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From championing creativity in marketing to a hidden talent for professional wrestling, Erica brings energy and versatility to Standard AI’s marketing team.
With a top-tier sales background, a passion for AI’s potential in retail, and a knack for pulling off “fun-stress” event coordination, Erica gives us an inside look into her journey, inspirations, and favorite gummy snack for road trips!
1. What is your role?
I’m a Marketing Specialist on the Marketing team. We handle everything from customer outreach, SEO, and social media to Hubspot management. We basically use our creative skills to shine a light on Standard AI for everyone to see!
2. What are some highlights from your professional background?
As a sales representative at The Hershey Company, where I worked for five years, I was proud to rank among the top five sales reps in the nation! It’s exciting to see the full circle of working for a large CPG company, and now at Standard AI, where we’re helping CPGs and retailers make their work easier. I sure could have used our tech back then!
3. Why was Standard AI a match for you?
One thing that drew me to Standard AI was how advanced and forward-thinking we are. We’ve been leading the pack with technological advancements in retail for years, and the new ideas our team comes up with never cease to amaze me!
4. What are some of the hats you wear (known or unknown)?
I initially wore a sales hat, helping with customer outreach and sharing knowledge. Since then, I’ve become a Marketing Specialist, learning a lot about the inner workings of marketing. One of my favorite hats has been my “coordination hat.” I helped coordinate the NACS conference, our biggest event this year. It was “fun stress” to take on more responsibility, start from scratch, and then see the final result come to life!
5. What excites you about working with AI and retail/CPG?
What excites me most is the mountain of opportunity ahead! We have the ability to help CPG companies and retailers access a whole new world of data and insights. This tech could change the game for companies trying to win market share, giving them the intel needed to make smarter decisions.
6. What’s your favorite snack to grab at the grocery store?
I’m all about the gummy life—extra points if they’re sour! A good pack of gummies and a hydrating drink are all I need for a road trip.
7. Where do you see the future of Standard AI?
Honestly, the sky’s the limit! Our team is packed with talented people who come up with incredible ideas—and they don’t just dream them up, they bring them to life! We’re already doing what no other company can, so as we keep pushing the envelope, I know my mind will keep being blown.
8. If you could choose anyone as your mentor, who would you pick and why?
I’ve never had an official mentor, but I’ve always wanted one. Growing up, people would say, “Oh, they’ve got it,” even though, honestly, who really does? For professional mentors, I’d pick our CEO or one of my managers—they’re all smart, impactful, fun women, and I’m learning so much from each of them. Personally, I’d say Rihanna or Nicki Minaj, because they’re moguls in both business and entertainment with multiple ventures.
9. What’s the weirdest job or most unique job you’ve ever had?
I was a scare actor at Fright Fest for the Halloween season, and I was even a signed professional wrestler at one point… until COVID happened!
10. If you could learn anything new, what would it be?
I’d love to speak every language fluently so I could communicate with anyone in the world! I tried learning, but new languages just don’t stick for me—so I focused on sign language instead.
11. What if the first concert you attended?
The Britney Spears Onyx Hotel tour at the Staples Center! Total throwback!
12. If you have 30-minutes (or longer) of free time, how do you pass the time?
I’m a binge-watcher, so any sliver of free time is spent diving into the latest series I’m obsessing over.