Grill the Arsonist - Laura A. S.

No one loves a deadline more than Marketing Arsonist Laura. But she’s more than a top-notch project manager. She’s a doer who’s willing to get her hands dirty to get the job done- whether it’s for a client or when it comes to rehabbing her historic home. She’s spilling it all in this edition of “Grill the Arsonist.”

You started your career working at a newspaper. What made you want to be a writer?

Doesn’t everyone want to be a writer when they grow up? I studied English with an emphasis on writing at Augustana. I didn’t necessarily know I wanted to be in journalism until I worked on our school paper, the Augustana Observer. I fell in love with journalism because of the way you use writing and storytelling to put together a big puzzle. Each story identifies everyone from the average Joe to the major game players and shows us how we are all connected to each other, to our community and its resources.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done to get the job?

I was trying to get an internship at Radish, a niche publication affiliated with the Moline Dispatch. I figured I had no shot of getting it, especially because I didn’t have a portfolio. So, I made one.

I took a three-ring binder and cut out articles I’d written and pasted them together like a scrapbook. Or a ransom note. I walked into that interview and presented this scotch tape and scissors creation. Shockingly, I got the internship, which ended up leading to a full-time job.

What are the skills of a great journalist that you brought to the marketing world?

Journalism, first and foremost, teaches you the importance of a deadline. It also made me agile. In the morning, I would be writing about a parade and by the end of the day, I was covering a house fire. In my work at MindFire, I am serving clients with different services and styles, so it helps to be able to switch gears quickly.

You used your research skills to investigate the story behind your historic home. What did you find?

I’ve always wanted to live in a house like the Addams Family’s. Our home was built in the 1890s for the main engineer of the Arsenal Bridge. He was the original owner, but I’ve learned so much about everyone who’s lived there since. I read about the card parties ladies would host and the weddings held here. I am such a research nerd.

The other thing I love about my home is all my stuff. I am a maximalist. The more trinkets, knick-knacks and little treasures, the better.

Any big plans for the summer?

I want to stay busy this summer – lots of camping, hiking and crafting. I’m also committed to trying a spin class at the gym. I am intimidated by the intensity (and the yelling!) – but I swear, I am going to try it.