🚨 At RBOA, we know that great marketing requires more than just strategy and execution—it takes creativity, patience, and a keen eye for detail. And believe it or not, some of the skills that make us exceptional at our jobs come from the things we do outside of work! From quilting and crocheting to painting and photography, our team’s hobbies and hidden talents fuel our ability to think outside the box, tackle complex projects, and bring fresh perspectives to our work. In this blog, we’re pulling back the curtain to share the unexpected ways our passions shape the marketing magic we create every day.
Erica Thaler, Chief Marketing Officer – Quilting
Looking back, I have always had an interest in fabric and design. I have fond memories of being ten or eleven and spending hours with a bag of fabric scraps, buttons, and yarn, and using them to make little dolls. Although I learned to sew in 7th grade (yes, in “home economics class, in which I learned about a new invention called the microwave), I did not start sewing again until about 20 years ago.
Fast forward to now, and I have learned to love almost everything about quilting (except pin basting) and most especially, I love the fabrics and colors and thinking about the design options. I love playing with color and exploring how a pop of unexpected color can brighten a design. (Needless to say, I love designing digital graphics too!)
Not only is quilting filled with danger (I jest, but there are hot irons, sharp rotary cutters, machine-powered needles, and sharp pins involved in the process), it’s an opportunity for creating a finished quilt out of many small tasks: planning the color scheme, cutting the fabric, accurate piecing, meticulous pressing and trimming blocks, mastering that ¼” seam, basting, quilting the layers, and finally, adding the binding. The accuracy of each component affects the next step and the finished quilt. The lesson? Have patience, break big tasks into smaller ones, and be sure to have your seam ripper at the ready. It’s better to fix an error than compound it!
With my trusty Juki 2010Q on the job, my quality control cat, Sophie, and I are pleased to show you a few of my finished quilty projects!
Examples of my quilting:
AnnaGrace Brackin, Account Coordinator – Painting & Drawing
Painting and drawing have had a surprising impact on the way I approach marketing. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of attention to detail—in art, the smallest adjustments can completely change a piece, and the same goes for marketing. Whether it’s refining copy, tweaking a design, or analyzing data, those little details make all the difference in creating something truly effective.
Color theory and proportion also play a huge role. In art, understanding how colors interact and how elements are balanced on a canvas makes a piece visually appealing. The same principles apply to branding, ad design, and content creation. Choosing the right color combinations, creating balance in layouts, and making sure everything is visually harmonious helps communicate a message clearly and effectively.
Then there’s patience—arguably the most important and valuable lesson painting and drawing has given me. A good painting takes time, just like a strong marketing strategy. Results don’t happen instantly, and sometimes, you have to step back, reassess, and make adjustments. Both art and marketing require persistence, problem-solving, and the ability to trust the process, even when progress feels slow!
Examples of my art:
Katie Milordis, Director of Digital Marketing – Crocheting
Crocheting has made me a better marketer by teaching me patience, problem-solving, and the importance of creativity in execution. Just like in marketing, crocheting requires careful planning—choosing the right yarn and stitch pattern is similar to selecting the right strategy and messaging for a campaign. If I rush the process or skip steps, I end up with mistakes that need to be unraveled and redone, which mirrors how a rushed marketing strategy can lead to wasted effort and resources. Over the years, I’ve learned that both crocheting and marketing demand persistence, adaptability, and a willingness to refine my work until it meets the desired outcome.
Being self-taught in crocheting has also strengthened my ability to research, experiment, and learn through trial and error—an essential skill in digital marketing. Whether I’m troubleshooting a tricky stitch or navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media algorithms, I know that growth comes from continuous learning and iteration. Just as I find joy in turning a ball of yarn into something functional and beautiful, I love taking raw data, insights, and creativity to craft marketing campaigns that resonate with audiences.
Lastly, crocheting has enhanced my ability to focus on both the big picture and small details. A blanket, sweater, or stuffed animal design is built one stitch at a time, just as a strong brand or campaign is built through a series of well-executed steps. This balance of vision and detail-oriented work helps me approach marketing with a mindset that values consistency, refinement, and long-term success. Plus, having a creative outlet outside of work keeps me inspired and sharp, preventing burnout and bringing fresh ideas into my professional life.
