Texas Showcase -- Rebecca Glenn Gindele

Rebecca Glenn Gindele, a recent Texas AdGrad and Groupon Sales Representative, took some time to speak with us regarding how she came to live in Austin working for Groupon, and how she became who she is today.

Can you tell us how you ended up studying advertising at The University of Texas?

I actually moved to Austin in 1998 for a job. I graduated from undergrad in 1996 with a BFA in Radio/TV/Film from Sam Houston State University. My first love was always U.T. and I set a goal when I moved to Austin to go back to school and get a degree from Texas. Finally, 12 years later, I quit making excuses and did it! I had worked in TV ad sales for a decade, traveling to LA, Chicago, Dallas, New York, etc. to meet with ad agencies and loved it, so the Advertising graduate program seemed to make perfect sense and Texas is known for having such a great Advertising program. I had a great career and everyone asked me why I was going back to school and what was I going to "do" with my master's degree. Nobody understood, but completing the program and participating in graduation is one of the things I am most proud of in my life.

Where were you raised and how do you think that has shaped the person you are today?

I grew up in the suburbs of Houston. I then went to school just an hour away. I had a pretty typical upbringing...good home, good school, two very hard working, strict parents, activities, church, and part-time jobs from a very young age. I think my mother (my absolute favorite person in the entire world and an amazing woman, she passed away last year running a half-marathon) was determined to see me go to college and have a career, and she always pushed me to work hard and be my best. By the time I got to college, I had to be involved in everything... and have been juggling work, life, volunteer work, family, travel, etc. ever since!

How did you come to work for Groupon and what are some insights that you have gained since joining?

In the summer of 2009 my friend and now sister-in-law, began working for Groupon. At that time, it was just six months old and only in about five cities. Working as the outside rep in Washington DC, she called me and told me to send my resume, thinking it would be a great fit. Next thing I knew, I was on a plane to Chicago and 48 hours later came home with a new job, a laptop and in charge of launching the Austin market. Austin was the 16th city to launch and it has been a great experience. It's a good concept and a winning proposition for all involved. Small businesses get exposure and consumers get deals with an incentive to try out a local business. We'll see brands like Gap or Bath and Body Works use Groupon from time-to-time, but we're really focused on local business.

If you could suggest one professor for incoming students to take, who would it be?

I loved them all, really! But if I had to name one, it would be Dr. Cunningham. She really challenged me and I learned to do math all over again. I felt really smart getting an A in her class! Dr. Drumwright's classes are awesome as well. She really makes you think!

If you didn't live in Austin, where would you live?

Wow, I don't know! I tried living in Southern California a few years ago and I was totally homesick! The beach, the amazing weather, so much to do and yet, I had to come back to Austin. I love living in Austin and then traveling to other places as much as possible. I love that my job takes me to Chicago on a regular basis. It's a great city.

What is it about advertising that you consider to be better than other professions?

Before Groupon, I worked in print for a year and before that, television. I've often found myself being in the position of working with businesses either directly or along side their ad agency. I truly believe in the importance of advertising and how much a business needs it...in all its many, many forms. I love to see businesses grow because they understand the need for it and make it a priority. In my current position, it is so much fun to see how excited business owners get when their store or restaurant is packed with customers or they tell me they've had a record-breaking weekend/quarter/year...and it feels good that I helped make that happen.

Who is your favorite character on Mad Men?

Duh, Jon Hamm. Sexy!

What advice can you give to future advertising students?

First, take any job you can get, you are not too good to answer phones or handle administrative work. We've all done it! Also, take an internship. I didn't in college and had to do it later just to get some sort of real world experience. Last, you are never too old to go back to school. In fact, it's good to work a bit before grad school. I had twelve years between undergrad and grad school and everything made sense because I had plenty of real world experience providing context for what I was learning.

Where do you hang out in your free time and what are some of your favorite things to do when you aren't working?

I love to eat, love wine bars, and love travel! I travel as much as I can, all over the world. Last year I hit spots including St. Barth's, Japan, Canada and Mexico. My husband had work in all of those places. It was a great excuse to get on a plane and travel. I love that being on a plane forces you to relax, read a good book, take a break from the Internet and cell phone and email.

If you had only one movie to watch for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Easy. When Harry Met Sally. Saw it at the theater and I was too young to even get it...I relate to it in a new way every time I watch it.