Shannon Jirik Joins Keyhole Marketing Team
Last year was just plain hard. I won’t bore you with the details now, but you can read more about the 25 ways my family worked to heal our bodies, minds, and souls. And if the health challenges weren’t enough, I lost — after five years — my very first client. (No hard feelings. It was the best move for both parties.) And so, as 2017 came to a close, I realized that the Keyhole Marketing brand had suffered — getting pushed further and further to the back burner. I needed help on our marketing team.
So in January of this year, I hired Shannon Jirik as Assistant Brand Manager for the Keyhole Marketing brand—primarily focused on outfitting the cobbler’s kids with shoes.
I had the pleasure of meeting and working alongside Shannon this past fall. From the beginning, she made no bones about expressing her desire to work with me — asking me regularly if I had any openings. Quite flattering, to say the least, but also disheartening, as I did not see the need at first.
But I came around. Or rather, she talked me into the idea.
And I’m glad! She was made for this role. She’s dedicated to seeing things to completion — thereby keeping dreamers like me on task. She’s also very direct and honest — no wasted breath when straightforward feedback’s needed most. Plus, she’s driven to make order out of chaos — organizing concrete and abstract thoughts into coherent strategies.
I hope, at some point, to be able to introduce you to Shannon in person. But until then, you can read a bit more about her via our quick convo below.
Let's start with some softballs. What's the last album you listened to on Spotify?
I laugh to admit this, but I’ve been trying out this Korean pop group called BTS. Not my usual style, but I always appreciate getting a little out of my comfort zone. And they’re dreamy.
And your last book read?
I am currently reading through the Arc of the Scythe trilogy by Neal Shusterman and C.S. Lewis’s Space Trilogy. Drastically different types of reading, but both are highly thought provoking and intriguing. Definitely recommend.
What's the worst job you ever had?
I know it sounds like the dream job, but Krispy Kreme. I mean, how can people be that cruel when I’m handing them soft, sugary, plump, baby angels?
What keeps you busy when not working?
My big family of eight and my boyfriend mean the world to me. Time with them is time well spent. Otherwise, I find every excuse I can to travel or be outside. I love staying fit and active, so working out and cooking good meals (but always dessert, duh) is a blast. On slower days, you’ll find me experimenting with making my own coffee drinks and taking naps.
Why does Keyhole's mission matter to you?
Ever since I was young, I’ve craved to be a part of people’s stories. Whether that was in their faith walk or just a funny memory, I wanted to be there. I wanted to play a part in something meaningful and memorable. And even before joining the team, I saw that Keyhole Marketing brings that very same desire to its clients — caring most about being a part of a story that matters. And as I care for Keyhole’s marketing strategy, I’m truly excited about helping to carry that mission forward.
How do you think managing the marketing strategy for Keyhole's brand can help you become the person you want to be?
As marketing wasn’t my specific field of study, I feel blessed for the opportunity to add this set of skills to my ever-developing tool belt. My strengths are tapped and valued in this position, rather than forcing me to fit the mold of an employee that I am not. Happy to be part of the Keyhole marketing team!
