We recently connected with Jessica Bennett and have shared our conversation below.
Jessica, appreciate you joining us today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Success, in my view, is a blend of perseverance, sacrifice, and determination. It’s about navigating through life’s challenges and coming out stronger on the other side. My journey has been shaped by several defining moments that have reinforced this belief.
One of the earliest and most impactful experiences I’ve faced was discovering I was pregnant at 18, just after graduating from high school. As a top student who had secured early acceptance to Texas A&M University, I thought I had my future carefully planned. When I found out I was going to be a mother, it was a shock. But I embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, knowing I was meant to raise my son, Branson. From the start of my pregnancy, I was determined to pursue my dreams. I enrolled at San Jacinto College and took classes throughout my pregnancy and for the next several years until I completed my degree. I even took an exam the day after I gave birth!
Balancing a full-time job, a rigorous college schedule for both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and the responsibilities of motherhood has required immense sacrifice. My evenings and weekends are usually spent working or studying, and my weekdays revolve around taking my son back and forth to private school. The unwavering support of my family and friends, and especially my parents, has enabled me to pursue higher education and create an exciting career for myself while raising my son. I am on track to complete my Master of Arts in Digital Media Studies next spring, and Branson is now 18 himself and set to graduate from high school in the spring now.
Professionally, my journey in marketing and communications has been equally demanding and rewarding. I started as an intern at a PR firm while still in college, where I gained valuable experience in media relations, event planning, and content creation. This internship eventually led to a full-time position at the firm. During my time there, I landed a client interview on Fox & Friends Morning Show, and this remains one of my most cherished client wins! This foundational marketing and PR experience propelled me into a role at Perry Homes, where I worked for nearly six years. At Perry Homes, I led a rebranding initiative across multiple online and social media channels, significantly increasing follower growth and media coverage. In 2023, I became the Vice President of Marketing at J. Talasek Homes, where I further honed my strategic marketing skills.
Now, I am excited to share that I’ve recently partnered with Cari Infante and serve as the Vice President of Marketing at Infante Marketing Solutions (IMS). I am incredibly grateful for the chance to further expand my skillset and owe much of my growth to Cari’s guidance and mentorship over the past eight years, dating back to our work together at Perry Homes. At IMS, I’ll be leveraging my marketing expertise not only for J. Talasek Homes, who remains my valued client, but also for a broader range of clientele. This strategic move allows me to continue delivering first-class services and support while exploring new opportunities.
In essence, success is about making the most of the opportunities presented, overcoming obstacles with grace, and staying true to one’s purpose. My faith is very important to me, and I know that He has given me a purpose as a mother and as a marketing professional. My experiences have taught me that with determination, sacrifice, and faith, it is possible to turn even the most challenging situations into stepping stones toward success.
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.
My journey into the marketing industry was inspired by a conversation with my twin sister, Jennifer, who doesn’t even remember it! At the time, I was working towards a degree in Education and had just completed my associate’s degree in childhood development from San Jacinto College. Before starting at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL), I was considering switching to a field with more opportunities for growth. Jennifer recommended marketing, knowing I was a creative person who enjoyed writing, photography, planning parties, and other creative endeavors. I loved the idea immediately and never looked back. I then enrolled in the Communication program at UHCL to further develop my skills and knowledge in this field.
One of my natural skills is writing. While it can be challenging at times due to writer’s block and my tendency to over-analyze and rewrite my work, it’s a skill I deeply value and enjoy. Writing is something I can utilize forever, and it’s an integral part of my career. During my final semester of my bachelor’s degree program, I was focusing heavily on graphic design for my portfolio. While I enjoy graphic design, it’s not my true area of talent. My designs tend to be more playful and unpolished. My mentor at the time questioned why I wasn’t showcasing my writing skills instead, as I am fundamentally a writer. That conversation has stayed with me, reinforcing the importance of embracing my strengths.
What type of products/services/creative works do you provide? What problems do you solve for your clients, and/or what do you think sets you apart from others? What are you most proud of? What are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work, etc.?
Empowering Business Growth through Tailored Marketing Solutions
At Infante Marketing Solutions (IMS), where I serve as the Vice President of Marketing, we offer a wide range of services, including content strategy, social media management, branding, public relations, event planning, website development, and digital marketing. Our goal is to help clients build and enhance their brands through creative and strategic marketing solutions. IMS was established by Cari Infante, a seasoned marketing expert with over 20 years of experience in marketing strategy, branding, digital marketing, and project management. We specialize in elevating businesses to the next level through comprehensive marketing strategies and innovative communications techniques, helping them grow their revenue, market share, and customer loyalty by creating and executing effective marketing campaigns and solutions.
Unique Strengths
What sets IMS apart is our combined experience and distinct expertise, which allows us to cover virtually every aspect of the marketing sector. Cari and I have worked closely together for almost a decade, offering our clients a unique and powerful partnership. Together, we bring a strong competitive edge to our work.