Examples of my crochet:
Emily Tomczak, Account Executive – Traveling
When I’m not crafting content strategies or analyzing campaign performance, I’m traveling. My experiences abroad constantly shift my perspective and strengthen my skills as a marketer. Seeing new places, meeting different people, and navigating unfamiliar situations require adaptability, curiosity, and creative problem-solving—things I rely on every day in my work.
Travel also teaches flexibility and quick thinking. Whether figuring out how to communicate in a foreign country or adjusting plans on the fly, being able to adapt is just as important in marketing as it is on the road. The ability to pivot, analyze, and find new ways to connect with an audience is key to building successful content strategies.
More than anything, travel fuels creativity. Experiencing different cultures expands how I think about storytelling, engagement, and what makes something truly memorable. When I visited Thailand, I was struck by the bold colors, intricate designs, and emotional storytelling woven into everything from street art to advertising. Billboards and storefronts used vibrant imagery and messaging that felt different from Western marketing but just as compelling. It was a reminder that audience connection isn’t one-size-fits-all—culture, emotion, and visual language all shape consumer behavior.
Images from my travel:
Michael Winn, – CEO – How Being a Star Wars Superfan Makes You a Better CEO
Being a massive Star Wars hobbyist and superfan isn’t just about lightsabers and epic space battles—it’s about seeing leadership, strategy, and resilience in action. And believe it or not, those galactic lessons can shape someone into an incredible CEO—especially in a fast-moving world like digital marketing.
Take Princess Leia Organa, for instance. She leads with clarity, compassion, and purpose—just like a great CEO should. Leia doesn’t just give orders—she listens, empowers, and inspires others to do their best, a must when managing creative, driven marketing teams.
Then there’s Yoda—a master of patience and insight. In a field where trends shift overnight, CEOs must remain calm and thoughtful, balancing quick pivots with long-term vision.
Or consider Han Solo—a risk-taker who trusts his gut. Sometimes, making bold moves and thinking outside the box is what launches a campaign—or a company—to new heights.
And of course, Luke Skywalker, who grew into leadership by embracing humility and learning from failure. A strong CEO recognizes that progress is a journey, and success often comes from empowering others to grow.
Being a Star Wars fan is more than fandom—it’s a daily reminder of the qualities that make teams powerful and missions possible. For a CEO leading a digital agency through algorithm changes, client campaigns, and team development, channeling the wisdom of the galaxy might just be the secret weapon.
Some of my Star Wars Collection:
Ilaria Georgi, Account Coordinator – Cooking
I’ve always loved going out to eat at restaurants, and when I realized I could make delicious food for myself and my friends at home, I was hooked. Eating may be a necessity, but for me, cooking is a fun luxury! Every week I plan what I’ll be making for myself, often having to be mindful of what ingredients and budget I already have. I use these same skills when marketing and keep in mind clients’ budgets, brand guides, and time constraints. Both meal prepping and marketing are best when planned ahead of time, and I’ve slowly been perfecting my strategy skills in both areas of my life!
When cooking for friends and family, I have to think about presentation, understanding my audience, and receiving feedback, and these skills directly translate into creating effective marketing campaigns. In both plating a dish and creating social media ads, presentation is everything. My friends would be hesitant to taste something unappetizing, and no one will click on a boring ad. Cooking for my friends also helps me understand my marketing audience. Not everyone likes the same things I like all the time!
Lastly, the act of cooking for others and putting my creations out into the world can be scary! It’s vulnerable letting someone see and judge what I’ve worked hard on. Cooking for my friends has taught me how to both receive and judge feedback. In marketing, if my post does not do well, I see it as valuable feedback and try something new the next time!
Some food I’ve made:
The Wrap
Whether we’re stitching together a quilt or crafting a killer social media campaign, the skills we hone in our free time make us better at what we do. Creativity, problem-solving, patience, and attention to detail—these aren’t just job skills; they’re part of who we are. And that’s what makes Team RBOA so unique. What hobbies fuel your creativity? Drop a comment, and let’s chat!
RBOA is a digital marketing agency with a 40-year legacy of creativity, smart strategy, and fresh thinking that delivers award-winning communications and successful results. We provide clients with a unique, omnichannel blend of advertising, social media, digital marketing, and web design services.
If you are interested in learning more about digital marketing for your organization, we hope you will reach out to RBOA to schedule an exploratory call.