Kevin Palmer, Social Media Manager
Better Known As: aka: Who is that guy?
Professional Bio:
Kevin Palmer has been active in the world of social media for over six years. He was an early adopter to the social networking site MySpace, on there he used his marketing expertise to create one of the most read personal blogs on the website culminating in millions of page views in the year 2005. Over this time period his expertise grew from social networking to other social media staples such as blogging, podcasting, video, micro-blogging and social bookmarking including being a paid writer for b5media covering the social media world. Through this exposure he began to consult with businesses ranging from independent film companies, traditional print publications, to small businesses on how to use social media and internet marketing to brand themselves, their companies, drive traffic and increase sales. Kevin’s consulting experience led him to work with Frontal Lobe Films as a Vice President of marketing where he helped construct social media strategies for various projects including a marketing plan for the company’s trip to the Cannes Film Festival.
After working in the industry for a few years Kevin decided to return to Western, NY to pursue his Master’s Degree in Digital Media Study at the University of Buffalo. While there he took control of the marketing department for Dave and Adam’s Card World, the top selling sports card and memorabilia dealer in the United States. (Only Wal-Mart and Target sell more sports cards than Dave and Adam’s.) During his time there he crafted a complete internet and social media marketing strategy including SEO, SEM, SMM, and SMO that helped the company retain an industry leading position with their best sales year to date. Additionally he assisted in traditional advertising and media campaigns for television, radio, and print writing numerous spots and ads.
With a desire to work directly in the social media industry Kevin took a position at Awareness Networks, a white label social networking provider, whose clients include McDonald’s, Staples, Jet Blue, and various other Fortune 1000 companies. Kevin led the project of overhauling the company’s website and social networking site, crafted their internet marketing strategy, and helped in the development of the software platform with troubleshooting as well as design feature recommendations. Along with the multiple responsibilities he had for their internal strategy he also had discussions with company clients like SG2 about their internet marketing strategies and how to drive traffic to their communities.
In the past year Kevin has partnered with companies such as the marketing communications firm Evins Communications in creating social media strategy for their clients. Specializing in the luxury brands sector, Evins Communications has given Kevin the opportunity to work with high-end hotels, private travel solutions, spirits, wines, beauty, and other luxury categories.
Getting a Little Personal:
Kevin enjoys social media because of the combination of strategic planning, communication, transparency, and conversations about people’s passions. As a child his seat was routinely moved in class for talking too much with other students, so this seems like a natural progression.
If you could hop on a plane to anywhere – where would you go?
Any place where I can golf and then hit a beach.
If you could choose an adventure, what would it be?
Isn’t every day an adventure when you drive on the Mass Pike?
Which do you prefer cookies or carrots?
Growing up my mom made these applesauce raisin cinnamon cookies that were amazing. I still get a batch whenever I go home.
Would you rather live in a city high-rise, beach house or colonial?
Anywhere where I don’t have to mow the lawn, have off street parking, can walk to get breakfast, and my own washer and dryer… I’m easy what can I say?
What is on your iPod/CD player right now?
Dave Matthews Band, Jenny Lewis, Ben Folds, Rilo Kiley, Deer Tick, Beck, The Black Keys, Arcade Fire, John Butler Trio, Radiohead, Mike Doughty, Travis, Kings of Leon, and Dylan… everyone needs some Dylan in their iPod.
Are you left or right brained?
Pfft, science. I think I am middle brained. What that means I have no idea.
What time do you wake up in the morning?
Sadly I have become a morning person. 5:30am-6:00am… I remember when I used to get home at those times. I guess there is a time and place for everything, it is called college.
How do you relax?
I’d say golfing but there is nothing relaxing about it. I could mention that I play in a kickball league but then you would think I am 7 years old. So I am going to go with reading and watching sports.
What is your biggest Pet-Peeve?
When people write a check in the express lane of the supermarket. It totally goes against the concept of express.
Can you juggle?
I did until a tragic chainsaw tossing accident that maimed an audience member, I prefer not to talk about it.
Favorite Book?
David Egger’s “A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius” and anything written by Doris Kearns Goodwin, I’m a history geek.
When life gives you lemons…
You know that you probably won’t get scurvy. They are an excellent source of vitamin C.
