KORTX’s Strategy team boasts a blend of creativity, strategy, and technical expertise. These strategists breathe life into complex campaigns, aligning each step meticulously with client objectives and company vision.
In this employee spotlight, we introduce you to a key figure on the Strategy team: Drew Pytel, a Sr. Account Strategist. As part of the Strategy team, Drew has facilitated successful new business meetings and continues to drive client conversations and partnerships forward with his dedication and expertise.
Drew shares insights into his journey into digital advertising—a field that was just budding during his college years, his enthusiasm for tackling diverse challenges at KORTX, and his passions that fuel his creativity outside of work.
Explain your role here at KORTX. What team are you on?
I am currently a Sr. Account Strategist on the Strategy team–which is the (100% biased opinion) best team at KORTX. My role is to crush RFP (Request for Proposal) submissions, nerd out on KORTX Intelligence, and facilitate whatever information our Sales team and client partners need to make informed, strategic digital marketing decisions.
When did you join KORTX?
I joined KORTX in January 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. I didn’t meet anyone in person for the first three months, even though I was local like most KORTXers.
What do you love about KORTX and your role here?
KORTX possesses a unique quality where everyone is incredibly talented and passionately driven towards a unified goal–a rarity in many companies. I love that no two days are the same.
We work across over 20 different industry verticals, so there is always a new challenge. Our Strategy team is also very close-knit, making tackling those projects even more enjoyable.
What sparked your interest in advertising?
I was fortunate that my high school offered Marketing classes, and I was a part of DECA (formerly Distributive Education Clubs of America) while there. I was hooked on the problem-solving aspect of it, likely some early foreshadowing of my strategy background.
I just knew it was the career path for me. After this, I majored in Advertising/Marketing & Management at Northwood University and have never looked back.
Tell us a little about your experience before joining KORTX.
After graduating from Northwood, I began my career in traditional media, working for a spot TV sales company, Katz Media Group. Interestingly, it was there that I met my now-wife; we were both assistants at the time.
Later, I transitioned to the agency side, focusing on media strategy and planning. I spent over seven years working in the automotive sector for some of the larger local agencies. When the opportunity arose to join KORTX as it expanded its Strategy team, the role seemed like an ideal match. Now, nearly three years later, here we are.
What’s your biggest challenge in your role?
Deliverable timelines. This stems from a mix of rapid information needs and our engagement across numerous industry verticals. Predicting surges in requests can be challenging, making managing these demands within our team and external communications even more important.
What are your favorite things to do outside of work?
The beautiful chaos of having three kids under 5 definitely keeps life busy and interesting. Aside from that, playing golf, being outdoors, and watching sports–Go Blue!
If you had an entrance song play every time you entered a room, what would it be?
“Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus. It’s one of the few songs that I will always turn up whenever it comes on.
➡️ More from Drew Pytel:
- Retargeting: What Is It and How Does It Work?: Read more about how retargeting campaigns take user intent data to drive further engagement and conversions.
- Online Video Advertising: A Complete Guide to Kickstart Campaigns: Read more about online video and how to kickstart your campaigns.
➡️ More from our Meet the Team series:
- Meet Jeff Israel: Director of Analytics at KORTX: Read more about our Director of Analytics, Jeff Israel, and his day-to-day duties.
- Meet Jess Ostrom, VP of Client Services: Learn more about Jess Ostrom, exploring her leadership approach and insights into her role.
- Meet Matt Grevenstuk, Ad Operations Specialist: Discover Matt’s passion for advertising and filmmaking and how he helps KORTX succeed.
- Meet Al Morisset, VP, Product & Solutions: Learn about how Al left KORTX only to come back after a year away, feeling called back to his workplace home.