Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacy Hickman.
Hi Stacy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in La Cañada, California, but made the move to San Diego to attend UC San Diego, and I’ve called it home ever since. From early on, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in advertising, and shortly after graduation I landed my first role at The Emery Group, a boutique agency in La Jolla. That experience opened the door to Phillips-Ramsey, San Diego’s largest agency at the time, where I began in the Traffic Department and ultimately rose to Account Supervisor.
During those years, I had the privilege of working with some remarkable brands, including WD-40 Company, Bumble Bee Seafoods, the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, and, most memorably, the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.
In 2001, I stepped away from the industry to raise my two children, but by 2016 I found my way back, joining MeadsDurket in the traffic department, a move that eventually reconnected me with Del Mar. The return felt full circle, as both Gary Meads and Tony Durket were colleagues from my Phillips-Ramsey days, and I had always stayed in touch with them.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For much of my career, I experienced steady upward momentum, especially in the early years. But it hasn’t always been a smooth path. Stepping away from a role after achieving a certain level of success was one of the hardest decisions I’ve made, even though it was the right choice for my family. Returning to the workforce presented its own challenges, particularly as the advertising industry had transformed so dramatically during my time away.
The rise of digital marketing created a whole new landscape that I had to quickly adapt to. Learning these new tools and approaches, while drawing on my foundation in traditional advertising, has been both humbling and energizing. It’s an ongoing process of growth—one that keeps me curious and constantly evolving in a field that never stands still.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I have worked with the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in some capacity for over 30 years – and I almost gave birth to my first child at Del Mar’s Executive Offices! I went into labor in the parking lot on my way to a client meeting and had to be taken off the property by the track ambulance. It’s no surprise that I ended up having my daughter’s first birthday party at the track!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dmtc.com
