Terri Weisbord and Tammy Graham worked together at a radio station, selling ads. Life was good. They earned good money, were passionate about their work and enjoyed their co-workers. But they couldn’t resist the idea of going into business for themselves, founding their advertising and marketing firm WG Communications Group in 2000.
What is the best business advice you’ve received?
Weisbord: Jay Goodart said to me, “Terri, you are going to open up an advertising agency, and I’m going to be your first client. You are not going to miss another child’s first steps.” He was GM of Scott Toyota in Scottsdale, Ariz., at the time.
Graham: I’ve taken pearls of wisdom from many people in my career. One I remember came from Jim Rogers, the former owner of Channel 3. He used to say, “Don’t trip over dollars trying to get to dimes.” This becomes very important when you’re in business for yourself, because you don’t earn a paycheck unless you generate it.
What has been your most exciting professional project?
Weisbord: We have been lucky to work with incredible clients, and we have great moments with all of them — shooting commercials with drones, putting together advertising for Elton John’s WTT Smash Hits, producing video for eight charities, creating an animated flying genie with just a week to air. It’s a crazy, fun business, and I love it all.
Graham: The projects pertaining to education in our state and the well-being of children hold special places in our hearts. We’ve worked with College of Southern Nevada for the past 12 years, and for that we are constantly proud. We were part of a team that put together a successful statewide campaign to help find adoptive and foster homes for children.
What inspired you to leave the radio business and open your own advertising agency?
Weisbord: I was an advertising major and always wanted to work with a big ad agency. I would provide complete marketing plans for my radio clients. I couldn’t just sell them spots; it wasn’t my nature. So when one of my clients said that I needed to open up my own agency, I listened. It was a hard decision, because I loved selling radio. The people were fun and the atmosphere was exciting. Plus, I made a great income. I would be losing that security instantly. But the trade-off of being able to pick up my kids from school and go on vacation without asking (except for Tammy, of course) was a no-brainer.
Graham: When I sold radio, I would help my clients choose all different types of media to include in their marketing plans. Sometimes this didn’t include my own station, but I had to recommend what was right for their business. As an advertising agency, there are no limits to what can be done to promote a client’s business. It was a logical progression from a narrow focus to a broader focus. As a testament to doing what’s right for your client, one of those early radio clients I counseled had such appreciation for my honest recommendations that they became one of WG’s first accounts and are still with us over 15 years later.
Talk about your community service efforts.
Weisbord: I have participated in many cancer-related programs, in addition to supporting the local tennis community. Cancer is very close to my heart, as it has affected my family personally. I love tennis and like to help the sport as much as I can through media. I am active in trying to keep professional tennis coming to Las Vegas and have worked closely with the Nevada Tennis Association and World TeamTennis.
Graham: I have been involved with the Assistance League of Las Vegas for several years. This is a great organization that helps disadvantaged kids in the Clark County School District get the clothing and supplies necessary to help them succeed in school and build a positive foundation for life.
What are you reading right now?
Weisbord: Reading for me is a way to escape, so please don’t judge. I am reading “Outlander” and “Difficult Conversations” — “Outlander” for obvious girly reasons. Everyone could learn something from “Difficult Conversations” in the first five pages.
Graham: I love history. Most recently, I read “Boys in the Boat,” about the 1936 U.S. Olympic rowing team.
Describe your management style.
Weisbord: I think we hire people we really trust and let them do their jobs autonomously. We are not micromanagers. I think we’ve both had to learn to let go a little and trust the people we’ve hired to do their jobs.
Graham: I am laid-back. I prefer people to want to work with us. I’ve always heard you work for people, not companies. I want to be one of those people that inspire good teamwork.
What is your dream job, outside of your current field?
Weisbord: I always wanted to be an archaeologist. I love to travel the world, and I really enjoy history and cultures. I didn’t go that route, because my father said he wouldn’t let me go to college if I became an archaeologist — because I would be a lonely spinster. That still makes me laugh.
Graham: I love interior design and architecture.
Whom do you admire?
Weisbord: I really admire my husband, Rob. He has worked so hard at his career to provide for our family. He started at rock bottom and has risen to the top, all while being an incredible husband and father. He is passionate about life and his dreams. He always comes up with one more great idea, and then makes it happen.
Graham: For me, it’s more a list of characteristics: strong women who balance career and family, someone who never says “It’s not my job,” people who remain humble and accepting of others after achieving success.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
Weisbord: People who don’t do what they say they will. I would rather someone be honest and tell me how it is rather than just blow smoke.
Graham: Lateness.
What is something that people might not know about you?
Weisbord: I am pretty sensitive. Hallmark commercials make me cry.
Graham: My dream vacation is a meandering RV trip around the U.S. and Canada.