Women in Business
Reba Blevens Media Matrix 6210 Ken Ave. (817) 925-7141 REBA BLEVENS IS VERY GOOD at drawing attention – to her clients. If you’ve ever had the urge to check out an automobile at the Moritz Auto Group, you likely did so because of Blevens’ handiwork, which is the fruit of marketing experience that dates nearly three decades. “I started my agency in 1990,” Blevens says. “In 1996, I sold my partnership in the agency and worked solely for the Moritz Auto Group which included Moritz BMW Cadillac MINI, Buz Post GM Buick Isuzu Kia, and the Troy Aikman Automall. Today, the Moritz Dealerships continue to be my primary client. The dealerships now include Chevrolet, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram and Kia (which currently has three locations in Tarrant County).” Getting people to take notice requires a skillset that blends art and science. Technically speaking, Blevens is involved in the following practices: • Analyzing market demographics and competitive spending • Negotiating and placing media, including radio, television, newspaper, billboards and digital advertising • Writing, producing and directing television and radio commercials • Directing art design for print materials • Auditing vendor invoices and submitting coop to manufacturers, and • Coordinating special events She works directly with the owners and managers to determine a marketing strategy and utilizes the services of multiple free-lance professionals specific to each project. “Together,” she says, “we develop a campaign that represents both shortterm and long-term goals of the company.” How Blevens came to be one of the area’s premier marketing gurus is a story unto itself. “I returned to Arlington in 1984 when my second son Spencer was born,” she says. “A high school friend, Mike O’Donnell, was the sales manager at WBAP. He encouraged me to work for him at the radio station. I was reluctant, but ultimately 36
ARLINGTON TODAY • October 2016 • arlingtontoday.com
Photo: Farah White
worked there for five years as an account executive. Several of my clients expressed frustration with the number of media sales reps they had soliciting their advertising business. Many of those clients agreed to allow me to handle that portion of their business. The rest is history, as they say. I love the work I do. After all, I’ve been doing it for over 25 years.” Blevens says the secret to her success is simple. “I believe that if you pursue your dreams and aspirations with a passion you will achieve success both personally and professionally,” she says. “My business is special because of one-on-one personal attention, availability and accountability.” She says her proudest moments as a professional come when she has the opportunity to give back and share her success with others. “For example,” she says, “stepping into the classroom to teach Media Buying and Planning at TCU. Hopefully, my first-hand experience helped inspire the students to pursue a career that has been fulfilling for me personally.” She also enjoys numerous non-profit associations, including the Alliance for Children and the Arlington ISD Executive Foundation. She is serving her second year as co-chair of the “Great Conversation” Dinner benefitting Alliance for Children. “This year,” she says, “the event will feature special guest, former Dallas Cowboy Charles Haley interviewed by Norm Hitzges with Sportsradio/The Ticket. This event is one of the primary fundraisers for AFC.”