Central MA Up + Comer: Vision Advertising CEO Laura Briere
Thursday, April 17, 2014
A conversation with Laura Briere
SW: What was your vision that led you to found your own company?
LB: The vision was to build something awesome that people wanted to be a part of—clients, employees and partners alike. Here I am 15 years later, and I think I’ve built what I set out to build. I get to work with awesome people that make every day great! Where to go from here? Buzz Lightyear said it best: To infinity and beyond!
SW: What do you feel stands Vision Advertising out from other ad agencies?
LB: Vision Advertising is a small company that changes with the market, and is in tune with ever-changing consumer behavioral trends. We help our clients stay ahead of the curve by providing innovative programs, products, and services that reach people where they are, giving a much-needed boost to revenues. We provide metrics and data to prove the success of each of our programs, and can change on a dime if/when needed. One example of our innovation is our own custom-developed application for our clients, which helps them have some control over their online reputation and influence star ratings.
SW: What are you working on now?
LB: I am always working on program efficacy, research and development, continued training and education, and most importantly, client satisfaction. In addition to this normal line-up, I am presently focused on expanding and creating jobs.
SW: What is on the drawing board for 2014?
LB: Quite simply, controlled growth. Expansion is exciting, but it needs to be tempered with a methodical and measured approach to ensure successful growth without it causing more problems than it can solve. The main goals of 2014 are to expand in a controlled pattern, officially launch our new product nationwide, and start to actually market ourselves (we always do everyone else’s and forget to do our own!).
SW: What led you to this career path?
LB: I was the little kid that liked to take apart my toys and see how they worked. I was also the kid that won top prizes for sales fundraisers at school. And I was the kid that won prizes for my artwork and creativity. How to combine all that into an actual vocation wasn’t immediately obvious, but I eventually figured out that science + art + sales = marketing. I started my business when I was 19, and with the help of a few wonderful mentors, I was able to refine my unique value to the world into a viable business model.
SW: Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life?
LB: My parents have been the biggest influence on my life and have largely shaped my values, ethics, and interests. They’ve shown me that the only limits I have are the ones I put on myself, and have never said I couldn’t do something. There’s no way I would be who I am or where I am without them. My parents have inspired me to become a person I’m proud to be, and I’m honored to be like them in so many ways.
SW: How do you spend your free time?
LB: I love to spend time with my husband, family, and friends doing all kinds of things. I enjoy taking classes and learning new things, as well as traveling and creating art of almost any kind.
SW: Are you involved in the community?
LB: Yes, I care a great deal about our community. I’m most passionate about my volunteer work for the Worcester Animal Rescue League and Vision Advertising’s ongoing contributions to their marketing efforts. They do amazing things for the community, and I’m honored to be able to help them do it.
SW: What is your favorite quote?
LB: It’s a tie between two: “Do. Or do not. There is no try.” –Yoda and “Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” –Bob Marley.
SW: What is a fact that few people know about you?
LB: I can’t swim very well! I nearly drowned when I was a kid during swimming lessons and (unfortunately) it really stuck with me. I couldn’t even swim without a kickboard until I was 22. How embarrassing! Now that I have a pool, I’ve forced myself to learn to tread water, and am getting more comfortable. Maybe by the time I’m 50, I’ll be able to open my eyes underwater.
SW: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
LB: I can’t tell you that! Why spoil the surprise?
Central MA College Standout is a weekly feature that profiles college and university students in Central MA. Join us every Tuesday for a look at the careers and lifestyles of today’s local college student. If you have suggestions for a profile, email [email protected].
Susan D. Wagner is president of Susan Wagner PR, a boutique public relations firm invested in meeting client's goals with integrity and creativity.
Related Slideshow: Women Leading in Central Massachusetts
Who are some of Central MA's high-level female bosses? GoLocal takes a look at some of the leading women in the region in their respective industries, in the private and nonprofit sectors.
Related Articles
- Central MA Up + Comer: Dancer + Designer Kayleigh Lucci
- Central MA Up + Comer: Olga Kwasniewski, Restaurant Owner + Model
- Central MA Up + Comer: Unum Underwriting Consultant Lori Crowley
- Central MA Up + Comer: Entrepreneur Ivania Nicole
- Central MA Up + Comer: Paint NIte’s April Kennedy
- Central MA Up + Comer: Worcester Think Tank’s Lauren Monroe
- Central MA Up + Comer Niki Luparelli, Marilyn Monroe to Boozy News
- Central MA Up + Comer: Estate Attorney Alicia O’Connell
- Central MA Up + Comer: Photographer Stefany Flynn
- Central MA Up + Comer: Yoga Instructor Claire Koepke
- Central MA Up + Comer, Sr. Account Exec + Marathoner Nicole Solera
- Central MA Up + Comer: Financial Advisor Wendy Davidson
- Central MA Up + Comer: Rushmie Nofsinger
- Central MA Up + Comer: Coco’s Closet Founder Jonelle Garofoli
- Central MA Up + Comer: Health Coach Connie Kanella Aramento
- Central MA Up + Comer: Sales & Marketing Specialist Stephanie Ramey
- Central MA Up + Comer: Compex Software Founder Jonathan Vo
- Central MA Up + Comer: Insurance Professional Rebecca Joseph
- Central MA Up + Comer: The Queen’s Cups’ Renee King
- Central MA Up + Comer: Consigli Construction Co.‘s Sarah Irving
- Central MA Up + Comer: Lilac Hedge Farm Co-owner Ryan MacKay
- Central MA Up + Comer: Two Chefs’ Cassandra Clough & Rafael Guzman
- Central MA Up + Comer: Crompton Collective Owner Amy Lynn Chase
- Central MA Up + Comer: NKD Worcester’s Kristie Lee Laskes
- Central MA Up + Comer: United Way’s Heidi Charlebois
Follow us on Pinterest Google + Facebook Twitter See It Read It