The Key to Success—Colleen Huff, B.B.A.’05

As senior sales director for MLive Media Group, Colleen Huff, B.B.A.’05, has worked for eight years to drive the success of new products, services and market expansions by directing sales organization. With a degree in business administration from Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business, with a focus on marketing and advertising in hand and an interest in the automotive field, Huff knew she wanted to work where she could make a difference in a company.

“I wanted to see and feel the impact a successful campaign could have on a business. I didn’t just want to be a marketing consultant, but a true business consultant,” she explains. Upon beginning her career, she found herself at MLive.com. “I learned a great deal about the advertising business and held positions at multiple levels within the company from account executive to management,” says Huff.

Her experience with MLive.com would soon open doors to the emerging platform of digital media. “In the fall of 2011, I was chosen from among a handful of executives to create a new media company. We created MLive Media Group. Over the last few years, my role has evolved. I am now a senior sales director leading a team of talented local and national directors, managers, senior sales consultants, inside and outside account executives and account managers. I lead a team that is as invested in the success of the client and their business as much as the client is. A team of true marketing and business consultants,” Huff explains.

MLive Media Group is now the largest media group in Michigan. With emphasis on collaboration and empowerment, it is a driving force in the digital media economy. “We exist to grow Michigan business. That’s it. It’s simple. We inform, connect and engage. Wherever you are, whenever you need it, we put the news in your hands,” says Huff.

Huff learned many of the key communication and collaboration skills necessary for success in her time at WMU. “Working independently and within a team is the core to a successful company. You will find this in any class at the Haworth College of Business,” she says. “My favorite college professor to this day is Dr. JoAnn Atkin. She truly believes in what she is teaching. You can hear and feel her passion to help students create, build and present successful campaigns. Her passion is contagious and shows through the students she teaches. Dr. Atkin and her ability to inspire students to challenge themselves to exceed expectations is one of the many reasons why MLive Media Group continues to hire Haworth College of Business graduates year after year,” Huff explains.   

To new graduates, Huff offers some valuable advice: “Find your passion. Do what you believe in and align yourself with a company holding the same values. You can learn something from everyone; the key is taking the time to listen.”