Features | April 11, 2023
Lightning Round: Get to Know A&G Marketing and WHOOPLA
By Rachel Schollmeier
Brand Chain is excited to introduce its new member spotlight series, where we pass the mic to our members in this quick-hit roundup.
In our first spotlight, Pablo Prahl, vice president of marketing at A&G Marketing by Proforma, and John Vo, owner of WHOOPLA, share their experiences in the branding community.
How did you get your start in brand solutions?
Pablo Prahl: I started in Guatemala when I was 17 years old. My sister always worked in advertising agencies, and I started as an intern. When I was 26, I started a graphic design studio with digital printing capabilities.
John Vo: In my early 20s, I traveled the country building computer networks and was burnt out by the end of the contract. I took time off and played video games and ate junk food for a few months. My sister asked me to come check out her custom apparel business while I figured out my next path in life. My very first cold-call was to EarthLink who, for some reason, allowed me to come in for a meeting. One thing lead to another, and here I am over two decades later and STILL loving this industry!
What does branding mean to your company?
PP: A powerful foundation for communication.
JV: For us, branding means getting noticed, being remembered and gaining raving fans. Our motto is, "We don't do boring!" This is how we try to approach every opportunity.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
PP: Between networking and notworking, there is only a one letter difference.
JV: I've received and continue to receive so much good advice from so many amazing people that it’s impossible to pinpoint the best. The advice I’m currently following is having the courage to do what you think is right.
What accomplishment in the past year are you most proud of?
PP: I’m most proud of implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) in our business.
JV: I’m most proud of winning a PPAI Pyramid Award for the second year in a row and of our amazing team for helping to make it happen. I say team, but they are truly like family.
What makes your hopeful about the future of the profession?
PP: We have better resources as an industry, better technology and we are more global. Communities like Brand Chain are making the industry a healthier place to work because we see other agencies as a marketing collective and collaborative group instead of competition. We are now talking more about processes, marketing, client engagement, graphic design, etc., instead of pushing products to our clients.
JV: It’s gratifying to see so many of our clients moving toward quality over quantity. It is also inspiring to see how open they are to embracing DEI and Supplier Diversity. The honest, transparent and collaborative discussions we’ve been having with them regarding branding, marketing and custom swag has not traditionally been the norm, and we are hopeful that this trend continues. Forever.
Whether you’ve been a longtime member of Brand Chain or are new to the community, we want to learn more about you. Click here to fill out the member spotlight form — or nominate someone who deserves a shout out!
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Member Spotlight Interview