Being here for 16 years, I have worked my way up from Senior Copywriter to my current role as a Group Creative Director. Throughout this time, there was always someone to talk to about my options, my opportunities, and what could be next. I’ve been able to build connections throughout the company and felt supported by my peers, my managers, marketing partners, and others. Someone is always willing to listen and be there to help you reach your goals no matter how big or small they might be. Ready to flex your creative skills? Be sure to enroll in our talent network to stay up to date on CheckMark opportunities when they become available.
Ready to flex your creative skills? Be sure to enroll in our talent network to stay up to date on CheckMark opportunities when they become available.
