Anniversary Interview: Meghan O’Neil, Media Director, Celebrates 15 Years with Harmelin Media
Last month Meghan O’Neil, Media Director Local Broadcast Buying, celebrated her 15th year at Harmelin Media. To celebrate her years at Harmelin, we sat down with Meghan to talk about her thoughts on the changing nature of our industry and to get to know her better.
What are some of the notable changes you have seen in the industry since you started at Harmelin?
Oh man, I mean, what hasn’t changed? There will likely be notable changes from the time I write this until it gets published! The most notable change I see is the number of options and platforms there are to get our clients’ messages out. Almost every week you hear from a new company and their offerings. It’s great that there is so much out there to take advantage of, but it can certainly be hard to keep up with it all! When I first started at Harmelin, TV buys were pretty cut and dry, but now with all the streaming and video options, it’s an entirely different world. Measurement has come a long way too, and I’m constantly impressed with the analytical tools that are available to us now.
What has been your greatest success at Harmelin?
I would have to say it’s the relationships I have built with my coworkers and colleagues in the industry. I have found throughout my 15 years that having genuine and trustworthy relationships with the people you work with both inside and outside the agency goes a long way. We are all working together to do the best for our clients, and when you can go into discussions with mutual respect, things go a whole lot further. Some of those colleagues who have left the agency or industry remain good friends, and I love that aspect of this business.
Where do you see the industry in the next 1 Year, 5 years, 10 years?
This is a hard question to answer after the last 18 months. We have seen things evolve so much more quickly than ever anticipated. In March of 2020, we had to quickly navigate a complete shift in viewing habits and media consumption, and it continues to change regularly. Over the next one to five years, I think we will be looking at a totally different way of media planning and buying, because of how much we have learned so quickly in the last year and a half. The options to get our clients’ messages out will continue to grow for sure, and we will have to figure out how to put together a plan or buy that is a mix of the new normal. And in 10 years? Who knows!
Where is your favorite place to be?
That’s a tie for me. Chicago is my favorite city. I try to go at least once a year. The people are so nice, Lake Michigan is beautiful, and the food and social scene is second to none. But if it’s anytime between November and May (aka Chicago winter), please send me to my other favorite place, Vegas, baby!
Fun Tidbit about you/Something no one could guess about you?
I played the saxophone in grade school. It didn’t last long, but if anyone wants to hear a solid rendition of Hot Cross Buns on the sax, I’m your gal.
What is your favorite Song, Movie or TV Show and why?
There are so many shows I love, but I think overall it would be The Office. It’s so well written and I find that kind of dry humor incredibly funny. I also went to college at the University of Scranton, so I pick up on little tidbits that they reference of places in the area or that we used to frequent when I was in school. They actually have a University of Scranton flag hanging by the front desk in the show!
Senior Media Director Wendy Rumer has been Meghan’s supervisor since she joined Harmelin in 2006: “It has been such a pleasure to work with Meghan these past 15 years, as her supervisor since day one. Meghan has taken everything I taught her and made it so much more. In addition to being very smart and always willing to learn more, she is such a no-nonsense, hard worker and I have many times over the years adjusted my mind-set to copy her attitude. Congratulations on your anniversary Meghan!”
Cheryl Klear, Senior VP of Harmelin’s local broadcast buying team, shares: “Meghan has a wonderful work ethic and is such a valuable asset to our team. She has a huge buying load yet never hesitates to volunteer for additional assignments. She’s very efficient but not at the expense of being a great negotiator and highly accurate at everything she does.”
Media Director Erin Barrett has enjoyed working with together with Meghan on the local broadcast team: “I have had the pleasure of working closely with Meghan since I started at Harmelin Media. She has a keen understanding of our ever-changing industry, is quick to learn and adapt to new strategies that in turn benefit our clients and has cultivated strong agency and vendor relationships over her years at Harmelin Media.”
Thank you, Meghan, for your 15 years of dedication to Harmelin and our clients. Congratulations!