My First Year in Advertising

An Account Executive Speaks Out

By: Rod A. Sims

Narrated by: Rod A. Sims

Ever wonder what life was like inside an advertising agency? In this motivational and informative book, you will have a front-row seat to the inner workings of an advertising agency. No other book chronicles the day-to-day work of an advertising account executive during their first year on the job. This book is equal parts of education, inspiration, entertainment, and exposé. When you add them all together, it's 100 percent truth. The struggle and triumph is chronicled in this kiss-and-tell book about agency life and following your dream.

You will have the opportunity to learn from an advertising account executive who worked with blue-chip clients like: Circus Circus Hotels and Casino, Coldwell Banker, Mazda Motors, Eli Lilly, Firestone, United Airlines, Lufthansa Technic, and Air Canada. His clients in government included: the California Department of Rehabilitation, the Food and Drug Administration, the Los Angeles MTA, and a community initiative to reduce crime and repeat offenders. He worked on political campaigns for the California State Senate, The United States House of Representatives, the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction, and a host of California propositions. His educational clients included marketing TV programming that aired on PBS-affiliated stations nationwide.

His essays were published in Education Week and a host of publications in higher education. He conducted research and wrote articles for the music industry. He continued to write and have his ideas featured in the Wall Street Journal, Marketing News, Advertising Age, The Journal of Marketing, and the Journal of Marketing Research.

©2019 Rod A. Sims (P)2019 Rod A. Sims

Great storytelling, Good education

As a marketing consultant for small companies I can assure you that everything stated in this book is how it is. It truly is educational, “expose esque,”illuminating, and entertaining. I prefer to read books vs listening to them but this is a must listen type of book. The special sounds effects and his excellent narration really make it come alive. I am also thinking the music between chapters and otherwise are also Rod Sims originals.

Highly recommend this book to someone looking to follow their passion for a career or to a college student who wants to understand what a first year looks like “in the real world.”

Also great for people who just want to enjoy a story about a guy following his passion. All around great book.

Entertaining and Engaging Memoir

I thoroughly enjoyed this engaging and educational memoir about Rod Sims' first year in advertising. He tells his story with candor and creativity, allowing readers to join him on the journey. He also adds helpful information on how sales and marketing work, along with real-life experiences, as well as quotes and lessons from famous advertisers. Read by the author, I appreciated the way he told his story passionately and creatively, with humor, music and sound effects. I found this audio book to be a fun and interesting listen that left me wanting more.