In the first of what will become a regular feature, we’re shining a light on our team members and what it’s like to be part of the MarketForce family. Today we start with;

Dylan Kuntz – Analytics Program Manager, Minnetonka, US office.

Explain your role at MarketForce:

I am a part of MarketForce’s Analytics team – we engage with clients on developing and implementing analytics programs. Some of those programs include, but aren’t limited to, web analytics, customer analytics, and marketing analytics. My favorite part of my role is helping our clients leverage data in innovative approaches, ultimately bringing value to their organization.

What sets MarketForce apart from other agencies in the industry?

Our dedication to using data in everything we do. Whether it is delivering valuable insights to clients or building innovative new products/services, – everything we do is rooted in data and measurement. This allows our teams to quickly ensure we are moving in the right direction for both our clients and partners.

When colleagues from other offices come to visit, what’s one thing they absolutely have to do in your city?

We have some great breweries and distilleries in the area. One of my favorites is Tattersall Distillery. They have a great environment, drinks, and a delicious food truck (most days).

What’s been the coolest thing you’ve done with your leave?

Last year I traveled to Iceland for 2 weeks. Our group traveled completely around the ring road, which follows the entire shore of Iceland (over 800 miles). Although Iceland has a lot of ice (in the form of glaciers), the country is much more than that! Iceland has waterfalls, geysers, volcanos, and great culture, and it is filled with awesome people.

What’s one marketing lesson you wish you’d learned earlier?

A “perfect set” of data is a unicorn – data is messy, especially in the marketing world. On a regular basis I work with incomplete data, sparse information, and ambiguous parameters. However, these challenges do not necessarily translate to an inability to extract valuable insights. Using data manipulation techniques, analytics, and a lot of creativity, you can accomplish a lot more than you would think.

What MarketForce initiative outside of your job description are you most proud of being a part of?

I am part of a team putting into place a program to help the greater MarketForce team get more experienced with analytical tools like Tableau. One of the reasons I joined MarketForce was the immense learning opportunities and now it is great to be able to help create some of the opportunities to learn!

What is the best career advice anyone has ever given you?

Know where you want to take your career (or at least where you think you want to take your career) and work towards that with the understanding that your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Your career may take different directions over time, but if you keep moving forward and working towards that finish line, you will find success throughout the journey.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Chipotle burritos!

Who is your favorite author or what is your favorite book?

This is a tough question to narrow down! Most recently though, I really enjoyed a book titled “Range” by David Epstein. The book talks about the idea of specialization (e.g. focusing your life on becoming the best golfer in the world) and how it can be detrimental to specialize at an early age in most disciplines. Great read if you are into books about personal growth and development.

If you could choose any TV show or movie world to live in, what would it be?

Sesame Street so my daughter could meet Elmo!