In keeping with the MGECOM tradition of learning more about our staff, we bring you our interview with one of our Onboarding Director, Gennet Thompson!

How and when did you first get started in affiliate marketing?
I was working as an admissions advisor for Kaplan University in 2004. The following year, I decided I needed a change and applied for a Lead Generation Manager position in the marketing department and after many interviews, I was accepted – not having any prior marketing experience! From there my coworkers were hands-on and taught me about education lead generation and affiliate marketing and my career grow from there.

What do you most like about the industry?
I like that although the daily activities and tasks are the same, you have the opportunity to work with different, companies, people, and different clients. There are a lot of interesting personalities in the space – everyone has a different story! In addition, even though the overall objective is to make money, different strategies are employed for each to increase business which keeps me consistently on my toes.

What improvements you would like to see in the industry?
Having come from the CPA side of affiliate marketing, I would say that fraud needs to be reduced. However, I have noticed that on this side of the business in terms of affiliate program management, this is not an issue.

In addition, overall, I believe that affiliate marketing is becoming more reputable as time passes and marketers see the benefits of how affiliates can help grow their business and increase brand exposure as opposed to traditional forms of marketing.

How do you keep up on industry trends, latest industry news, etc?
I read online publications, participate in social media groups dedicated towards people in the industry, attend industry conferences and chat with colleagues and friends in the industry.

What most attracted you to join the MGECOM team?
Matt Enders. He is hard-working, professional, honest, reputable, experienced and had created a great company. I also appreciate the fact that everyone on the team is seasoned and has a variety of different experience so we are all able to share and learn amongst each other.

What are a few of your hobbies?
I love going to the beach which is why I live 3 miles away! I also enjoy quality time with friends, exploring the different parts of south Florida. I recently obtained my first rental property and expect to focus more on buy and hold real estate in the future. Finally, right now I am I school obtaining ministry credentialing so those classes take up the majority of my free time.

What activities/sports did you do in high school or college?
In high school, I was All-State in basketball. I also participated in volleyball (4th team All-State) and track. In college, I played intramural women’s and co-ed basketball (our teams won many titles) and co-ed volleyball (4s).

What is your favorite vacation location?
I don’t have a favorite location but several years ago, I was in the south of France and Monaco and I definitely want to back and visit that area – particularly Monaco.

What would you treat yourself with if you won a big lottery?
I would by my parents and my brother’s family a place here in Florida, in addition to another place for myself, add to my niece and nephew’s college fund, donate to my church and King’s Ransom Foundation, retire, and travel the world.

Your favorite band to see live?
I am more of a play person so I would like to see Hamilton – heard a lot of good things about it!

What is your “must see” TV?
I don’t watch TV much anymore but I used to love Modern Family reruns because I love to laugh! Great writing!

Coke or Pepsi?
Neither – If I am drinking a soft drink it would have to be Canada Dry Ginger Ale!