With IZEA’s network of over 750k registered influencers and 50k registered advertisers, OCD organization is crucial to successful client outreach and management. Let’s face it, we work in an industry that is always evolving and requires employees to be flexible and ready to learn. One IZEAn that takes excellent care of her clients and always remains open to learning and thinking outside the box is our lovely Senior Account Director for the Southeast, Kristen Barnhart-Smith.
Midwestern Girl Turned Forever Floridian
Kristen was born and raised in a little town called Terre Haute, Indiana, but identifies herself as a true Florida girl, having lived in Orlando for almost 17 years now. She attended the University of Central Florida (Go Knights!) and received degrees in Interior Design and Interpersonal/Organizational Communications. We love an overachiever!
Before joining the IZEA team, Kristen worked in the custom décor division at the JCPenney Corporation. Almost 3 ½ years ago, she officially became an IZEAn, starting in an inside sales position and then moving to outside sales as the Senior Account Director for the Southeast, where she focuses on brands and agencies located within her territory.
Creative Perfectionist
In an ever-growing industry, it’s important to be flexible and willing to adapt, which is why Kristen loves her job – she never gets bored! Kristen’s position also requires her to be extremely detail-oriented, proactive and organized – characteristics that come naturally to this perfectionist. Kristen is fantastic at listening to, educating and offering a tailored solution for her clients’ needs, and she’s not afraid to think outside of the box.
Kristen works very hard to ensure her clients are always happy. “I love Kristen! I’m pretty sure she sleeps here…she’s here in the AM and leaves late,” explained Veronique Conus, Senior Manager of Celeb Relations. “You know what’s awesome about Kristen, too? Her ability to relate to people – there is an honesty and genuine feeling of customer service that is innate in her conversations; it’s not a wonder she’s constantly at the top of our sales team!”
Rewarding Results
Kristen finds reward in seeing her ideas come to life when her campaigns launch. One particular campaign that she loved was for a flower organization that incorporated celebrity designer Taniya Nayak. IZEA built a contest landing page, where we encouraged people to upload pictures of their backyards that drastically needed a makeover. At the end, we selected a winner and had Taniya fly out to help design the makeover. Kristen loved getting to see the successful campaign results and, as an Interior Design major, was thrilled to meet Taniya.
Aside from campaigns results, Kristen cites that her favorite part of the job is working with IZEA’s various client partners and awesome team of creative and intelligent individuals. She loves coming to work every day and makes it known – she’s always smiling and willing to help anyone who asks. You make us smile, Kristen!
Fun Facts
- Many people don’t know that Kristen is a true artist by nature. She paints, draws, has won several art contests, and has been commissioned to paint residential and commercial murals. Her talent definitely comes in handy whenever we decorate the IZEA office walls with unicorns and robots.
- Her artistic talents don’t end there; she also has taken more than 10 years of classical piano lessons and dances regularly. “She’s a model, she’s a dancer and she’s like the sweetest person on Earth,” said Annie Kabourek, Senior Account Manager.
- Lastly, Kristen is obsessed with her long-haired Chihuahua, Milo. How could you not be?! He’s adorable!
Listen Up
For professionals in the same industry, Kristen recommends they really listen to what clients are saying, but also what they’re not saying. Fully understanding a client’s thoughts, likes and dislikes are crucial to creating a campaign that lives up to a client’s expectations.
“There is no one in our business who works harder or cares more than Kristen Barnhart,” said Ryan Schram, COO. “Her passion and dedication to her clients result in lasting relationships that always drive mutual value.” We are so incredibly lucky to have Kristen on our team. Thanks for everything you do!
