What do we love about home — that is, supporting clients in the home and building category? Is it the stunning photography and video that showcase how natural light can transform a space? Is it the magical words that make a homeowner fall head over heels for matte black or turn a skeptical builder into a believer? Is it the beautiful places we shoot or the thrill of seeing the finished product? Is it channeling the passion our clients have for their own brands into better performing work? Is it the audiences or the tools or the platforms we leverage to tell their stories?

For my part, I love the boundless opportunities for storytelling in this business. After all, is there anything more intimate or personal than home? For Valentine’s Day, I asked my Wray Ward coworkers to share what they love about home. Here’s what they said.

1. “Our home is our style statement. Our home is our safe harbor. Our home is our heart. To work in a category that is all that — it’s a privilege.” ~Carrie McCament, Vice President, Director of Client Engagement
2. “My favorite thing about working in the home and building category is how our work impacts quality of life and universal productivity. Even the busiest among us spend a significant portion of our time at home — it’s a place to draw comfort and respite, to relax and recharge. When it’s a place you love, it can supply the energy and refreshment you need to tackle the outside world and do what you do best. We optimize campaigns. Our target audience optimizes their home using our clients’ product(s) and, in doing so, optimizes their productivity and overall quality of life.” ~Carolynn Wilcox, