Employee Spotlight: Johnny Nguyen, Digital Marketing Specialist

How did you first hear about Marmoset?

I first heard about Marmoset in 2018. It was around that time I began working at Tender Loving Empire, an awesome record label and handmade goods store based in Portland, Oregon. Shout out TLE!

It was also around that time I really got into going to shows, reading all the music blogs, and following mad social feeds. I was a superfan of all things PDX music and loved being privy to all the happenings in the local scene. And while all of this was happening, I’d hear about Marmoset again and again.

I then started researching Marmoset and found out all the cool things this company was doing. I found it inspiring to see our approach to music licensing: our catalog is fire–but more than that–our purpose to make a difference in the community is real, whether that’s putting money back into artist’s pockets or community organizations. I knew in 2018 that Marmoset was where I wanted to be.

The office looked cool too I guess.

How would you describe the interview process?

I’ve been interviewed for two jobs here, and I can honestly say they are both stressful and exciting. But well worth the time. If it says anything, I find myself thinking about some of those questions even now i.e. “What does equity mean to you?” It got deep. But good deep. I learned so much. Anyone interested in applying here should definitely take the leap.

How long have you worked at Marmoset? Can you tell us more about your role and background?

I started out as a social and production coordinator at TLE. That’s where my passion for marketing began to bloom. Later, I went on to work as a marketing manager for a leather goods brand and then made the leap to a creative agency, until landing at Marmoset as our digital marketer in August 2021. At Marmoset you can typically find me diving into lots of data, thinking up new marketing strategies, and working on launching Track Club, our new subscription-based music licensing app, out into the hemisphere.

What are some community partnerships that you were excited to hear Marmoset collaborates with?

I love and admire our collaboration with Wave Guides, a documentary project that highlights what informs and brings joy to Indigineous women-identifying musicians. It’s projects like these that inspire me to learn more and do more for underrepresented voices in music, and in life. Super stoked to see the final film.

Do you have any pet “coworkers”?

No, not right now sadly… But I really really want a bulldog. And I wanna name him “Otis.” Or maybe “King.” Otis the King? Should I get an IG poll going?

How are your accomplishments recognized at work?

My team is incredible at recognizing each other for their ideas and the work they put into making those ideas a reality. For example, I thought of the idea for our Holiday Video Card, and in a month, we had the most talented people on the project to help create it, including our entire 40+ staff. A very special thanks to Luisa Jefferey, Josh Brine, and Graham Barton.

What is something that you couldn‘t live without?

My family. They are my rock, my world, my everything!

How would you describe the level of support offered to you in your day-to-day responsibilities?

I feel very supported. From our daily check-ins to weekly 1-on-1’s, there is always a time and a space for me to ask for support, express concerns, or present my little crazy marketing ideas. 

What is your most memorable travel destination? Where do you want to visit next?

I visited my homeland Vietnam for the first time in 2005. There, I visited my mom’s childhood home, sat in the living room learning how to hand-craft wicker baskets with my aunts, made frenemies with the stray house lizard, ate my favorite Vietnamese dishes in narrow alleyways straight from the source, rode on the back of a Honda motorcycle through unregulated traffic, and drank authentic sugarcane juice everyday. Can’t wait to go back.

Do you have a creative outlet or a side hustle that you’re passionate about?

I’ve always wanted to start my own business so my family and I are opening a Pho restaurant in Vancouver, WA. We’ll be serving all the Vietnamese classics from Phở, Bánh Mì, Rice Plates, to delicious Boba 🙂

How does Marmoset view such areas as work-life balance?

I can honestly say Marmoset is the best company I’ve worked for in terms of work-life balance. Employees get unlimited PTO plus Flex Fridays, which means you can log off early every Friday to give yourself a break, if you need. It’s great.

Do you feel a sense of connection to Marmoset’s core values? 

Absolutely. If one of our core values is to have “fire in our bellies,” then my belly’s a volcano. I have a passion for the work that we do and why we do it, and I’m excited all the time to be part of a company that strives to do good in the world.

What’s one thing you wish you knew before you started working here?

Kicking off my journey in the music licensing world was, and still is, a little scary. There’s lots to learn, lots of ups-and-downs, and staying up-to-date on it can be a challenge. But that’s what makes this space and this job so damn exciting.

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