I went to a small Catholic grade school in Louisiana and played the guitar every Friday at mass in the cafeteria, and almost every Sunday in the children’s choir. I still have the guitar, but can’t play it. I found it in my parents’ closet and taught myself before they finally got me lessons. I guess that was my first career.

I never wanted to live in Texas. I thought it was too big and didn’t want a part of it. Then life took a turn and Dallas seemed like the best place to look for a job in advertising that was still a drivable distance from home: 6.5 hours. I got the interview at The Richards Group, took a typing test, yes a typing test, and a week later was hired as a coordinator. I did print producing for a tiny amount of time after that, left and went to a post house to be a producer, and then returned to TRG. My first assignment back at the agency was a campaign for Pilgrim’s Pride Chicken. I’ve been producing with The Richards Group ever since.

I’ll never forget my first trip to L.A. The valet sign at the hotel said parking was $20 so when I had the car pulled around, I gave the guy $20 and called my supervisor and said “Oh my God. Do I have to pay him $20 every time I get the car because that is crazy!” He said, “Oh my gosh, you just made that guy’s day and he’s going to want to bring your car around every day. No, you pay that fee when you check out of the hotel, Bridget.” I remember walking down Rodeo Drive for the first time thinking “This is country come to town!” My creative team called me “Country” after that.

Hard to imagine that same person would have traveled the world and produced campaigns for some of the biggest national brands. But what a joy it’s been – every new friend made, problem solved, idea brought to life, and yes, each new nickname earned along the way.