Lori Reifert, BrandJuice Senior Strategist, is the spotlight of our October’s employee profile. We sat down for a Q&A to deep dive into her refreshing way of thinking and insightful vision that drives our team every day.
Tell us about where you grew up?
I grew up in Louisville, Kentucky – the land of bourbon, bluegrass, basketball and Thoroughbreds. It’s full of tradition and holds a special place in my heart. I’ll never stop getting homesick around the time of March Madness and the Kentucky Derby.
What brand is your personality most aligned with?
Rifle Paper Co. is a brand that definitely gets me. It’s colorful, intentional, and has just the right amount of playful whimsy.
What led you to choosing this profession?
I like to think that brand strategy is the perfect intersection between my skills and my passions. I love to communicate, I love to evoke feelings and inspire people to act, and I am very aesthetically driven. I honestly knew that I wanted to work in this field in some capacity when I was about 13 years old.
Who inspires you? Who do you aspire to be like?
Strong businesswomen who lead with courage, conviction and compassion. Sheryl Sandberg’s book “Lean In” had a profound effect on me.
What’s your most irrational fear?
Getting trapped in an elevator. I’ve had one very brief experience where I was trapped for about 5 minutes, but it felt like an eternity. If I have the option, I prefer the stairs.
If you could keep only 5 possessions, what would they be?
iPhone, iMac, my passport, backpack, and Paul Smith sunglasses. I figure I can go anywhere in the world with that list.
What are you drinking come five o’clock?
Wine. Italian reds, Provence-style Rosé, or whatever new and esoteric varietal the guy at the wine shop is touting.
Best restaurant in Denver?
So hard to choose. It’s easier to go by genre – and for my money I’ll take Blue Pan Detroit-style pizza over any other kind.
What’s the best book you’ve read so far this year?
I’m currently reading the Pulitzer Prize winner “All the Light We Cannot See” by Anthony Doerr. I love to read, so all-time favorite is hard, but the Hemingway memoir “A Moveable Feast” about his early years in Paris is at the top of the list.
When you’re in need of creative inspiration, where do you go? What do you do?
I’m a high intensity person, so creative inspiration comes for me when I unwind – cooking, taking a yoga class, playing golf, or simply walking outside in nature. Colorado is a great influence on my wellbeing.
What was the last picture you took with your phone?
A landscape of Buena Vista, Colorado from my recent trip there.
If you could give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Whether or not it is clear to you, there’s no doubt the Universe is unfolding as it should. Just trust your intuition and don’t fear the unknown.
What’s the best part about working at BrandJuice?
Being able to practice brand strategy on a high level with really talented, thoughtful people who bring smart perspectives to the table at every meeting. At the end of the day, it’s all about the people you work with, and the people here are genuine.
Follow along on our social media over the coming weeks to find out more about wha Lori’s life is like when she’s not cultivating creative genius at BrandJuice.