Michael Graber has served as the marketing director of FNC for nearly two years, managing teams of corporate writers and designers, Web developers, brand strategists and product managers. In addition to these multi-faceted duties, Graber also sets the company’s branding strategy and marketing vision.Oxford, Miss.-based FNC pioneered real estate collateral information technology and was No. 154 on Inc. 500’s list of the fastest growing private companies in America in 2004.
As marketing director, Graber plays several roles: manager, creative thinker, problem solver and brand champion, said nominator Angela Atkins of FNC.
“His vision propelled FNC into the market with a clear strategic focus using unconventional, humorous methods, like 2006’s AppraisalPort User Conference’s take on online dating services,” Atkins said. “Using the theme, “Where appraisers meet their match,” the conference included a speed networking session reminiscent of speed dating. The unique approach to what could have been a basic conference with a basic theme was a huge success, something Michael saw from the beginning. His strategic insight into marketing mortgage technology has continued to push FNC to the forefront of the industry.”
What was your first job in the settlement services industry?
FNC, Inc.
What about your job gives you the most satisfaction?
Sales that are a direct result of smart marketing.
What challenge really jazzes you?
Creating a multi-tiered brand platform out of a category that FNC pioneered, Collateral.
What is the best advice you could give?
Marketing is a mix of poise and integrity, of doing the right thing in each circumstance.
What is your proudest professional accomplishment?
When members of my staff surprise themselves and reach a new level of craft and professionalism and grow.
Who has been a significant mentor in your life?
There are five: Sid Wilroy, a geneticist. Our CEO and Chairman, Bill Rayburn. A creative director named Trace Hallowell out of Memphis. Steve Malin, who taught me how to use both sides of the brain and so much more. David Ogilvy’s writings provide marketing mentorship via the printed page.
To what do you attribute your success?
The ability to show up every morning and fall in love with the mission of company all over again keeps me focused on attainable goals while acting as a tuning fork for how I best spend my time.
If you could have lunch with any person living or historical, who would it be and why?
Martin Luther King, Jr. He understood the value of human life and the courage required to stimulate change. While he was a visionary, he had the capability to execute his vision.
What is something unique about you that not many people know about?
I have published a volume of poetry and play mandolin and kazoo in a jug band.
What do you do to relax?
Work, run, read, play, teach, cook, and play with my three children, Jesse, Rowan, and David.
What’s the most fulfilling thing you have been involved in within your community and why?
Giving time, money, and attention to many important non-profits and teaching a course at a religious institution are very fulfilling, but where I am really of service to others is at work.
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