Welcome to our staff Q&A! We plan to periodically introduce you to members of the Tucker Publishing Group team via a quick Q&A about us. Who has worked at TPG the longest? What past issues of Evansville Living are our favorites? Who has the fiercest high school rivalry in the office? Keep an eye trained here to find out!
This week, meet Senior Account Executive Jessica Hoffman, who joined Tucker Publishing Group in December 2001 in its early days. A native of Cynthiana, Indiana, she is a 2001 graduate of the University of Southern Indiana and holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising.
Why did you decide to join Tucker Publishing Group?
In the fall of 2001, I was looking for an internship opportunity while finishing up my advertising degree at USI. As a college student, my first introduction to the new city and magazine, Evansville Living, came from a kiosk at Eastland Mall. I remember seeing the beautiful spreads and interesting stories about our community and having an interest in being a part of that in some way.
How has TPG helped you grow in your field and as an individual?
I was a pretty shy and quiet kid growing up. As an advertising salesperson, you meet new people every single day. I talk to hundreds of people each month by phone and in person. The role I have has pushed those shy and quiet tendencies to the background. I’ve always had a real love of people, and this job affords me a great opportunity to interact with and learn from all different kinds of people, as well as learn about their occupations.
What has been your favorite magazine issue that TPG has published?
I enjoyed the November/December 2017 issue of Evansville Living because it had such a festive cover that was geared toward Thanksgiving — my favorite holiday! There was a great article with historical photos from Christmas on Main Street. The feature story included fantastic tips from local experts on hosting a party, along with food and drink recipes.
What is your favorite thing about working at TPG?
My interactions with clients, some of whom I’ve now worked with for 20 years. I’ve come to know quite a bit about their businesses. I also have a more personal connection with them because I’ve been fortunate enough to learn about their families over the years.
Another thing that I enjoy is working with my twin sister, Jennifer Rhoades, every day. We used to create magazines together as kids at our kitchen table. It’s such a pleasure to be able to work with one another as adults.
If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go, and why?
I’ve been fortunate to travel some internationally, and I have enjoyed those experiences. What I’m most interested in right now is seeing all 50 states. We have a beautiful country with so much to see and do. I have about 20 more states to see. I’m planning a trip to the East Coast with my family for next summer. I hope to check off quite a few of the smaller Eastern states at that time.
What life experience would you choose to relive, and why?
I had such a great college experience at USI. It was my first taste of freedom, living on campus with my sister. We lived in the first apartment building as student residents walked from their classes back to their apartments. We never knew who might stop by to talk or hang out. There always seemed to be an element of the unexpected that could happen at any moment. I strengthened relationships with my childhood friends in these years, as they all chose to attend USI or the University of Evansville. I also made many new friendships. I received a great education at USI and have continued to have lunches with former college professors who made a big impact on my life.
