In our most recent Employee Spotlight, we were eager to help you learn more about Brian Pfister, our Capacity Planning and Circuit Design Engineer. Now, we couldn’t be more excited to introduce Ashley Gray — a member of our team who really helps our brand shine as our Marketing Manager. As an expert in the field, Ashley drives key initiatives that help Horizon connect with and empower more customers every day. So, read on to learn more.
Can you tell us about your role at Horizon?
Ashley Gray (AG): I am the marketing manager for the Enterprise Fiber division — also referred to as our Network Partners division. I oversee all branding, campaigns, advertising, sponsorships, trade shows, website initiatives, social media activity and lead generation activity for our B2B space.
Tell us about your background and how you came to Horizon.
AG: I have worked in marketing for nearly 15 years. I have my bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University in Visual Communications Technology with a minor in Marketing. Shortly after graduating and getting my first “real job” I quickly learned that while I love the design aspects of the job, sitting behind a desk 40 hours a week fulfilling creative orders was not my jam — too secluded. I fell in love with marketing because it allowed me to be creative while also networking and being out and about managing a lot of different projects.
A little over five years ago, I found Horizon when I started looking towards my next career goal, which was moving from an Advertising and PR Manager to a Marketing Manager/Director. I was also interested in learning a new field and moving from B2C marketing to B2B marketing.
What do you most enjoy about working for Horizon?
AG: I really like the flexibility in working from home or in the office and setting my own schedule. As a new mom during the pandemic, it really allowed me to focus on work/life balance and getting to optimize my time with my baby girl.
I also really enjoy the people I’ve met and the new friendships I’ve developed. Marketing tends to be the company therapist and I take pride in knowing people feel comfortable coming to me to confide in or vent to.
Any recent exciting projects at Horizon that you can tell us about?
AG: In marketing we are always working on something. We have many new campaigns rolling out this quarter and next that are something Horizon has never done in the B2B space. We also have some exciting community events with our local partners coming up, such as the YMCA charity golf outing, Columbus Chamber Clam Bake and prime sponsorships in several local tech events.
Where do you live?
AG: I live on the northeast side of Columbus in Westerville, OH.
Where did you go to school or get training?
AG: I attended Northwest State Community College for my associate degree and then Bowling Green State University for my bachelor’s degree.
What do you like to do in your free time?
AG: Definitely spending time with my husband and kids. I have a 12-year-old stepdaughter and 3-year-old daughter who are my world! We love taking them to new places, whether it is a Metro Park, Broadway show or vacation out of state. You just can’t get too many kisses and snuggles from your baby girl! One day though, I hope to have more “me” time to do more with my photography and art, which have been infrequent ventures the last few years.
I am also a die-hard Ohio State Buckeyes fan, so football season Saturdays are 100% devoted to my team.
To see our last employee spotlight, click here. To learn more about Horizon, check out our services here.