Happy 38th Anniversary to Marden-Kane EVP Fae Savignano! Get to know Fae below — and make sure you comment with your well wishes in the comments!

What was your job title and what were your responsibilities when you were hired?

I was hired as an administrative assistant to Paul Goldman, VP. My responsibilities included basic secretarial duties (answering phones, taking dictation, typing quotes, letters, and invoices) as well as promotional responsibilities like maintaining client files, keeping track of each promotion timeline, counting entries, conducting drawings, notifying winners, etc. Everything was literally “hands on”, we didn’t have fancy schmancy, newfangled gadgets to assist us.

How has your job evolved over the years?

The most obvious and productive evolution was in technology. When I started I used a typewriter and carbon paper for copies. The typewriter didn’t have auto correct so “whiteout” was our saving grace. Our photocopier was a dinosaur and use was restricted and we got this beauty after using a mimeograph machine (wait, how old am I?). And don’t let me get started about faxing. We were using whatever was the precursor of a fax machine, which took FOREVER to spin and send, I could have walked the letter over before it finished!

In the mid 80’s we started using a WANG (our first computer) which was other-worldly but time saving.

Access to the internet in the early 90’s, with its unending access to every answer I needed in seconds, and social media opened up new and creative advertising avenues to all.

Legal compliance has also evolved as new regulatory requirements, communication platforms, privacy and data security were introduced. When I started the official rules were half a page long and could easily fit on the back of a 2”x2” game card. Now you are lucky if you can get everything in under 4 pages.

What is the one thing you love about your job?

I love everything there is about promotion marketing. I get to be creative by helping clients plan their next promotion; I test my knowledge of promotions by reviewing everything to ensure they are in compliance with current regulations, I get the privilege of travelling to almost all of our 50 United States to ensure security during the execution of printed Instant Winner game pieces, and I get to play Santa and give great prizes away. What’s not to love?

Most famous/favorite celebrity you got to work with or meet while at MK?

Wow, in 1982 we ran a promotion with ABC called “Daytime Dilemma” and I got to meet and work with many of their “A” list soap opera actors, like my all-time favorite, Susan Lucci. While attending the Univision Upfront presentations I met with Gloria Estefan, Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias, Ricky Martin, Sofia Vergara and Cristina among many famous Hispanic “novella” actors, and I have the pictures to prove it. In 2007 I met the Harlem Globetrotters on a WU photoshoot. And, during my many trips I did encounter some celebrities in the airport and on board the airplane like Princess Caroline and Sir David Frost. I apologize to any celebrity that I met and forgot to include in this list – it has been 38 years after all.

What was one thing you used every day when you first started at MK that you don’t have to use anymore? 

Carbon paper, the messiest invention ever!

Craziest thing you ever had to do as part of your job?

Oh boy, where do I start? Yes, I have more than one…Standing in the middle of Saks Fifth Avenue for 2 days guarding a 1’x1’ vault; giving away client product samples at grassy/muddy airshows across the NE in heels; counting thousands of jelly beans; making pasta bouquets for cook-off events; travelling to printing and manufacturing plants all over the country at all hours of the day and night. On one trip I had 4 jobs to complete in different cities and states, on the last job when I woke up in my hotel room I had to call the main desk to confirm where I was. So, I know for a fact that crazy me has done a lot of crazier things then what I shared with you; however I need to protect everyone who was involved so I refuse to reveal anything further. That’s all I have to say about that!

One piece of advice you would give anyone starting out?

Always be curious and ask questions, there is so much more to learn so don’t stop! And, always be respectful to everyone you meet – our business is a social enterprise so you never know when you will meet them again!

Want Fae Savignano (and her 38 years of experience) to help you on your next promotion? Contact us!

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