Today we’d like to introduce you to Cory Dickson.
Hi Cory, thanks for joining us today. Tell us how you got started in the Media Industry.
I started my marketing journey at the age of 16 where I was introduced to Radio Broadcasting. I spent the weekends working at my hometown radio station, Brownsville Radio.
Playing country music, reporting local news, airing UT Football games, and taking song requests from my friends was the beginning of my love for the industry.
I attended the University of TN focusing on Communications and Broadcasting. During college, I started interning at Dick Broadcasting Company.
After graduation, I began working for Dick Broadcasting (WIVK, WNML SportsTalk, and WOKI Newstalk Radio) in 1998 and held numerous positions throughout the company. Responsibilities included developing creative advertising strategies, campaigns, and promotions for client businesses, local and regional.
I worked with a multitude of different clientele in different industries, including fast food, automotive, theme parks, home improvement companies, retail, health care, and educational institutions. Creating unique ideas and opportunities for clients is extremely rewarding, as well as being part of impactful promotions and events that support the local community.
I loved working in radio and spent 21 years at the same company. It was a huge part of me, it was my family, and it was something I was extremely proud to be part of. During my time there, we were sold twice. We went from a locally owned company (Dick Broadcasting) to Citadel Communications, and then to what it is currently, Cumulus Media.
With all the changes happening in the company, as well as the industry as a whole, I felt I wanted more and needed to explore what else was out there for me.
I stepped outside of my comfort zone and went back to school. It was a lot juggling a full-time job, 7-year-old twins, school, and finding out I was pregnant. I graduated in December 2017 with an Executive MBA in Strategic Leadership from the Haslem College of Business. My desire was stronger than ever to make a change and take a chance. I had the confidence I needed from my experience, degree, and, most importantly, the support of my family and faith.
Dickson Media & Events was launched in the Fall of 2019 with a mission to offer the best customer service and engaging marketing campaigns that help businesses growth; to think creatively and recommend solutions for a diverse array of clients and do whatever it takes to help them succeed.
I am driven by passion, the relationships I have and build, and lots of background experience. My expertise is in developing unique ways to bring my clients’ brands and messages to one of the broadest audiences in East Tennessee. I believe a successful advertising campaign moves and inspires, resonating deeply with a brand’s target audience.
It’s been an exciting journey so far. With two years under my belt, I have enjoyed seeing clients get results, building a talented team, and continuing to fulfill my goals and dreams.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not too long after launching Dickson Media and Events, the global pandemic hit, and the entire world shut down. It was an uncertain time for everyone, and I worried about my clients and the future of my new company.
We were in uncharted territory and had to change plans, strategies, and advertising campaigns quickly. Event marketing is a huge part of my company and we had several exciting events in the works for spring and summer of 2020. All of those events were canceled and we were stuck not knowing if or when they would come back.
However, we continued to push forward and we had faith that we would get through it… and WE DID!!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Dickson Media & Events?
At Dickson Media & Events, it is our mission to partner with valued clients to help them reach their business goals by providing quality solutions, exceptional knowledge, and professional services.
These services include a full marketing plan with brand awareness and campaign development, media placement, production digital capabilities, and social media advertising.
Event marketing is an area our company specializes in. I have always enjoyed planning events and parties and was excited that I had the opportunity to learn and grow more in that space during my time in radio. Radio station promotions, client events, along with community and charity events were some of the best parts of my job.
When I began to build my company concept, I knew event marketing had to be part of it. Event marketing is highly effective for achieving business goals, boosting revenue, and making strong connections with future prospects and customers. The event world is fast-paced, fun, and always full of surprises.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
During the Covid-19 crisis, I learned how to take a step back from our crazy hectic life and breathe. It brought family time back to the forefront of my life.
We learned to spend quality time together again. We were reminded to enjoy the simple things like riding bikes, building forts in the woods, cooking, and playing kickball in the cul-de-sac.
We learned to get by on much less and still be content. I realized it was okay to slow down. Slowing down is what helps us truly live in the present and find contentment with our circumstances.
Contact Info:
- Email: cdickson@dicksonmediaevents.com
- Website: www.dicksonmediaevents.com
- Instagram: @dickson_media
- Facebook: @dicksonmediaevents
