Joan Villas
Finance, Sr. Account Executive

What got you into this business in the first place? I have always loved advertising, when I was a kid I worked for Coca-Cola at Falcon’s games. I was part of the Red Couch Crew picking out fans to participate in experiential brand immersions.
Who was a big influence in your career? Mi “mamita” being a single parent entrepreneur who proved that she could be successful in a man’s world.  Giving me constant lessons and exposure to the practice of business management as part of my upbringing. I found, as Marvin Gaye would say, that there “ain’t no mountain high enough”.
What was "your finest moment," the thing you're most proud of? Graduating cum laude a year early on my birthday; it became my goal on orientation day when I found out that B-school graduations were held on December 15th.
Is there a great client story you'd care to share? While setting up the client’s booth at a large expo event a neighboring automotive brand drove one of its cars leaving huge tread marks on our newly installed carpet. Consequently I had to fight for my client’s rights and demand immediate repair hours before the grand opening.  Have you ever had to fight with an union worker?
What attracted you to IMAGES? My first day at IMAGES USA a gut feeling told me that the potential for my personal growth and professional development was going to be exponential.
Do you have a method for coming up with ideas and solutions for clients?Selling the brand to myself first.  Once I breathe it I become the brand. When you are inspired ideas pour.
What makes a great brand? The essence of a great brand its is capacity to create an emotional link with its audience. A great brand reaches not only the brain, it reaches the heart.
What driving career goals do you still have? Continue to broaden my horizons by building Hispanic equity for brands that traditionally focus on the general market.  Eventually flying solo as a consultant.
What talent do you wish you had? Being able to fly planes like Top-Gun.
If you had to live on a desert island, what would you miss most? People. I am a people person; people charge me with energy.  I like to exchange ideas about the world, economy, religion, politics, etc… anything that adds to my arsenal.
Is there any food that helps you think more creatively? Well, I like the food that usually costs “nothing”  For some reason my brain just begins to create.
What's your favorite sports team? The New York Yankees and La Selección Colombia, the Colombian National Soccer team.
What frustrates you the most? Lack of pro-activeness.
Tell us about your pets? I have an over-jealous pit-bull and a demanding cat, do I need to say more???!!!
What was growing up like for you? Being the first born in my extended family was as if I had the genie in the lamp. Every wish was my command!!!
What's your favorite TV program? And your least favorite? I don’t have a real favorite; I much prefer diversity.  I don’t like the show “Cops”; what are they thinking?
What do you do for a good time...when you're not working? I am a home person so being at home to me is having a good time. I like to go to movies, restaurants, art exhibitions, jazz lounges, etc.
What was college like for you? College for me was non-traditional because I was a commuter student.  Not living on campus and paying for my schooling gave me more of a real-life perspective than if I lived in the dorms.  I looked at college more as an extension of my career since I was working full-time as well as going to school full-time.  I feel this enriched my studies as I was able to apply what I was learning in one area to the other and have more in-depth conversations with my professors.
What are your favorite internet sites? wikipidea, investopedia, google and of course, youtube.