Always ready to start on the next challenge
BY DON MANLEY
Florida Weekly Correspondent
FloridaWeekly.com
Peggy Wilson
She’s too busy focusing on what she finds most satisfying about her job: the step-by-step work involved in bringing each project to fruition.
“I enjoy the process, and by the time the project has been produced or is out in public, I’m already on the next work in-progress and its development,” said Ms. Wilson. “I take very little time to relish the outcome. I’m very focused on the process and development. You won’t have a successful outcome if you’re not focused on the process.
“I wish I took more time to appreciate the beauty of what we’ve produced, but I’m very focused on the next challenge.”
Ms. Wilson is actively involved in strategic planning and creative development for projects at the company she launched in October 2007. Wilson Creative Group devises print, broadcast and digital advertising for clients from a diverse list of industries, including real estate, restaurant, technology, legal and construction.
Peggy Wilson and her Labrador retrievers, Maple and Jackson Brown, who often accompany her to the offices of Wilson Creative Group. MICHAEL OWEN PHOTOGRAPHY
“What we’re most skilled at is understanding our local audience and our unique clientele in Naples,” Ms. Wilson said. “While our primary industries are real estate and real estate development, we certainly know that same audience needs other business services while they’re here, such as legal, financial, retail and restaurants.”
She began her advertising career in graphic design more than 25 years ago and found that she loved marrying the creative aspect with a strong marketing strategy.
“I think I’m most known for saying that in order to move people and make a difference, you need to look good, and a strong design is what will provoke them to read and learn more about you,” she said.
The most recent recession and the demise of her then employer left Ms. Wilson pondering her next career step, a quandary that led to the founding of Wilson Creative.
“With the quality of work that I wanted to produce, I knew that I needed to put myself at the helm and make myself accountable for producing the best work,” she said. “I don’t want to say it was my only choice, but it was certainly the best alternative to do so.”
The firm began with a staff of two: Ms. Wilson and a support person. They had three clients. Today, Wilson Creative’s 10-person staff serves more than 25 clients.
“The business has progressed and grown through our strong partnerships and the relationships that we have with our clients,” she said. “They entrust us so much with really all facets of their marketing communication needs, even managing their budgets and making smart decisions on how they spend their money.”
Over the years, Wilson Creative Group has been recognized within the industry, including receiving 12 Sand Dollar Awards in 2016, among them a Marketing Director of the Year award for Ms. Wilson. Presented by the Collier Building Industry Association, the Sand Dollar Awards recognize excellence in new home sales and marketing within the county.
Wilson Creative is observing its first decade of existence throughout 2017. The celebrating includes a party held recently for clients, vendors, colleagues and friends at the firm’s new digs in the Shoppes at Vanderbilt. The office is twice as spacious as the business’ previous location.
“It certainly provides us room to grow into the future and to set ourselves up for another 10 years,” Ms. Wilson said.
The West Palm Beach native moved to Naples 25 years ago with her husband, Bill Wilson, who is from Collier County and also works in marketing. The couple has been married for 23 years. They have two children, Sadie, 18, who’ll be a freshman at the College of Charleston this fall, and Lily, 17, who will be senior at Barron Collier High School.
When asked what from her past sustains her in her life and work, Ms. Wilson was quick to respond.
“My dad (the late Jules Schultetus), every day,” she said. “He was an independent businessman for over 30 years and committed to his work and his family, and also to doing the right thing. So every day I think, ‘What would my dad do?”
For more information about Wilson Creative Group, call 597-9480 or visit www.wcgpros.com.
Interview with Peggy Wilson
Business mentor: My dad. He was honest in every decision he ever made, even if it meant a loss to his business.
First job: A graphic artist at a local studio. I created the first digital site plan of Bay Colony, back in 1992.
Business words of wisdom: Do the right thing. Every time.
Most recent business book read: “The It Factor” by Mark Wiskup.
Two things you look for when hiring: One: a desire to do great work and make it perfect. And two: dedication to the work and putting in the time to make it happen. Our social media suggests we have it easy … There’s nothing easy about working at an ad agency. It’s hard work and total dedication. You have to have the right kind of personality for this industry and the right kind of attitude to work at Wilson.
Job openings: Would consider another account manager and a graphic designer.
Last time you had to fire someone: I didn’t. I simply shared with them a job opening available elsewhere and they bit. When one is controlled by negativity, there’s nothing you can do to change that.
WCG is an award-winning, full-service, public relations, print and digital advertising and marketing firm assisting companies throughout Naples, Fort Myers and Southwest Florida in the development of successful brand, marketing and advertising strategies. Its partner company, Sprickit Digital, offers full-service digital marketing and digital advertising services throughout Florida and the United States. Their offices are located at 2343 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Suite 608, in Naples, Florida. For more information, call 239-597-9480, visit www.wcgpros.com or sprickit.com
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