Mike Maten, Reporting & Analytics Manager, recently celebrated 15 years at Harmelin Media. To mark the occasion, we caught up with him to hear his thoughts on the ever-evolving media industry and to get to know him a little better.
What are some of the notable changes you have seen in the industry since you started at Harmelin?
When I started, digital advertising was small but growing. Each year has seen more and more digital offerings that emerged to keep pace with people’s habits of consuming media. We have had to change alongside the industry to make sure our clients were in the right places at the right time.
How have emerging technologies and AI influenced the industry and your daily work?
AI has given us another coworker to ask questions to and bounce ideas off. It is as useful as you want it to be, and I appreciate the value it brings when applied to tasks that need to be more efficient. The industry is still figuring out what role it plays in each area of expertise, but most people recognize it is a new tool to be used as part of any job.
Where do you see the industry in the next 1 year / 5 years / 10 years?
I see a future for any timeline affected by AI in a similar way that digital advertising affected things over the last 10 years. Broadly speaking, the use of AI will become the norm. It will have various uses in creative, planning, reporting, etc. There isn’t going to be a singular model to follow, but without it, you’ll fall behind.
What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
I love a good road trip, doesn’t matter how far. I’ve taken multiple trips where driving was the only purpose. A week to see 20 states for fun. An overnight drive from Arkansas to New Jersey for a friend. Yearly drives from PA to Michigan to see my grandparents had me hooked at a young age.
What’s a small thing that instantly improves your mood?
Playing with my kids and seeing how exciting the world can be for them. They have a youthful joy for everyday things that makes me relax and puts life in perspective after a long day.
Where is your favorite place to be?
Around cars. Car shows, racetracks, watching racing, driving cars. I love cars and the whole experience they bring across the board. It’s a passion I’ve never grown out of and never will.
Reflections from the Harmelin Community
Chelsea Fletcher, Vice President shares, “From the Reporting & Analytics team, Mike is the definition of a steady presence. Nine years on this team, and he’s been a constant — the kind of person who shows up, keeps things moving, and makes sure the team has what it needs to do its best work. He’s grown alongside all of us, and we’ve been better for having him here. On top of everything he brings to R&A, Mike also serves as Chair of the Green Committee — just another example of the consistency and commitment he brings to Harmelin every day. Congratulations on 15 years, Mike!”
Reuben Martinez, Associate Director, says, “Congrats Mike on 15 years! I’ve known him for almost my entire time here, and he’s been a great friend throughout. Whether we are talking about F1, new Tableau features, or his family, he’s got unmatched energy and passion for it all (AND heads the Green Committee!!). Mike is a hard worker and a great trainer to all the new hires we have on our team, which is not an easy position to juggle with his own work as well! Cheers Mike! Wish you nothing but the best!”
Congratulations, Mike! Thank you for your 15 years of commitment to Harmelin and our clients.
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