Heather Allmendinger
TITLE : Public Relations Director
COMPANY : Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP
For almost 110 years Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP has built a reputation for excellence in ability, service and professionalism. WLJ’s clients—whom we serve in an expansive range of litigation and transactional practice areas—benefit from the expertise of the firm’s more than 60 attorneys. I facilitate client development and direct the firm’s marketing, strategic planning and communications. I’m involved in Junior League of Little Rock, Movies in the Park and ACCESS, and I serve on the LR Animal Services Advisory Board and the Riverfest Board.
Why I Love This
As a PR specialist, I’m able to sink myself into every facet of the firm, understand the ins and outs and apply the plans and tools necessary to build relationships, strengthen a brand and tout the wonderful work this established firm does on a daily basis.
Career Goal
To obtain my APR designation, to be well-respected within my field and to write a book are just a few on my long list.
Favorite Workplace Expression: “Better to be busy than bored,” author unknown, and “Do or do not…there is no try.” –Yoda (according to my husband)
Favorite Quote: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:2
Best business advice you ever received and who gave it: You get out of it what you put into it. I picked it up somewhere in college, and it has been with me since. Who consistently inspires you? Overall, those who overcome major obstacles in their lives and still find successes and happiness, those who translate vision into reality and women who do it all and do it very well. What business men and women do you admire the most? The late Tom Steves, executive vice president, marketing for Centennial Bank when it was Twin City Bank, among others.
Daily Planner
6 a.m. Hit snooze. (a bad habit I picked up in college)
6:10 a.m. Get partially ready.
6:45 a.m. Wake up daughter, Vivian (22 mo.), make breakfast.
7:25 a.m. Dress Vivian, kisses goodbye, finish getting ready.
8:15 a.m. Arrive at work, check mail, emails and messages.
9 a.m. Create or tweak “to do” list.
9:15 a.m. Grab water or coffee, turn on classical music, tackle the “to do” list.
9:45 a.m. Wrap up in blanket (my office is an igloo), while writing a release, web blurb or creating plans for practice teams.
11:30 a.m. Lunch with my husband, Scott, friend or co-worker.
12:30 p.m. Work on updating website, meetings or “to do” list.
5:20 p.m. Pick up Vivian from school.
5:50 p.m. Arrive home, cook dinner, enjoy family time.
6:30 p.m. Dinner (3-4 times/mo. substituted by a JLLR, Animal Services Board or other organizational meeting).
7:45 a.m. Bath time, brush teeth, miss-matched jammy set on, bedtime for Vivian.
8 p.m. Workout (or think about it).
8:45 p.m. Consider dessert, justify it and indulge.
8:55 p.m. Regret 8:45 decision, ask the Lord for discipline.
9:05 p.m. Check email, JLLR duties, watch bits and pieces of DVR comedies, laundry, relax.
10:15 p.m. Wind down for bed; look forward to another day.
How will you know when you are successful? When I’m able to retire and travel! When I’ve raised my children to be responsible, giving members of their community and when I’m able to realize that someone is living a better life, or a company is more successful because of my time and energy.