Aug. 10, 2021

This week’s Up-and-Comer is Jill Smith, partner and vice president of digital services at Insight Marketing Design.

Name: Jill Smith

Age:  38

Hometown: Egan

What brought you to Sioux Falls?  

I grew up on a farm north of Sioux Falls and have lived in the area my whole life other than my college years in Phoenix, Arizona.

What keeps you in Sioux Falls? 

I love the fact that my family and I can enjoy the benefits of a metro area and then a short drive away enjoy the benefits of small-town life as well. We truly have the best of both worlds. Since I live in the Dell Rapids area, I have a nice drive to and from work every day. I love the view leaving the city, especially in the spring and summer – the wide-open green fields against a bright blue sky is the best.

What’s your favorite thing about your job?

The variety! There’s always something new to learn, so there is no chance of being bored or tired of your job. We work with a variety of clients in many industries, and in order to effectively tell their story through marketing efforts, we need to learn their product/service/industry as well as they do. I’ve learned about so many things over the years: taxidermy, financial services, mental health resources, fine jewelry, advanced construction techniques, beer brewing, tower climbing, gastrointestinal support, you name it!

 How did you get connected to your industry?

I’ve been a creator my entire life, but I suppose I can probably thank my older sister for getting me into design! Growing up, she was always involved in designing programs for school events and serving as the yearbook editor in high school. Of course, little sister has to copy big sister, so that’s what I did too. My mom still has the family newspaper that my sisters and I “published” when we were kids. So after high school, I moved to Phoenix and went to a design school, initially thinking I would branch out and learn video editing. I quickly learned video wasn’t my cup of tea and switched my emphasis to multimedia instead. Most people hated the programming classes, but I loved the challenge and have been writing code for 20 years! 

Describe Insight Marketing Design in three words.

Creative. Curious. Responsive.

What is something someone might be surprised to learn about you?

If I hadn’t gotten into the marketing industry, I might be living on a coast somewhere working in marine biology or zoology. But when you’re a kid, the terror of seeing shark fins in the not-so-far distance while swimming in the Gulf of Mexico leaves a lasting – bad – impression. Spoiler: They were really dolphins. 

What’s your favorite way to give back to your community?

I think one of the most valuable things you can give is your time, especially when it comes to children. I’m definitely not the first to say it, but kids are our future; they always have been. The experiences they have from the time they’re little all the way through high school helps to shape who they become as adults. If you want to have an impact on the future, do something that has a positive impact for kids. That can be accomplished in so many ways: volunteer for the school PTO, become a foster parent, coach a sports team, sign up to be a mentor. I believe that parents who are leaders raise kids who turn into leaders themselves as adults. Participate in life. Yes, it takes time and effort, and yes, it is sometimes tiring and hard. But I promise you, it matters.

What’s one business you’d like to see in Sioux Falls that isn’t here now?

Ikea! 

Where do you see yourself in five years?

Two years ago, I had the incredible opportunity to become a partner at Insight, and I plan to continue growing as a leader and mentor over the next five years and beyond. I’m blessed to work with such a great team of individuals and look forward to building on the fantastic foundation that we have.