Hi Amy, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting a marketing agency has been a combination of feelings, including ‘I am the luckiest person in the world to do what I love’ and ‘is there enough coffee to get me through the day’?

My thought process in starting a marketing agency – was in all honestly, not an overwhelming thought process. Through a series of career events, I was guided with ease into starting Intellective Marketing Consultancy, (IMC).

It all started after 15 years of traveling globally for my high-level marketing positions at a few Fortune 100 companies. I was starting to become confused as to what was my ‘why’. What was driving me to want to do more within my role? Why was I not feeling that creative energy anymore?

I took a moments pause from those notable roles at these mega-sized companies, hopped on a plane to Europe – this time not for work, but for me – and opportunity to reset and get my groove back.

For a moment, I thought – am I just inspired by the romance just jetting off and reinventing myself after my recent viewing of Eat, Pray, Love? No, I felt a need to reconnect with the passion I had for marketing. Taking an opportunity to see the world through broader lenses, through the eyes of a broader global audience. A chance to truly capture the pulse of what makes people feel emotionally connected to things – whether that be a great sunset over Bali, the perfect baguette in France or impeccable wine in Italy – it was in that moment I knew I wanted to bring that same intimate connection together for brands. There needed to be more meaning behind why we purchased things, what has us spend our hard-earned money on certain things, and the real motivation behind consumer behaviors.

Of course, there were practical industry insights that supported my desires to create an integrated marketing agency. Let me share a few:

Passion for Marketing – After I left the corporate world, I knew I wanted to only pursue things that I felt wildly passionate about. I had quickly learned that helping my clients reach ultimate success in their businesses elevated everything in my professional soul.

‘Mind the Gap’ – I quickly identified a huge gap in the market. There were thousands of large marketing agencies that were offering their services on retainer, or offering certain marketing ‘packages’. These agencies may succeed at certain marketing services, but there was a void in smaller agencies that created fully customized campaigns for their clients that brought all the marketing modalities together. Our services are fully curated for the brands we represent. We learn their desired growth strategies, operational infrastructures and a deep understanding of what they consider success – and we get to work, mapping out how to exactly get there.

Autonomy – One desirable considerations in starting IMC, was the opportunity to have more autonomy with my work/life balance. We have a work hard/play hard philosophy with our business – as we recognize that to remain in that creative mindset – we need to continually expand our personal experiences.

Growth – If there is anything the post-2020 world has taught us, it is how to pivot, be nimble and how to redefine ourselves and brands quickly and impactfully. Our business has grown exponentially since pandemic times, as brands are still looking for new ways to connect with consumers. Our retail experiences have been forever altered, and consumers are craving engaging content more than ever – with that said, brands are continually needing a fresh voice to pique purchase considerations.

Desire to Help Others – The real motivator for me in starting IMC was an opportunity to help others. Helping customers grow their business is the most rewarding experience I ever thought possible. We become cheerleaders, teachers, counselors, coaches and goal setters for our clients, on the wild ride together. The chance to use my 25 years of marketing expertise to help others succeed and grow is the ultimate gift.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Intellective Marketing Consultancy is a woman-owned boutique marketing firm committed to exceptional services and exceeding expectations – based in Gilbert, AZ and with offices in San Diego & Washington DC. We collaborate with like-minded businesses both locally and nationally to help those businesses experience abundant growth. We elevate good businesses to become great ones with innovative, creative, and exceptional branding, integrated marketing, digital strategies, logo design and web design services.

There are no egos or big company politics at IMC, just dedicated marketing professionals working hard to deliver success stories for our clients and ourselves.

For us, we credit our success mostly due to the fact that we keep it relational with our clients. We go that extra mile to truly be a partner. We are meticulous and careful but also a little daring and know when to take risks.

We overcome potential challenges for ourselves or our clients by always having what I call an ‘alt-route’ – sort of like on a GPS. We have a plan as to where we are going, but there are sometimes obstacles in our way, so we continue to have alterative routes to keep us focused on our final destination.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Being a Chicago area native, I am always in awe as to what Chi-town influences there are in the greater Phoenix area.

I also own a luxury travel company called Sojourn Destination Experiences, so any opportunity I have to plan an exciting week for friends, family or clients who come into town, I am always enthused to plan out the perfect itinerary that combines the best in food, wine, music and adventure.

A must do experience is a trip to the iconic, Wrigley Mansion, located in the Biltmore area. This historic property was built in 1932 by Chicago native William Wrigley Jr. – the chewing gum magnate – and has become a Phoenix landmark. It was designed as a 50th wedding anniversary gift for Wrigley’s wife. The mansion was quite the design feat and is still a work of art today. An opportunity to get gussied up, listen to live jazz while sipping expertly crafted cocktails is an opportunity to be transported in time. Plus, the views from there are amazing.

A quick trip around the corner to the Arizona Biltmore Hotel is also a must do. We often visit there after the live jazz for a beautiful meal a Renata’s Hearth, located in the lobby area of the newly restored legacy hotel. Frank Lloyd Wright’s protégé, Albert Chase McArthur. Wright’s influence is woven throughout every nook of that majestic property. You almost feel like you are transported to another era while you are there.

Fun fact on the Arizona Biltmore was also place Irving Berlin wrote one of the greatest Holiday hits in history, White Christmas.

Although many of us don’t get to see the snow or pelt each other with it, we at least get the influential piece of Christmas history that was born right here in the middle of the desert.

As a true Chicago native (I have a dog named Wrigley after all) – no trip the Phoenix area would be complete without experiencing a Chicago Cubs Spring Training Game at Sloan Field. It is a little slice of heaven in Mesa, and a great homage to the original Wrigley Field.

My husband and I just saw a Cubs vs. Guardians game there last week and savored some of Chicago’s most iconic treats like Garrets Popcorn during the 7th inning stretch.

After the game, we drove down the road for Italian Beef’s at Portillo’s, which were originally founded in the Chicago area. There was a sea of Cubs fans in there at the time, so it felt almost like we were back in Chi-town.

With alternative options like Lou Malnati’s Pizza and White Castle – the Chicago inspired food scene is on-pointe!

So much to explore in the beautiful state!

houtout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to give an added Shoutout to those who have helped pave the way for my success, including my husband Tom who has endured my late night creative brainstorms and my dear friend Nicki, who always give me support and sound advice, even if it is hard to hear. My mentors and community who have lifted me up and encouraged along the way.

Credit – https://shoutoutarizona.com/meet-amy-koenig-chief-marketing-strategist/?fbclid=IwAR0mQ57gPSyl9bCeibo2xhrZY4LW65dkEy5MnGmE1gNE0Tz9DyxiZoy_6wk