A regular feature highlighting the individuals who make up the membership of BMA Colorado. This month we'll meet Tricia Akins - Managing Director, Walker-Stanley Communications.

Background:

When Tricia Akins founded Walker-Stanley Communications in 2011, she was an accomplished marketer with more than 20 years’ experience in the corporate world.  

“My first job was in customer service with Dana Commercial Credit’s financial subsidiary in Troy, Mich., then acquired by Heller Financial,” she explains. “It was lucky for me, because it gave me a great background in the back end of the company before going to the front end. Customer service often has a tremendous impact on the client experience. Customer service and marketing/sales are very connected!”

Ultimately, she left her Midwestern roots behind to ply her marketing skills for Key Equipment Finance in Superior, Colo., where her increasing responsibilities ranged from marketing manager to director of market development to vice president of corporate development.

With a multi-faceted marketing background as a leader in global market development, public relations programs and social media strategies, Akins then became an independent proprietor. She named her company Walker-Stanley Communications in honor of her late parents for their strength and encouragement. Her practice specializes in the B2B market focusing on small to mid-sized companies where she can provide the most impact. She believes her broad skillset developed over the years in small, leaner marketing departments is a great foundation for developing the integrated marketing plans she now offers clients.

Akins holds a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Rochester where she graduated in sociology with a minor in marketing; and a master’s in business administration degree from Wayne State University in marketing. Originally from Toledo, Ohio, she lives with her husband and their two children near Boulder, Colo.

BMA Membership: 

Tricia Akins has been a member of the Colorado BMA for two years, and is chairperson of the BMA Webinar Committee. She reviews our membership research to identify areas of interest for topics and speakers.

How BMA Has Helped Her Career:

As an independent service provider, Akins relies on BMA Colorado for networking and education. “Freelancing can be a little isolating.  BMA Colorado provides lots of opportunities to talk shop with fellow members, exchange ideas and learn the latest strategies so I can continue to leverage best practices for my clients.”

Advice to Marketing Professionals: 

Akins advises other marketers to develop regular discipline in making time for education and professional development. “I hardly left the office when I was in corporate,” she says, “In hindsight, I now know how important it is to invest in your own professional development outside of the workplace.”

Thank you, Tricia Akins, and all volunteers for all you do for the BMA.

By Jill Lewis, president and marketing director for Integrated Writing LLC, a consultancy providing integrated marketing strategy, public relations and content, as well as social media and crisis communications services.