Patrick Seroka
President and CEO
Seroka
N17 W24222 Riverwood Dr., Waukesha, WI 53188
www.seroka.com
Industry: Advertising and public relations
Number of employees: 20
Family: Wife Linda; and two sons, John and Scott, both of whom are vice presidents in the firm.
What was the smartest thing your company did in the past year?
“Having been in business for 27 years. We have weathered many economic storms. During each, we kept our focus on aggressive, new business efforts to mitigate losses from clients’ economic-based reduced budgets. Last year, we added to our sales staff to grow new markets, which proved to work very well and has given us a running start as the economy now begins to improve.”
What’s new at your company?
“During the economic downturn we invested heavily into our marketing and new business efforts, and it is paying off well. We have secured numerous new client relationships and have retained existing relationships by continuing to provide a healthy marketing ROI for our clients.”
Do you plan to hire any additional staff or make any significant capital investments in your company in the next year?
“Yes, we have experienced solid growth particularly since the beginning of this year and expect this to continue. As a result we plan to add to both our creative and public relations staff to accommodate that increase. We have recently remodeled our office and will be further investing in technology to improve our efficiency and workflow.”
What will be your company’s main challenges in the next year?
“Educating and assisting our clients with effectively integrating contemporary and traditional marketing vehicles, including public relations, direct mail, print, broadcast and social (new) media web-based marketing alternatives.”
What’s the hottest trend in your industry?
“The seismic shift we are witnessing today from traditional marketing to social (inbound) marketing. Although it is a hot trend, too many companies are abandoning traditional marketing vehicles which continue to perform very well. We are advising our clients that maximum marketing ROI is best achieved through an appropriate balance across a combination of marketing channels.”
Do you have a business mantra?
“Imagination is more powerful than knowledge. Knowledge is limiting.”
From a business standpoint, who do you look up to?
“I like to look upon those who started and built their own brands, became household names and took the risks. Entrepreneurs like Roger Penske, Donald Trump and Warren Buffet for example. Being a racing fanatic I would someday love to buy Roger dinner and take voluminous notes on his rise to success.”
What was the best advice you ever received?
“The people who succeed in this world are the people who get up and look for the circumstances they want, and if they can’t find them…they make them.”
What’s the funniest thing that ever happened to you in your career?
“Creating a low-budget TV commercial using a client’s staff and family for talent. It was like herding cats.”
What do you like to do in your free time?
“Participate in sports car and racing venues, traveling and reading.”
