Liz Lema - Owner

I am a native New Englander, born and raised in Rhode Island. I attended the University of Rhode Island and received a BS in marketing. In my senior year, I received the school’s top two marketing awards which included the Wall Street Journal Hutchinson Award and The Best Marketing Student Award. The summer after my college graduation, I boarded the Amtrak train and headed for the Big Apple with two suitcases, never having traveled beyond Boston. For the next 12 years, I lived in New York City and worked for one of the largest independent media buying companies in the country.

While there I learned from the best. These were top New York media executives with over 20 years in the business who had a radically different approach to buying media. They insisted that a long-range strategy based on research and strategic planning be completed before media was negotiated and placed.

I started as an Account Assistant and was quickly promoted to Account Manager in my first year. Two years later I was promoted to Account Supervisor and New York television media buyer. After four years, I added the title and responsibilities of Group Director. At the age of 28, I was responsible more than $50 million in client accounts and $20 million of New York TV buys.

My clients included: ADT Home Security Systems, ShopRite Supermarkets, Lord & Taylor, Pace Motorsports, Barneys New York, Carrier Air Conditioners, EDN Pharmaceuticals, Guardian Home Security, Calvin Klein Cosmetics, WCBS TV – New York, WBLS Radio, Ketchum Advertising and Serino Coyne Agency (agency for the majority of Broadway show producers).

In 1999, I relocated to Atlanta and became the Marketing Director for Rhodes Furniture, one of the top 10 furniture retailers in North America. While I was there, the company had 90 stores in 13 states with three distinct brands. I had a $50 million marketing and advertising budget that had to be allocated and optimized in over 40 markets. I oversaw three agencies, managed a staff of 12 and created the company’s strategic marketing and media plans. Through the application of disciplined research and media buying principles learned when I was in New York, I was able to save millions of dollars while increasing advertising impressions and effectiveness.

In 2003, I moved to Tampa Bay and joined a media agency as Director of Media and Client Services. In that position, I was responsible for all research, planning, media buying, training and client services. While overseeing a team of 10 people I quickly grew that business into a multi-million dollar company. Major clients included: The Tampa Tribune, TBO.com, Suncoast Schools Federal Credit Union, State Farm Insurance and Kane’s Furniture.

In 2005, I started Cerrato Media which is now ThinkFirst! Strategy. I have been in Tampa Bay now for over 5 years and have made many friends in the community. My personal and client relationships are most categorized by the terms “long-term” and “committed.” These are quality relationships that have been tested through up and down business cycles. My evaluations are accurate; strategies are sound and planning thorough. My depth of experience and unique approach to marketing and media has produced significant results for all those who will “Think First” and then act. Recent clients include: The Tampa Tribune and Lazydays RV SuperCenter.