AMA Tampa Bay’s Member Spotlight:

Colonel Jim Fraley

A monthly feature for our members to learn from the insight and experiences of other members

COL Jim, what is your professional background and current position?

JF:  Retired Army Colonel with twenty one and a half years of active duty service. MBA, Logistician, and AMA Tampa Bay Emeritus member since 1989. Currently an active member on the Board of Trustees at the South Florida Museum, Bradenton, FL.  I have also enjoyed 10 years at mid-level management in the corporate retail business at John Wanamaker department store in Philadelphia during a break-in-service.

What has been your most memorable career moment?

JF:  On the retail marketing side, learning women’s high-fashion inside and out, as an Assistant Buyer; from the most demanding Buyer in the corporation. Ever see, “The Devil Wears Prada”?!! I was the best assistant she ever had!

On the Army side of my career, realizing the relationship of marketing and logistics, capping off my leadership responsibilities with assignment to the Logistics Directorate, The Joint Staff, The Pentagon. (The 4 “P’s” of marketing – product, price, promotion, place – dovetails perfectly with “from the factory to the foxhole”!)

What do you think has been the most innovative change in the marketing world over the last 5 years?

JF: Information and Communication technology, specifically, the personal computer and the smart phone. Truly a challenge for marketers since technology is changing at hyper-speed. Stay tuned folks!

How long have you been an AMA Tampa Bay member? And, what do you value most about the chapter?

JF: Emeritus member of AMA Tampa Bay (since 1989), so, I’ve been a supportive and loyal member for 27 years now.  I value the creativity and professional outlook of the volunteer AMA Tampa Bay leadership in providing quality programming and fun marketing events over the years.  I always come away with valuable “nuggets” of information and a sense of camaraderie.

What resources do you use to stay current on marketing best practices? (e.g. blogs, newsletters, websites, conferences, books, podcasts, etc.)

JF:  I glean information from marketing and business acquaintances both locally and throughout the U.S. And if you listen carefully to the gurus on “Shark Tank”, you can stay current on best practices! Over the years, AMA Tampa Bay’s marketing guests have provided tremendous insight on their challenging and perplexing experiences and campaigns, i.e.;  Master Card, Outback, “Got Milk?”, Feld Entertainment, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, Super Bowl Ads Review, Ritz Carlton (Sarasota), Tampa Bay Lightning, Rays, and Buccaneers to mention a few.

What do you like best about living in Tampa Bay?

JF: The weather during “dry season” and the tremendous variety of things to do.  Especially, riding my horse!

What has inspired you lately?

JF:  Serving on the Marketing Committee that is an integral part of the expansion plans for the South Florida Museum in Bradenton, Florida.  This is an exciting time to be involved with the marketing mission.  The “Connect Campaign” is the first phase of the Museum’s new Master Campus Plan.  The key components include the unique Mosaic Backyard Universe, a new “Commons” area, the innovative, educational “Pathways” program, and upgrades to the Manatee Aquarium and existing exhibition areas.

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This monthly feature is presented by Alison Clinton.

Alison is volunteering her time with AMA Tampa Bay on the communications team as the Director of Content.  She is also Director of Marketing at Bright House Networks in St. Petersburg.  LinkedIn

If you would like to be considered for an upcoming Member Spotlight, please email [email protected].