Michael Seay of Toledo is a board advisor and former District 5 Governor.
Q. Where do you work and what does your company do?
A. I am Director of Design2Influence and SensoryMax, two agencies of the Madison Avenue Marketing Group. In 2012, we expanded SensoryMax, focusing on Sensory Marketing and the Client Experience through audio, visual, and aroma engagement. In 2015 we launched Design2Influence, our branding, advertising, and design agency.
Q. Why did you want to be part of AAF? What value does AAF bring to you as an individual and to your business?
A. I won my first membership at an AAF Toledo event and quickly realized how much value a membership has. I was recruited to the local board, served as President, and then moved to the District 5 board. In the initial years, my membership helped me discover my passions in this business; it has since afforded me the ability to create, mentor, and develop a stellar team. I have made invaluable friendships and business relationships and even found a few coworkers through AAF.
Q. Which is your local chapter?
A. I’m forever a proud member of AAF Toledo. I joined the board in 2007 and have been a part of it since. With an Executive Director like Patty Schoepf keeping us on track, we’re very lucky. Also, 2017 marks my seventh year as chair and host of the American Advertising Awards in Toledo.
Q. Why did you decide to become a District leader?
A. I was originally told that [former Governor] John McCafferty would pick up the bar tab at our meetings; sadly that information was incorrect. Regardless, I knew that joining the District board would afford me the opportunity to meet another great group of people and get a broader look at our industry across the nation.
Q. What are your responsibilities and goals this year?
A. My main responsibility is to remind Governor Lee that she is doing a really, really, really good job. Beyond that, I lead the efforts to make sure our District 5 Leadership Conference in April is a huuuuge success.
Q. How does D5 bring value to the members in our District?
A. All of the clubs in our District benefit greatly by sharing knowledge and best practices. The District is also an essential piece of the American Advertising Award competition. We truly have the best District; I hope all of our members know that. I’m extremely proud every year at the national conference to see many of our D5 clubs honored and the creative work of our members represented at the national ADDY show.
Q. How do you spend your free time?
A. I was told early on that “time isn’t free, spend it wisely.” Luckily, I have a great group of friends and family that I’m able to spend it with. That includes my work family, who are hands down the best in the business.
