SALT LAKE CITY, UT (BRAIN)—SOAR Communications has hired Alex Strickland as an account executive.
Strickland was previously creative services and accounts manager at Fuel Marketing in Salt Lake City. Strickland has also worked in the marketing departments at two state universities and was the managing editor at a pair of community newspapers in Northwest Montana, according to a press release.
As a new member of the SOAR team, Strickland will work with clients such as Interbike, Outdoor Retailer, Primal Wear, and pro-bono accounts Bikes for Kids Utah and Trips for Kids.
"We threw Alex into the fire with Outdoor Retailer," said Chip Smith, president of SOAR Communications. "His experience and his passion for the outdoors helped him jump right in and he proved that we made the right hiring decision. His experience in and around the media has given him a great understanding of what reporters and editors are looking for in a story, and his marketing experience helps him translate clients missions' into a narrative that appeals to both the media and consumers."
While working at Fuel Marketing, Strickland's duties included crafting and distributing press releases for clients in fields as varied as healthcare and communications technology. He also acted as a production designer and print manager for clients' creative projects. As a small-town newspaper editor, Strickland wrote, photographed, designed and managed the daily operations of two newspapers covering 350 square miles and more than a dozen communities.
Strickland participates in a variety of outdoor recreation activities and is an avid mountain bikers and skier. He is also a budding triathlete and competes in cycling and running events throughout the year.
"Joining SOAR is the perfect opportunity for me to combine my communications skillset and my passion for the outdoors," Strickland said. "I'm excited to provide clients with the best work possible by utilizing the experience I've gained in a variety of media and marketing environments."
Prior to joining SOAR Communications, Strickland earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in print journalism from the University of Montana in Missoula, Montana. He has worked as an editor or writer at his alma mater, Utah Valley University, the Great Falls Tribune, Bigfork Eagle and West Shore News. His writing and photography has been published in numerous print and online publications across the country including WashingtonPost.com, Montana Magazine, Empire Builder magazine, NewWest.net and others.
In addition to Smith, he joins longtime account executive Maura Lansford at the company.
