by Lindsay Odom
Communications Manager, Endeavor
1. How did you get started in your career?
I graduated from Clemson as a Communication Studies major. Originally, I wasn’t sure which direction I would go in, so I landed an internship with a great company in downtown Greenville, Jeff Dezen Public Relations, and I fell in love with PR. Later, I decided to look for jobs in Charleston, South Carolina which led me to the Lou Hammond Group. I worked there for a few years and gained some really great experience in PR as well.
Finally, I worked in-house for another company until I decided that entrepreneurship was the direction I wanted to pursue.
2. What inspired you to start your own business?
I come from a background of entrepreneurs. My whole family does their own thing, and they all have their own businesses. My dad is the biggest inspiration to me as far as entrepreneurship. He owned car lots all throughout the east coast while also having other business endeavors. I grew up always watching him put deals together. He had the initiative to go after his own goals that he set for himself, which I thought was really admirable. My dad never had a college education. He came from a family of six brothers and sisters in a small house with not many belongings growing up, but my dad worked to make a really great life for myself and for our family.
3. What projects are you working on right now?
When I started my own company, K. Loughrey & Associates, my entrepreneurial family inspired me to establish my own company culture that would impact the way I run my company. One way I do that is by working with people and business owners who are passionate about what they’re doing. I don’t prefer to work with chains, but I do look for other entrepreneurs who are inspired to help others in their business.
I frequently represent clients in the culinary and hospitality industry, including chefs in Charleston and other food brands. One of my clients is a company that makes alcohol-infused ice cream called Hardscoop. Another interesting client that’s in a start-up phase right now is called Women All In for Clemson. It’s a lifestyle brand for Clemson University that is not only for alumnae, but all female fans who are making a difference in their communities. This project is really exciting to me because I’m passionate about supporting women.
4. What is your favorite part about Endeavor?
First of all, the space is absolutely beautiful, and the location is great because it’s right in the middle of downtown. You have the opportunity to meet other like-minded people. There’s a synergistic energy here with people in related fields including PR, marketing and advertising. Also, the networking events and other amenities are something that you wouldn’t get in a normal office space or on your own.
5. What advice do you have for other creatives?
Networking is one of the most important things you can do, especially in the digital age where everyone gets flooded with emails. Networking is quintessential not only to PR, but any business as we all need customers. If someone knows you, they’re more likely to listen to what you have to say.
For example, I had the opportunity to work with one of the best chefs while I was in Charleston. He and his team had a long-time goal of winning one of the most prestigious awards from the James Beard Foundation, which allows a chef to cook a meal at the James Beard House in New York City. I told them that I was going to get this for them. I didn’t know how or who to talk to, but I knew I would figure it out. It took time, but after a lot of networking and hard work, I was able to get them into the House, which was a huge win for them and for me.
I’m lucky that I’ve been able to do some really great things that I’m really proud of even though I had doubts. I would encourage others to believe in yourself and go after those things you might not even think to accomplish. I know it sounds cliché, but you really don’t know if you don’t try. Any time you think that a goal is beyond your reach, that is the thing you need to go after.
