This month, we’re getting to know Trekk HubSpot Administrator Jillian Huntley. Since joining our team, she has been invaluable in helping our clients manage and execute marketing automation strategies in HubSpot. She also has the biggest heart for animals (you won’t want to miss the round-up of the pets in the Huntley household) and we can’t wait for you to get to know yet another wonderful Trekk team member.
It’s great to get a chance to chat with you, Jillian! Let’s dive into all you do on the Trekk team. First things first: What do you do as a part of our content team?
My official title is HubSpot Administrator. I guess you can say I work on the "backend" part of the content team. I ensure the proper systems and processes are in place so that the team can easily and successfully run campaigns (through HubSpot) and accurately report the results for our clients.
How did you get into the content field, and more specifically HubSpot?
I majored in marketing in college but I did not start my career there. I knew it was ultimately what I wanted to do and after several years in sales, I started a position at a HubSpot Platinum Partner agency. In this role, I was responsible for strategizing and executing multi-channel marketing campaigns for my various clients. HubSpot was the tool to make those campaigns happen. HubSpot's user-friendly platform made executing campaigns easier, more connected, and more purposeful. That's when my HubSpot fangirl status started to set in.
Now, speaking about your role on our team specifically: What does your average day-to-day look like?
The average day for me typically involves working on 5-7 different client HubSpot projects. I have a pretty even mix of what I would consider more minor day-to-day maintenance and process optimization, and more complex projects involving data from third-party systems, or non-out-of-the-box solutions. No day is the same and I enjoy the variety of clients and work.
It sure sounds like you never have a dull day! At Trekk, we are big advocates of HubSpot, but some companies are still learning how it can benefit their business. Could you explain why clients would benefit from working with HubSpot?
HubSpot, when used correctly, can help identify gaps in your system(s) and processes — particularly related to the revenue arm of the business. The platform's ability to house all go-to-market functions under one common system reduces the friction points between departments like Sales, Service, and Marketing. As revenue-generating departments, inefficiencies in these processes can ultimately impact the business's bottom line — and I can’t say I know a single business that likes losing money.
What advice would you give to someone who’s considering getting into HubSpot for their career?
It's really never too late to get into HubSpot or general revenue operations (RevOPs) if it's what you enjoy doing! Whether you're new to your career or tenured, the resources available online to learn about these subjects are essentially endless. But my advice would be to pay close attention to the metrics. The data will tell you where there are inefficiencies, and then it's about finding the best solution for the business and end users. And finally, always strive to figure out how to do things on your own before leaning on others. Leverage Google so when you do go to your peer or boss, you can ask solution-based questions like "will this work?" rather than "how do you do this?". You will learn more by trial and error.
Alright, last serious question: What are some challenging aspects of your work? And what makes your work rewarding?
One of the most challenging aspects is creating solutions that will get fully adopted by the end users. I can create the best process, but if no one knows how to use it or they use it incorrectly, then it’s pointless. I'm constantly looking for the most streamlined way to solve a problem and get full user adoption. I’d have to say that the rewarding part is when you come up with a solution that the end users love as much as the key decision makers.
Now, what do you do when you aren’t busy being a HubSpot master? Who is Jillian outside of the office?
A lot of my time and attention goes to the furred and feathered population of my household. When they aren't fighting over my attention, I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, 4-wheeling, gardening, and kayaking.
We're looking forward to hearing more about that special population in your household. So, without further ado, let’s get into our speed round!
Cake or pie?
Cake — you can get cakes that taste like pies, but you can't get pies that taste like cakes.
Favorite kind of cookie?
Have to go with the classic chocolate chip cookie; my mom makes the best!
Favorite season of the year and why?
Fall, fall, fall. The weather, the foliage, bonfires... need I say more? Oh, and Boots the pig loves pumpkin!
What’s your perfect last meal?
My mom's Thanksgiving dinner — 100%.
Last TV show you binge watched?
Probably Ozark, Season 4 Part 1.
What’s one guilty pleasure you have?
Nerd's gummy clusters… If you haven't had them, you're missing out.
Last but not least, tell us about all of your four-legged friends that live at the Huntley household!
- 3 cats — Enzo Ferrari, Kitten Alfredo, and Cannoli
- 4 dogs — Vinny, Mela, Mick Wagger, and Brutus
- 1 ferret — Sid
- 4 ducks — AKA "The Quacks" (They only have 2 legs but I thought they should be included)
- 1 Pig — Boots, and we have one lil' oink on the way. We are going to pick her up from a pig rescue in Tennessee in a few weeks. Name suggestions are welcomed! (See below pic for added cuteness affect)
