We’re looking forward to introducing you to Beth Okeon. Check out our conversation below.
Beth, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I recently started a 70-mile bike ride in support of Junior Achievement of Memphis and the Mid-South’s 70th anniversary. It’s been a fun, rewarding (and HOT!) adventure that has helped me reconnect with people I love and meet new people too. I’ve enjoyed getting to be outside, see my neighbors and ride for a good cause. My donors have been so encouraging – and we’ve already raised thousands of dollars, all of which will go toward serving K-12 students right here in the Mid-South region. I’ve also been painting and creating a lot lately which has been so fulfilling. I was honored to be asked to do a painting for the lobby of Plough Towers, a senior living community in east Memphis and have most recently had my artwork displayed at Saddle Creek Shopping Center and the Memphis Botanic Gardens.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Since 2002, ABO Marketing & Communications has provided public relations services to businesses and nonprofits alike. For clients, we serve as an extension of their staff, working in concert with their talented team members. Our main goal is to help our clients get in the news to shine a light on the positive things they are doing in our city, our region and beyond. Prior to starting ABO, I served as Director of Marketing for ServiceMaster. It’s been a very fun career, for which I’m exceedingly grateful.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
I worked many summers for my father, David Okeon, who was the broker and president of Marx-Bensdorf, REALTORS. His ability to relate well to agents, clients and competitors alike was unparalleled, as was his work ethic. He was good at real estate, he had a talent for real estate, and he was comfortable with real estate. This gave him an ease about it that could be felt by others. He was able to put clients and coworkers at ease and thus, developed trusting business relationships that spanned decades. He was better at real estate than anything else in his life – and I learned to appreciate him mainly on this front. Years later, when I started working, I noticed that most people were uncomfortable in dealing with the media whereas I enjoyed it. I knew I had found a place where I could add value and ease for others. The rest, as they say, is history.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Funny you should ask! I’ve been thinking about this lately. I would tell her to trust her gut and the small-but-mighty voice guiding her to keep going. Connect with nature and God often. I would encourage her that she’s carrying a lot, doing a good job, and to be gentler and kinder to herself and others sooner rather than later. I would tell her that it’s going to take time, but that she’s going to find positive ways to use the gifts given to her – and that it’s all going to work out in the right time and order.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
One of my lifelong best friends, Michelle. We’ve been friends since pre-K and I trust her implicitly. She is my go-to for any life/spiritual guidance. Her integrity hasn’t faltered in nearly 50 years and I am so grateful to have her as a friend, guide and confidant. When I want to know what the right thing is to do, I call Michelle. She doesn’t tell me what the answer is. She helps me figure that out for myself and teaches me to trust myself and the process.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
When I’m at the pool with my sisters or out back at my house working in the garden with my dogs.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.abomarketing.com
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/abo-marketing-&-communications/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ABOMarketing
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abomarketing/
Image Credits
Headshot: Ben Couvillion
Photo of Beth in red/black dress with photographer: Disciple Photo
All others: no photo credit needed
