Today we’d like to introduce you to JoAnn Herold.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my career as a STAR at McDonald’s. That meant I wore the Hamburgular costume and gave the birthday parties. That experience instilled a love of working with iconic brands and serving others. From there, I studied journalism and public relations as an undergraduate at Mississippi State. I was hired to be the director of marketing at the Jackson, MS Zoo. And while I loved that job, it didn’t pay well.
From there, I was recruited to Shoney’s and Captain D’s to be in field marketing. I loved working with franchisees and customers and helping brands grow. I was also VP of Brand and Communications at Arby’s Restaurant Group and served as the Vice Chair for the Arby’s Foundation.
I ended up serving as the chief marketer of Honey Baked Ham twice and as the global chief marketing officer for Interface, Inc. I’ve taken all of these passions and now am the chief executive officer at Herold Growth Consulting. I also wrote a leadership and growth book, Living on a Smile, and spoke about personal and professional growth.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes, there have been struggles along the way. Some of it has been balancing family with a big career. I’ve learned there are seasons for life, and there’s no such thing as perfect balance. There’s been times when family has been a bigger priority over career and vice versa.
I’ve learned to be kind to everyone–everyone has something you have no idea they are dealing with.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are proven strategic brand, innovation, marketing, coach, and growth experts specializing in growing brands and people. Clients range across industries including: fast-moving consumer brands, agencies, manufacturing, non-profit, and education. And at our core, all of our clients are purpose-driven businesses and seek sustainable growth solutions. Former CMO of HoneyBaked Ham (twice) and Interface, Inc (NASDAQ: TILE).
Fast moving, we take an entrepreneurial approach, and scale business and projects with expertise based on client needs, and assemble teams that include “All the Right People” based on the scope. Clients include: The Giving Kitchen, Focus Brands, Hothouse, Inc. Camp Sunshine of Maine, OnBoard, Georgia State University, and Darling Fibers.
All I can say is that we love what we do, and it shows!
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
At my heart, I am a purpose-led leader. I love serving our community and do a lot of volunteer work through Leadership Atlanta. I am also on the board at Covenant House, whose mission is to serve homeless youth.
I teach at Georgia State University and am an Executive in Residence. Mentoring, coaching, and helping the next generation is something I love doing.
I recently published a book called Living on A Smile, and it won a silver medal as a Reader’s Favorite. Check it out on www.ripples.media
Contact Info:
- Website: heroldgrowthconsulting.com
