Overachiever makes good after rough start
by Emily McGowan and Natalie Burke, Outpost Contributors
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Gen X embraces self-reliance |
"I have always had high aspirations," Estipona said. "Aim high and at least you will end up in the middle."
A recent winner of the American Advertising Awards, Envision, the Reno-based Advertising and Marketing Firm, is run by an aggressive, innovative and open-minded "atypical Gen'xer."
"He's not the typical Gen'Xer in any way," partner Mike Vialpondo said. "Edward is an over-achiever, eager to get on with his career. He is in the age group, not the style group. He doesn't fit the GenX mold in any way."
Estipona graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 1992, with a degree in Business Administration. Estipona majored in marketing and minored in advertising. With a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.5 and a rigid 40 hour-a-week work schedule, his determination lead to his diploma 3 1/2 years later.
The door opened one day when his summer internship position as a graphic designer ended. The Advertising agency was being sold and Estipona was able to work for 5 of the clients. He worked out of a 12 foot-by-8 foot back bedroom in his parents house.
Shortly thereafter, the workspace grew to a 400 square foot room, a partner and a couple more clients. Estiponas aggressive work ethic was able to prove his creativity, results and in turn-respect.
"I want to be really successful and retire by the time I'm 50," Estipona said.
Estipona with his "no limitations" philosophy, get the job done. This is what drives his open-minded yet aggressive tactics and the mega-success of his company.
"Edward is dependable and motivated-it's all in your own self-motivation, it takes a certain person to achieve and be able to exceed in what they do," Vialpondo said.
Along with this philosophy comes 18 to 20 hour days during the peak summer season and between 12 and 16 hour days during the winter off-season.
"One day I will be able to prove to my children that they can do anything," said Estipona, the 26 year old president of Envision. "Don't let anyone tell you you can't."
Estipona and his partner Mike Vialpando have created a monster. Envision was started in 1993. Less than four months later, Envision has grown into the "biggest little advertising agency in Nevada." With only six employees and 55 clients, Envision succeeds by delivering fast, quality service to its clients at a competitive cost.
"When you fear or respect your competition, you give it the benefit of the doubt and you look at it. We compete by making it better," Estipona said.
Estipona says he's different from the competition because he's young at heart, relaxed and insistent upon a casual work environment. Stepping away from projects and throwing nerf balls or practicing putting golf balls helps the creative juices flow.
"Do something you like," Estipona said. "If you're not having fun- get a new job."
Juggling the roles of president, account executive, designer and art director has been challenge for Estipona.
"I wear many, many hats," Estipona said.
Although it hasn't been an easy road for Estipona, he continues to reach for his dreams. In the near future, Estipona will bring in a new art director which will enable him to oversee more of the marketing aspects of the company. He hopes to have eight employees and become not only national, but international .
"Advertising is changing so fast with the Internet and multi-media, if you're not open-minded you will become a relic of the past" Estipona said.
copyright 6/1/97 Nevada Outpost
http://www.jour.unr.edu/outpost
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