Jill is the Founder, President, and Chief Creative Officer of BSTRO. She is a champion of ideas, building BSTRO to be where talented, engaged people come together to share strategies, insights, and stories.
Since she started the agency in 2004, BSTRO has become a market-leading digital agency known for developing engaging campaigns that create deeper connections between people and brands with a client roster that includes global consumer brands, leading health and educational institutions, and innovative non-profit, arts, and cultural organizations.
Melinda replied when asked about Jill, “Jill is smart and driven. She is a visionary and a burst of energy. She has built her company on a foundation of great people and talent. I love that Jill is willing to push out her comfort zone to do what is needed to take her business to the next step.“
Recently, we had a chance to sit down with Jill…
How do you work with ZümiFi?
Jill – The quick answer is that I work with ZümiFi very easily. Melinda has set us up for a very nice working relationship. She has been consulting my company and me on finance and operational issues for over two years. It has made a significant difference in how we run the company and how to think through the challenges and opportunities in front of us. ZümiFi provides a part-time CFO, a business consultant, a sounding board, and a consistent voice of reason for my company.
What do you appreciate most about working with ZümiFi?
Jill – I most appreciate Melinda’s professionalism, insights, and wisdom. She knows what to measure, track, flag, and what we need to learn from our financials. She also has a calm focus that keeps meetings on point and helps keep the focus on our goals. There can be a lot of distractions in business and things that can pull you off course. ZümiFi keeps us focused on the important things. And somehow, Melinda makes finance fun. She’s got a great business manner; everyone on our exec team holds her in the highest regard.
How do you network?
Jill – I don’t think I formally network. I am a pretty social person, and I enjoy meeting new people and keeping connected to people I’ve worked with in the past. I find people I have lost touch with professionally through LinkedIn and try to show up for client events, community fundraisers, and organizations and people I believe in. I think that’s the extent of my networking; it’s an organic process of maintaining old relationships and being open to introductions that come my way.
What is the hardest thing you have ever done?
Jill – The hardest thing I’ve ever done was finish my MFA. The job market was booming; I was not a natural or trained fine artist like my classmates, and doing my thesis project was incredibly daunting. But I did it with the support of a couple of good friends and a massive commitment to make the final push. I wanted to quit a dozen times, but I am glad I didn’t give into money, fear, or procrastination.
What was the best thing that happened to you this past week? Why?
Jill – Well, it was a holiday week, so my answer will skew toward the best thing outside work. The best thing that happened to me this week was that my 7-year-old daughter came home from a two-and-a-half-week vacation and was equally as excited to have been gone as she was to return. We went for a great hike, had a sword fight with sticks in the woods, and she smoked me in a foot race. So the best thing was being reminded that I have raised a strong, secure, independent daughter who is fun to be around and enjoys family time as much as I do.