In our continuing series of interviews with the MGECOM staff, today we talk with Affiliate Manager Gabby Mackle. Gabby has been in the industry since its infancy in the Silicon Valley area and like many of us, jumped in with both feet and learned on the job what it takes to be a successful Affiliate Manager. She has seen it all over her years in the industry, and despite her busy life with 3 young kids she stays very active in industry associations, such as the BAAMC. And, in addition to her full-time job with MGECOM, she manages to moonlight as a chauffeur despite the odd odor emanating from her vehicle – which may or may not be from the 3 kids or the new puppy her family recently welcomed to their home.
How and when did you first get started in affiliate marketing
I started working in affiliate marketing in San Francisco is the mid 1990’s when there were new e-commerce sites popping up every day. I was working in a different industry and quit my job to work for a start-up as their Affiliate Manager. I didn’t even know what an Affiliate Manager was at the time, and actually I don’t think the people that hired me even knew what Affiliate Marketing was either! I launched their Affiliate Program in LinkShare when there were only 200 other merchants. Ever since then I’ve been working in Affiliate Marketing.
What do you most like about the industry?
Mostly working with so many different publishers in different parts of the country and different parts of the world. Also the community that Affiliate Marketers have built.
What improvements you would like to see in the industry?
I’d like to see better accessibility for the affiliates to merchant datafeeds through the networks. I have had a lot of affiliates tell me that they feel that it is very difficult to access a merchants feed. It think just having a more user friendly interface for the products in the datafeed would help. .
Do you see affiliates embracing mobile and social?
Yes! This is the way consumer are using the internet now. Affiliates are starting to use all of these social networks and mobile applications to sell products.
How do you keep up on industry trends and the latest industry news?
I follow some affiliate marketing blogs and keep current with industry new by attending conferences such as Affiliate Summit and CJU when I can. I’m also a member of our Bay Area Affiliate Managers Coalition, BAAMC.
What most attracted you to join the MGECOM team?
Working with the team at MGECOM has been great. It is a smart, dedicated group of individuals who know what needs to be done to create successful Affiliate Programs.
What other jobs have you had outside of affiliate marketing?
When I was in high school I worked at a balloon store, then in college I was a Pizza Cook. My first job out of college was as a Christmas Décor designer. I created Christmas displays for Hotels and Office buildings in San Fransisco, which was a fun job. I’ve also been a chauffeur for my three children! They are all in different sports and after school I drive them to-and-from practices.
And on the personal, “fun” side:
What are a few of your hobbies?
Right now I’m training for a half-marathon, although I don’t really enjoy running, I’m forcing myself! Mainly because my other hobbies include cooking and going out to dinner! I also do Bikram (hot) Yoga once a week. My husband and twins are HUGE soccer fans, so by default I am as well.
What activities/sports did you do in high school or college?
I was a Cheerleader in High School
What is your favorite vacation location?
The St. John US Virgin Islands. My sister lives on St. Thomas and I visit as often as I can.
If you won a lottery, what would be the first thing you’d buy
A new car! My car leaks when it rains and has an unusual odor. I’m waiting for my kids to get a little older before I destroy a new car!
Your favorite band to see live?
I’m not crazy about seeing live music at big venues. I prefer to see small-time musicians at local clubs. However, I would love to see and Brian Setzer Orchestra again, it was a great show!
What is your “must see” TV?
Right now I am addicted to Mad Men. I’m trying to see all the past episodes before the new season starts. I also like Modern Family,
What is your favorite Christmas gift you have ever received as a kid or adult?
I know the question is suppose to be my favorite gift every received, but I have to say the best gift at Christmas was when we gave our children a puppy this Christmas. She is a labradoodle names Winter and is the cutest thing ever!
Coke or Pepsi?
Diet Coke