President and CEO of Media Matched Inc.
Hunter Riley, Special to Albuquerque First
Shelley Gregory

• President and CEO of Media Matched Inc.
• Phone: (505) 431-4524
• Address: 9798 Coors Blvd. NW, C-305, Albuquerque 87114
• Website: mediamatched.com

• Education: B.S. in journalism from Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
• Hobbies: gardening, skiing, kickboxing and working out
• Family: husband, John; dog, Gracie
• Hometown: Northfield, Ohio

Shelley Gregory is the CEO of Media Matched, an advertising agency and public relations firm that she operates with her husband, John Gregory. John is the company’s chief financial officer and vice president. Gregory said she and John operate different parts of the business, which helps them work together and understand that each has authority in certain positions. They also share philosophies such as how service should be delivered to clients. “It doesn’t hurt that he occupies the office farthest away from mine,” she said. Media Matched has worked with businesses such as PulteGroup, ABQ Lasik Specialists and Christus St. Vincent in Santa Fe.

What do you find to be your biggest challenge when it comes to doing business in New Mexico?

Submitting on the state’s RFPs. The initial paperwork is very labor-intensive, involving business details such as insurance and formatting as opposed to the meat of the presentation. Most New Mexico small businesses don’t have the resources or time to dedicate weeks to submit. To solicit more proposals, I would recommend in the initial stage we simplify the process to what the vendor is proposing and the cost. Then those selected would continue to submit all of the additional details.

Other than the obvious, what else did you learn working in broadcast media that has helped you start and grow Media Matched?

Businesses tend to get caught up in the creative and give little attention to the advertising schedule itself. The advertising placement should be strategic and is as important as the creative.

What was your favorite Super Bowl advertisement?

The Budweiser Clydesdale’s commercial. Yes, I am an animal lover and it tugged at the heartstrings. They did a great job of pre-promoting it with details on the production. I appreciated them trying to get as much out of their investment as possible. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the Paul Harvey Dodge commercial and the quick action of advertisers like Oreo taking advantage of the blackout delay on Twitter.

When you were a kid, what did you see yourself doing at this point in your life?

When I was a kid, I thought at this point in my life I would not be working and married with children. It was when I went to college that my eyes were opened. I took journalism, broadcast and broadcast law courses that I enjoyed and wanted to pursue. Those that know me couldn’t see me not working.

What is the best business advice you have ever received?

I have learned a great deal over the years from my clients. They have truly given me a remarkable education. I am eternally grateful to all of them. The best business advice given to me was, “Don’t take shortcuts and always do the right thing.”

What is one way the marketing industry is changing now and how can businesses adapt to that change?

The way people consume media. When evaluating how to reach different consumers, keep an open mind, don’t rely on what has worked in the past and get out of your comfort zone.

Can you think back to a moment or event in your life where you felt it might have been a tipping point onto something greater?

When I was selling media, each year my salary increased with my sales. I had just completed my best year ever and was told my salary would be “capped” moving forward. I was young but very confident in my abilities so I decided to bet on myself. Fortunately, I’ve never looked back