Surf’s
up in North Beach! Introducing one of our newest members at BOCA, Matt Gray.
Since his first introduction to BOCA as an Assistant Account Executive, Matt
has continuously demonstrated his client-facing B2B tech skills, as well as
exhibiting his cool and calm demeanor here at BOCA’s main offices. More
specifically, he currently hones his skills as an AAE working with clients that
specialize in sales enablement and database technologies, all while keeping a
work/life balance that regularly takes him out to the water. As a San Diego
native, Matt indulges his love for the waves day-in and day-out, never missing
a chance to get some sun and good laugh with friends.
Check
out my full interview with Matt below.
What brought you to BOCA?
What initially brought my attention to BOCA was a recommendation from
the principal at my previous agency, Kathleen Gratehouse of Highwire PR. What
made me ultimately choose BOCA as my next agency was the company's unmatched
work/life balance, strong media and analyst relationships, excellent content
bureau and limited employee turnover rate.
What was your occupation
before coming to BOCA?
Before BOCA, I was an intern at Highwire PR, where I also worked with
B2B tech companies. At Highwire, I learned the basics of media relations and
business writing, which definitely prepared me for my position as AAE at BOCA.
I also became extremely familiar with the Salesforce partner ecosystem, which
many current BOCA clients are also a part of. The process of moving from
Highwire to BOCA really helped educate me about the wide array of tech PR
agencies in the Bay Area, and the network that exists within these industries.
What is your current
position at BOCA and what are the keys to success in this position?
My current position at BOCA is assistant account executive (AAE), and I
currently work on sales enablement and database technology accounts. I believe
the keys to success as an AAE include being fast, efficient and extremely
detail-oriented, along with being creative, a great writer and having a deep
understanding of how the media industry operates.
When you are completely
heads-down working, what helps you focus in a hectic environment?
When things get a little hectic around the office, I immediately plug in
my headphones and turn on my Soundcloud stream (follow me at coup de grace!).
Music is a big passion of mine and definitely helps me concentrate when my
surroundings become a little distracting.
Outside the BOCA
environment, what are you most passionate about?
Music is one of my biggest passions. I'm an avid festival-goer and love
the music scene here in San Francisco. My favorite genres include R&B,
electronic, Bossa Nova or any combination of those three. Additionally, as a
native San Diegan, I have a passion for surfing that I've continued here in San
Francisco. Pacifica and Ocean Beach are my two go-to surf spots in Northern
California, but Black’s Beach in San Diego has to be my all-time favorite (much
warmer, too). One last passion of mine is hot yoga—it helps me stay grounded
and keeps my mind centered and body happy.
What is your fondest
memory of being a kid?
My fondest memories as a kid were always at the beach during the summer
in San Diego and Hawaii, building sand castles and bodysurfing.
Who inspires you day in
and day out?
My grandfather, Will Ingalsbe, was one of
my biggest inspirations as a kid and remains a person that I consistently try
to emulate daily, both personally and professionally. He lived an extraordinary
and selfless life, growing up in the midst of the Great Depression when he was
tasked with providing for his mother and seven siblings after his father
abandoned them. He escaped poverty through hard work, determination and focus,
eventually becoming a civil engineer and establishing his own engineering firm
in Los Angeles. Although he passed away some years ago, I still think of him
whenever times get a little tough, reminding me to never give up on getting
what I want out of life.
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