With nearly 13 years at the helm of Aker Ink, Andrea has made a name for herself as an expert communicator and keen business strategist. An Arizona native and graduate from the University of Arizona and Arizona State University’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Andrea is well known for setting the bar high and never lowering it – making her a fantastic mentor and boss.
Learn a little more about Aker Ink’s fearless leader:
Andrea at a race in Boulder, CO.
Triathlon is My Secret Creativity Weapon
I began competing in triathlons about five years ago. At the time, I simply wanted to stay active and fit, yet I quickly became enthralled with the sport – the dedication, drive and structure necessary for multidisciplinary mastery. Drawn to the longer distances, I’ve since competed in two full Ironman races (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike, 26.2 run) and 10 half Ironman races. I’ve also achieved Ironman All World status for the past two years.
While the physical benefits are obvious, the long bike rides and runs provide an added professional benefit: it’s where all of my best ideas are born. Not only does the training help me achieve work/life balance, but the physical activity clears my mind and creative concepts flow in effortlessly. I’ve concocted many of my favorite campaigns and business decisions on the road.
I’m a Surprisingly Adept Juggler
Yes, the kind in a circus. When I was about 11, my dad was given a Klutz book with juggling instructions and three bean bags. Now this was entertainment, I thought. I slowly picked it up, and after nailing the classic cascade, I taught myself various tricks and other styles of juggling via books from the public library (that place where kids learned things before the Internet). My finesse has certainly declined, but that classic cascade is just like riding a bike.
I Love International Travel
Well who doesn’t, right? Traveling is a great passion of mine. I try to visit at least one new country every year.
I have few favorites so far: wine touring in Champagne, France and Cape Town, South Africa (for obvious reasons), and exploring Laos in Southeast Asia. I was so touched by the culture, land and people in Laos that I sponsored a young boy through SOS Children’s Villages.
Sunny, Andrea’s nine-year-old cat.
I Adopted a Fluffy Orange Cat Named Sunny
I’m, admittedly, a total cat person. And that’s because I managed to adopt the most amazing cat in the entire world from the Arizona Humane Society, Sunny. He has a huge personality, loves people and constantly makes me laugh. When I count my blessings, I often think of all the laughter he has brought into my life during the past nine years.
I Hate (Most) Fruit
Being an adult is awesome. I don’t have to clean my plate, make my bed – or eat any fruit. I’m actually repulsed by most fruit, especially citrus and melons, and I’ve never even tried some common fruits, such as oranges. (Soccer games were rough as a child. No half-time snacks for me.) There are about three or four fruits I will consume on a limited basis, but I go out of my way to avoid the vast majority.
Want to learn more about the professional side? Check out Andrea’s bio.
