MASTER OF THE MESSAGE

Stoltz Marketing Group President Jaime Ekman

BY APRIL NEALE

Boise native Jaime Ekman boasts a lifetime of experience in the marketing industry. You could even say that it’s in her blood. Ekman, president and CEO of Stoltz Marketing Group, took it over from her father, Ken Stoltz, after achieving her MBA and establishing a solid career in sales and marketing for global CPG companies, including Nestlé and Merrick Pet Care.

"Stoltz is a family business. My dad started Stoltz 28 years ago, and I came back to run it, buying the business in 2018. I had moved back here a few years prior when I had my first baby and wanted to be closer to family. When I started, there were about 12 employees. And we're 24 now—doubled in size in the last few years, which has been pretty exciting,” Ekman said.

Marketing agencies, often seen as the voice of the people, are adept at interpreting the subtle shifts in public opinion or the sudden onslaught of a trend. Ekman’s own influence has helped carve out a place for her company. Her leadership approach, a unique blend of attention to the news cycle and adherence to a company code of ethics, sets her apart in a crowded field. Ekman's understanding and respect for cultural waves of perception ensure that her team not only comprehends these shifts but also embodies them in their work.

This confidence in Stoltz's ability to adapt to changing trends resonates with clients who struggle with brand identity.

A big-picture approach guides her team in navigating the complex media landscape from every possible communications angle, from publicity campaigns to media placements, and even to resonating content creation. And with a fractious election cycle looming and constant negative news about opportunity in America, Ekman noted that it is the perfect time to act, even when brands step back a little bit in an economic downturn.

"I don't know if it is an election year or people are a little bit worried about the economy, but I think that these times are so important for brands to have the chance to stand out and to really be bold in their marketing and their communications. In uncertain times or when many people are pulling back, that's such an opportunity for brands to stand out," she said.

Of course, not all clients are the right fit for Stoltz. Ekman said that each encounter is an audition for her team's expertise and a meeting of the minds to ensure that the messaging is in line with Stoltz's ethical standards.

"We put a lot of care and thought into our new business strategy and pipeline. We have a document with a checklist of things we look for with clients. And so when we have someone that comes to us and wants to work with us or wants to have a proposal, we run it through that checklist and make sure, first and foremost, that our values are aligned. And also that we see growth and creative potential and just have a good gut check on each client we work with. We have also walked away from businesses with which we don't feel values align," Ekman explained.

This conscientious commitment to her staff, clients, and community is complicated, but it is a challenge Ekman gladly takes on. She’s devoted to making sure that people see growth potential and feel fulfilled by their work, as well as bringing in the right clients to help people feel like they're making an impact. Ekman describes it as the most challenging part of the job too.

“But when you get it right, it's really rewarding," she said.