Meet Reid Carr | CEO

We had the good fortune of connecting with Reid Carr and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Reid, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
As with many business quotes and conventional advice, I think they are often applied too vaguely. One of the most common phrases we hear is, “Hire people who are smarter than you.” And, while I agree with the idea of hiring wickedly smart people into your ranks, I think that advice, as worded, discounts two essential factors for team success: First, “smart” should inextricably link to “passion.” And second, the team expects its leader to contribute to its success. “Smart” isn’t the only measure by which leaders should judge talent. Brilliant people must also have a passion for the role to have long-term, balanced success. They may be talented, but if they hate what they do, it is unhealthy for both themselves and the team. Leaders need to find people’s passions and place people accordingly. Then, smart people are invigorated by smart collaborators, which includes an intelligent leader who actively contributes to the success of the group beyond recruiting great talent. Assuming a strong team features solid retention, most of the time, leaders spend their time adapting to the dynamic environment created by developing talent; they need to identify and capitalize on opportunities as well as fill gaps. They must pay close attention to team and personal dynamics and pull individuals into progress by learning new, relevant things that excite them. Then, when the time comes, leaders can add the right new person to fill an availability, or the leader can insert a newly identified role into an existing teammates’ expanding influence.

What should our readers know about your business?
We started our marketing agency back in 2002, so it has been a long road building our business on the belief that brands needed to integrate their marketing tactics and avoid operating them in silos, to minimize inefficiency and maximize performance and speed. In 2002, businesses often had an ad agency, a PR agency, a digital partner, and possibly a media buying agency. However, as tactics began to explode, adding search engine optimization, social media, programmatic and more, it became even more critical that clients kept a handle on how all of the tactics worked with one another and aligned with the fundamentals of the business. Since that time, we have maintained our dedication to integration and communication. We have built templates, processes, tools, and honed perspective on how to piece programs together so that our clients can be efficient with their resources. Central to our success is putting data and insights into the hands of exceptional talent. To build a marketing platform with our available depth and breadth of resources typically found in large, international consulting firms, all while maintaining our independence from public holding companies, has been a noteworthy feat. Daily we earn the right to work with some of the best brands in the world while also building a heritage of strong teamwork and talent.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
One of my favorite things to do is to do a late afternoon happy hour with friends, family, or colleagues at any one of our many casual outdoor venues. San Diego is year-round perfection for fresh air and hospitality. Near where I live in La Jolla, we have La Jolla Cove spots like George’s rooftop, or Duke’s, in the Shores at Piatti, Galaxy Taco, Shorerider, or Barbarella. I appreciate Del Mar locales like Torrey Pines Grill overlooking the world-famous Torrey Pines golf course, Farmer & the Seahorse (also fantastic for brunch), or Viewpoint Brewing. Then, the many wonderful downtown patios and rooftops like The Nolan or Half Door Brewing by our office near Petco Park are not to be missed. You can make an experience out of any of these before and after with the right companions. Then, for the morning part of your experience, it is worth exploring the city to find the best breakfast burritos you can. I have my favorites, but I think that everyone should explore the city to find their own personal favorites. There certainly is no shortage of awesome breakfast and brunch options. If you can make it here during baseball season, Petco Park is always a good time, and I am incredibly excited about the new San Diego Loyal soccer team, the culture they’re building, and the experience they’re creating at their games.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My forum-mates from Young Presidents Organization (YPO). They always help shape my perspective on life, well beyond business, and I value those relationships immensely.

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