Central MA Up + Comer: Sales & Marketing Specialist Stephanie Ramey

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Susan Wagner, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Stephanie Ramey has an entrepreneurial spirit that seeks to combine all of her marketing skills to form her own business.

Stephanie Ramey is a marketing and real estate professional who resides in Worcester, MA with her husband and two children. She has over seven years of marketing, communications, and event management experience in a variety of settings including, healthcare, education, print, and telecommunications. She is currently a Sales & Marketing Specialist for Charter Business and a Real Estate Agent with ERA Key Realty Services.

A conversation with Stephanie Ramey

SW: Can you describe your dual career?

SR: Currently, I manage marketing in New England for Charter Business, a telecommunications company. In my role, I support a sales team of approximately twenty men and women. It’s my goal to identify opportunities in the business community for them to network and promote themselves and our brand. I also handle regional sponsorships, assist in promotions, product launches, and ensure the company is well established in the markets we serve.

In addition, I am also a real estate agent with ERA Key Realty Services in Worcester. I love living in the city and especially enjoy having an opportunity to explore the older homes in the area. Ultimately, I consider myself a marketing professional. I’ve learned a great deal about public relations, marketing and business throughout my career. Having an ability to take these skills and incorporate them into something as exciting as real estate is gratifying.

SW: What is the best thing about your job? Your life?

SR: Both my roles are networking intensive. I love that. Having an opportunity to meet so many new people is exciting and invigorating. Every day brings something new. I have two little ones at home, a three-year-old, Ben, and a ten-month-old, Norah. They are constantly doing or saying something that amazes me. They inspire me and help motivate me to be a better person and to really strive to not only be successful, but to be a good person in all facets of life.

SW: Can you describe a day in your life?

SR: Crazy. Every day, my husband and I are juggling back and forth; packing lunches, dropping off and picking up kids, working multiple jobs, band practice, college…we’re always in a state of organized chaos.

When I am in the office, I am always looking for new opportunities to promote Charter Business and our sales team. I coordinate many business and IT focused events, including after hours, lunch and learns, and educational workshops; I am currently working on an Experts in Technology Panel focused on business phone systems that will be held in May at the Beechwood Hotel.

SW: What is your dream job?

SR: Someday, I plan to own my own business. I haven’t pinpointed exactly what that business will be yet. I have developed a great set of skills focusing around communications, writing, photography, marketing, graphic arts, networking, real estate, sales...once I figure out how I want to apply these skills, I’m going to be unstoppable. I have this intense entrepreneurial desire.

SW: What is your favorite movie and why?

SR: Remember the Titans. It’s uplifting and demonstrates what can be accomplished when people put aside their differences and respect one another. I feel like I’m on an emotional rollercoaster every time I see it, I laugh, cry, get angry…but it’s such a great movie.

SW: What music do you listen to?

SR: I love music and have been an avid concert goer since I was a teenager. I love classic rock, the blues, and Motown. Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, Stevie Wonder, CCR, and Aretha are all favorites. Music is fun and inspiring…it really makes doing laundry much more enjoyable.

SW: What is your favorite social networking site and why?

I have really been getting into LinkedIn lately. With all of the after-hours, trade shows, lectures, and events I attend, it’s incredibly helpful to remember names and faces. Now, as soon as I get a business card, I go on to LinkedIn and add the person. I wish I was better with names, but I am the WORST! The site has been helping me overcome this problem.

SW: What do you do away from your career?

SR: When I’m not doing arts and crafts with Ben or crawling around with Norah, I’m usually working on home improvement projects or on the hunt for secondhand bargains. Thanks to YouTube, I’m able to semi-confidently tile, refinish furniture, paint, and more. I haven’t screwed anything up too badly, but my poor husband has come home on occasion to torn up carpets and massive holes in the wall.

SW: Who or what is the biggest influence in your life?

SR: Definitely my kids. Any time I start to get discouraged or off track, I look at them and have an instant rush of adrenaline. It is so important to me that they become kind, intelligent, contributing members of this community. In order for that to happen, I need to be a strong role model for them.

SW: What is a fun fact few people know about you?

SR: I really, really want to join the roller derby. I have researched teams, inquired on several occasions, brainstormed names, spied on team practice…everything except join. Most people don’t know that I am an awesome roller skater…I just don’t have enough time at the moment to commit. Someday.

SW: Your favorite quote?

SR: “Gentleness doesn't get work done unless you happen to be a hen laying eggs.” –Coco Chanel. Sometimes you need to roll up your sleeves, toughen up and just get the job done.

SW: What do you think creates success?

SR: Passion, at least four hours of sleep, peanut butter and jelly, and a great attitude. When you wake up every morning and seriously ask yourself, how can I make today count, you’re on your way to success.

SW: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

SR: Happy.

Central MA Up + Comers is a weekly profile of a member of the next generation as they are making their mark on the Central MA workforce and community. Join us every Thursday for a look at the careers and lifestyles of the local digital generation. If you have suggestions for a profile, email [email protected].

Susan Wagner is the president of Susan Wagner PR. In this challenging economy, she has begun a new division to offer affordable start-up packages to new and emerging small businesses and non-profit organizations that include professional writing services, websites, collateral, marketing, social media, grassroots outreach and PR campaigns.

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