We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marissa Kiersch a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Marissa, thanks for joining us today. Can you share a story with us from back when you were an intern or apprentice? Maybe it’s a story that illustrates an important lesson you learned or maybe it’s a just a story that makes you laugh (or cry)?

Coming out of my freshman year in college, I had the exciting opportunity to intern with the Disney On Ice Marketing team. This experience was pivotal for me in learning about the corporate world and honing my organizational skills. One of the key tasks assigned to me was to create an inventory system for all samples, plush, promotional materials, and more.

I remember feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness as I approached this task. It felt like a huge responsibility, but also a fantastic challenge. I dove into it headfirst, designing a catalogue system that would organize everything by show, item, and various other criteria. The process of setting this up was incredibly fulfilling—I got to flex my creative and analytical muscles, figuring out the best ways to categorize and store each item.

One day, I was deep in the weeds of this project when my supervisor walked by and noticed the detailed system I was creating. She took a moment to praise my work, commenting on how efficient and comprehensive it was. That little bit of recognition meant the world to me and motivated me even more.

This internship taught me a lot about attention to detail, the importance of organization, and the value of taking initiative. It also reinforced the idea that even seemingly small tasks can have a significant impact. Looking back, it’s a story that not only makes me smile but also reminds me of the foundational skills and lessons that continue to shape my approach to leadership and project management today.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

In the 20 years since its founding, 15|40 has grown to be the destination for strategic thinking, meaningful solutions and zeitgeist direction on cutting-edge experiential events, specializing in creative-led marketing events and one of a kind experiential entertainment premieres, immersive experiences and activations for the world’s most well-known and loved global brands and streaming services. This includes the likes of Amazon, Disney, Netflix, Paramount, Hulu and many more.

Our ultimate goal is to tap into the pop culture hype and industry pulse, helming end-to-end creation and production of an event that allows for a brand or company to create their own memorable cultural moment and positive experiences for consumers. Our incredible team always has a beat on the next viral industry trend, and are able to remain a step ahead as we continuously evolve and diversify our capabilities.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Upon graduating college, I started my career in corporate PR, focusing on the entertainment industry and working closely with the C-Suites at studios and production companies. I learned a lot, but after a few years, I realized it wasn’t my ultimate path. I had to make the difficult decision to leave a place I called home and a team that felt like family to navigate my own path and move forward into the fast-paced world of events.

It was a challenging decision, but ultimately, it was the right one. It allowed me to meet new people and gain confidence in myself and my abilities. If I hadn’t made that choice back then, I don’t think I would have met Craig Waldman (President and CCO of 15|40 Productions) and the 15|40 team. My life would have been very different.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

At 15|40, we place a strong emphasis on loyalty, not just within our team but also with our partners. We view our clients as an extension of ourselves, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration.

To keep in touch with clients and build brand loyalty, we implement several key strategies:

1. Regular Communication: We maintain consistent and open lines of communication with our clients. This includes regular check-ins, updates on project progress, and promptly addressing any concerns or feedback.

2. Personalized Engagement: We take the time to understand each client’s unique needs and preferences, tailoring our interactions and services to meet their specific goals. This personalized approach helps clients feel valued and understood.

3. Quality Service: Delivering exceptional service and consistently exceeding client expectations is at the heart of our operations. By ensuring high standards and attention to detail, we build trust and reliability.

4. Mutual Respect: We treat our clients with respect and professionalism, building strong relationships based on mutual trust and integrity.

5. Shared Success: We celebrate milestones and successes with our clients, acknowledging their contributions to our collective achievements. This shared sense of accomplishment strengthens our bonds and reinforces loyalty.

By integrating these practices, we create lasting partnerships that go beyond mere transactions, fostering deep-rooted loyalty and long-term collaboration.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.1540productions.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/15l40/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1540productions/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/15-40-productions/
• Twitter: https://x.com/1540production?lang=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCejMQpPeo0r7dQEHjkKRPVQ