How Eamonn Store Got Ahead

Name: Eamonn Store

Company: Mediaedge:cia

Job title: Managing director, global solutions

What made you want to get into brands/advertising/media/marketing?

I liked the idea of being the man that puts ads on TV. It really was that simple.

How did you get into the industry (including relevant qualifications and professional training)?

Having failed my second year flying exams with the Royal Navy I joined TMD as a TV time buyer. Not the most logical progression I agree but I was out of uniform, enjoying the freedom of London and the lure of a job where it was commonplace to drink, swear all day and not have to get up at 5.30am. It was just too good to be true.

What was good and bad about your first job?

Good – not being shouted at by my commanding officer every morning.

Bad – being shouted at by Jane Brown for my inability to add up numbers on Friday afternoons.

List your jobs to date:

Lifeguard, Southampton swimming baths.

Trainee officer pilot, HM Royal Navy.

TV time buyer, TMD/Carat.

Account director, Carat International,

Client services director, Profero.

Head of client services, Starcom.

Managing director, MEC Global Solutions.

 

Who has been your biggest inspiration?

I’m constantly inspired by those nameless, selfless people who give up otherwise comfortable lives to help those in need. From the carers in UK hospices to volunteers working in some of the most desperate countries on the planet, these are the people who really make the world a better place.

Who in the industry do you most admire?

I have a soft spot for Mel Varley. And it’s not just because she pays my salary! She’s a fighter, she’s a grafter and she always asks the questions I wished I’d thought of. I find myself constantly challenged by Mel without ever feeling threatened. I’m also presently very interested in Ricardo Semler from Semco Corporation. I recently read his book, Seven Day Weekend and, whilst I don’t agree with everything he says, I find his seemingly outlandish views on business management exciting and stimulating. As a consequence, I now have a different attitude to commuting. You will know what I mean if you try the book.

What is your biggest achievement to date?

Balancing my family commitments with an international role. I do not want to miss my daughter growing up. In an industry littered with marital problems, I’m fortunate enough to work for a company where families come first. It’s a big plus.

On what do you base your success so far?

I believe that business success relies on strong relationships, not e-mails, dotted lines or matrices. If you have an open and honest relationship with your client partners, the rest will follow.

What are your ambitions?

To be comfortable enough one day to retire with the time and energy to devote to a charitable cause. Whether it’s mortgages, schooling or just comfortable living, it seems we spend much of our lives today funding our lifestyle. It would be nice to one day be in a position to put everything I have learnt towards a worthwhile cause.

Change one thing about your job:

Have a personal assistant to manage my e-mail. I am OK at reading and responding. I’m just pathetic at filing and whatever else you’re supposed to do with it.

Change one thing about your industry:

The ongoing tendency of media agencies to attempt to win business based on unrealistic remuneration- it just undermines the value we deliver.

Change one thing about the world:

Having to take my belt and shoes off twice a week in Heathrow. My feet smell and my trousers keep falling down.

What is your favourite brand?

Virgin Atlantic – it delivers on the promise.

What is the next big brand in your view?

As I’m in the US at present – Naked Bear. A healthy cereal that’s penetrating a seemingly saturated market.

List your “media diet”:

Cream, M&M, Brand Republic, Private Eye, Economist, Fortune, Radio 4, Vernon Kay at the weekends, Sunday Times for sport, business and media, Andrew Marr on a Sunday morning and the Richmond and Twickenham Times for local parking issues.