Managing the message work behind successful restaurant group
Name: Patricia Savoie Age: 28 Position: Brand manager with Local Restaurant Group (the HAMBRGR locations on Ottawa Street and King William, and FSH & CHP). Job description: The short version: I maintain the voice of our brands and create relationships. The longer version: I am responsible for monitoring market trends, overseeing advertising and marketing activities to ensure the right message is delivered for our restaurants and creating a lasting impression among our target market. Is this the job you thought you’d be doing?
Growing up, I was the artsy kid. I was always doing or thinking about something creative whether it be painting or writing poetry or sewing. When I was 10, a friend and I started making doll clothes from leftover scraps of fabric; we called our project the Fashion Craze and tried to market the products to our friends. I’m grateful that I pursued post-secondary education for advertising and public relations, because my skills have developed tenfold since 1999.
Though I had a general idea of what I wanted from my career, I never expected to be in a position where I’m able to do so many of the things that I love every day. Through school we’re told to identify the one thing that you excel at and seek out a career that focuses on that strength. If you’re a writer, you write. If you’re a designer, you design.
I think it’s nonsense. I see myself as someone that can apply creativity to strategy and I’m incredibly fortunate to have found an opportunity that allows me to apply my skills and encourages my creativity collectively every day. Advice to others on launching a career:
Your dream career likely won’t come to you in the most conventional way and that’s not always a bad thing. In my experience, going to the networking events, taking the cards, volunteering and identifying opportunities for myself that weren’t otherwise obvious were all essential in getting to where I am now. Roots: I left my tiny hometown of White River, Ont., in the summer of 2010 after being accepted into Mohawk College. I hadn’t previously visited Hamilton and didn’t have much knowledge about the city, other than its proximity to Toronto. It wasn’t until my second year of post-secondary that I ventured to downtown Hamilton and decided from that moment on that I would remain in Hamilton after school. Seven years later, I am more in love now with the city than I ever have been. Twitter handle: @patricia_ savoie Networks: Downtown Hamilton BIA Planning and Beautification committee co-chair. Favourite restaurant in the downtown:
A friend of mine introduced me to Pho Dau Bo on Cannon Street right after moving to Hamilton and it’s been my go-to, fast, casual lunch spot ever since. Best feature of life in Hamilton:
The culture. Coming from a small town of about 600 people, you get used to the relationships you build, even if it’s just a casual wave or smile as you walk past them. Hamilton, although half a million people in size, shares many of the same characteristics. The big city with the small town feeling. It truly feels like home. What would make Hamilton a better city:
Hamilton has the people in place to help it in reaching its full potential. Coun. Matthew Green is an excellent example of a highly respected individual that wants the best for this city and its people for generations to come. As a parent and a young professional, just like Mr. Green, I respect that and can’t wait for my daughter and me to be part of the evolution of this great city. Contacts: savoiepatricialynn@gmail.com Quote: Be memorable. It really is as easy as reaching in for a handshake and saying, “Hi, my name is so and so. Pleasure to meet you.”
If you know a Hamilton Professional who would make a good candidate for this profile series, send an email to shenderson@thespec.com.