With our team of contractors and business partners, we provide a full spectrum of marketing services tailored to meet the specific needs of each client. During our collaboration at Perry Homes, I had the opportunity to establish a marketing communications department from the ground up. My role encompassed managing the brand voice, organic social media strategy and content, media relations, PR, corporate communications, and initiatives related to the Perry Homes Foundation. Cari, serving as the Senior Vice President of Marketing, offered strategic leadership and oversight for the entire operation. This experience demonstrated our ability to form a highly effective team with a comprehensive and unique skill set.
What further distinguishes us is our personalized approach and dedication to understanding each client’s unique needs and goals. While we have strong expertise in the real estate sector, serving production and custom homebuilders, we’ve also retained clients in the non-profit space, which is near and dear to our hearts, among other industry sectors. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we craft innovative strategies that align with our clients’ visions and objectives. Our team is passionate about delivering exceptional services and supporting our clients in achieving their business and marketing goals.
Proud of IMS’ growth
I am incredibly proud of the work we’ve done at IMS, especially in the short amount of time since its inception. IMS was founded in July 2023, and we have been so busy with client work that we haven’t even had much time to market the business, which is honestly a blessing! We just hired our first intern for the summer, and she will be working to create our company website. We are currently active on LinkedIn—follow us there!
The Main Thing About Me
I am passionate about my work, I love what I do, and I find joy in making a meaningful contribution to my field and to my clients. I strive to achieve the highest standards in everything I do, ensuring that every project or task is completed thoroughly, regardless of the challenges that may arise. I also aim to bring positivity wherever I go, creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed, included, and valued. Most importantly, I believe in the importance of making a positive impact in the world, giving back, and serving those in need.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
First, I am a HUGE Friends fan. Every time I see the word “pivot,” I instantly think of Ross and Rachel trying to move the couch upstairs. And second, “pivot” is a favorite expression of mine and Cari’s!
Personally, my first most impactful experience of having to pivot was when I discovered I was pregnant at 18. I had originally planned to attend Texas A&M University to pursue Education, but I had to pivot my educational goals. I later enrolled at the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) and pursued a degree in Communication instead. The change was challenging, but it all worked out in the end. I graduated from UHCL and now have a flourishing career in the field I studied.
In my professional life, the ability to pivot has been essential to my success. I pivot on projects and priorities daily. It’s a learned skill, and not necessarily an easy or stress-free one, but it’s crucial to know how to shift focus from client to client, ensuring all projects are completed while meeting deadlines.
One of the most significant pivots in my career was transitioning from J. Talasek Homes as an internal employee to Vice President of Marketing at Infante Marketing Solutions (IMS), where I now serve J. Talasek as my client in addition to a number of other clients. Moving to IMS meant adapting to a new environment and taking on a broader range of responsibilities.
Transitioning to this dynamic, fast-paced role, where I now support multiple builders instead of just one, has greatly contributed to my growth. Each client has unique features and marketing strategies, allowing me to explore diverse approaches and foster a network of shared ideas. This shift has broadened my expertise, enhanced my multitasking and prioritization skills, and enabled me to deliver professional, innovative ideas and results to a variety of clients.
Cari and I have worked closely together for almost a decade, and our ability to pivot has been a key factor in our success. Whether it’s adjusting strategies to meet a client’s evolving needs or tackling new industry challenges, our adaptability and innovative thinking enable us to deliver exceptional services and help our clients achieve their business and marketing goals.
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
Speaking of pivoting, one of my favorite marketing stories took place during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic forced marketers to rethink traditional approaches and find new, innovative ways to reach our audiences. At Perry Homes, we were no exception. Our sales were heavily reliant on in-person interactions and home tours, which were suddenly not feasible. We had to pivot our strategy quickly and effectively to maintain our sales momentum.
I was tasked with creating walkthrough inventory videos of available homes within my divisions in Houston. This was a relatively new approach for us, but I believed it could be a powerful tool to reach potential buyers who were stuck at home. I worked with my talented marketing team to film, edit, and share these videos on various platforms, including Facebook.
One particular video I created was shared on the Perry Homes Facebook page. Within hours, a realtor tagged his clients in the post so they could view the video. They had been searching for a new home for months and had toured several properties without success. After watching the video, the realtor and his clients made an appointment to view the home in person the very next day. During the walkthrough, they watched the video again to make sure they viewed every feature in person. They fell in love with the home and officially purchased it within a few days of the video being posted.
This success story was thrilling and memorable. It was amazing to see how our innovative approach could directly link marketing efforts to home sales. The video created a sense of urgency and excitement, leading to a quick and decisive purchase. The impact was so significant that the story made its way to the CEO, highlighting the importance of our efforts. This reinforced the value of thinking outside the box and adapting quickly to new challenges. It was incredibly gratifying to see our hard work and innovative spirit pay off during such a challenging time.
This marketing strategy highlighted the importance of pivoting in response to changing circumstances. It demonstrated that creativity and determination can lead to remarkable outcomes. This remains one of my favorite and most rewarding marketing success stories.
Image Credits
Dominique Vien