By: Lydia Reilly
I recently had the opportunity to spend a full day shadowing the incredible team at BlaineTurner Advertising (BTA), and every one of those 25,200 seconds (or 7 hours) was packed with learning, creativity, and perspective I’ll carry with me moving forward.
As someone who is studying marketing and building real-world experience, I walked in curious about how a full-service agency like BTA operates. I walked out inspired by how deeply strategy and storytelling are woven into everything they do.
A Full-Circle Approach to Marketing
The day began with Sarah Rogers, BTA’s President and CEO. Our conversation was one of my favorite moments because it reframed how I think about the foundations of marketing. She explained how BTA uses research not just as a starting point, but as the bedrock of every project. “You can’t change the wheel,” she told me. That line really stuck with me. It was a reminder that good marketing doesn’t always mean reinventing everything. It means understanding what works, learning the client’s world inside and out, and then building upon that foundation.
Next, I sat down with Sydney Webb, Director of Content Strategy & Research. We discussed the content process, and I was especially fascinated by how they identify strong pieces in the original copy and refine them into something sharper, simpler, and clearer. I’ve always enjoyed writing, but Syd showed me how effective content strikes a balance between creativity and accessibility. Clear, jargon-free communication isn’t just nice to have; it’s a must.
The Power of the Team
One of the biggest takeaways from the day was how much BTA thrives on collaboration. Whether someone’s in content, design, strategy, or behind-the-scenes operations, every role matters.
During a team meeting, I had the opportunity to sit in and watch everyone share updates, check deadlines, and align on priorities. It was a fascinating glimpse into how consistent communication keeps things running smoothly. Just a team that genuinely respects each other’s contributions.
I also had the chance to learn directly from several team members:
Stephen Rogers, Vice President, handles the operational side, everything from invoices to internal logistics. It was eye-opening to see how much structure and planning go into agency life, even if it’s not always visible from the outside.
Michael Davis, SEM Manager, emphasized the importance of knowing your numbers. It’s not just about tracking data, but understanding how it tells the story of what’s working and what’s not.
Courtney Bearer, Account Coordinator, walked me through BTA’s social media strategy. I was blown away to learn their calendar is planned a year in advance. Tools like Meta Business Suite help them stay aligned with campaigns and events across the board.
Becky Hutchinson, Senior Graphic Designer, walked me through her creative process, and I got to see some of her brainstorming and upcoming design work. The attention to detail and thought that goes into visual storytelling at BTA is next-level.
And finally, I met Taylor Isaly, the agency’s Strategic Communications Intern. It was great connecting with someone at a similar stage in my career. Taylor wears many hats and brings fresh ideas to the table, proving the value interns bring to organizations.
Small Details, Big Impact
One of the most unexpected takeaways? QR codes. I never realized just how much potential they have. BTA is utilizing them in smarter, more strategic ways, such as connecting print materials to digital experiences, tracking engagement, and making content instantly accessible. It’s a perfect example of how small tools, when used creatively, can have a big impact.
Final Thoughts
Spending a day at BlaineTurner Advertising gave me something that’s hard to learn in a classroom: a real-world look at what thoughtful, full-service marketing looks like when it’s done right. They take research, collaboration, communication, and a team that genuinely loves what they do.
I’m incredibly grateful to the entire BTA team for welcoming me, sharing their time, and letting me ask lots of questions.
Interested in a behind-the-scenes look at agency life?
At BlaineTurner Advertising, we’re proud to support the next generation of marketing and advertising professionals. We welcome college students to shadow our team and gain real-world insights into creative strategy, media, and client services. To schedule a shadow experience, please fill out our contact form: https://blaineturner.com/contact/.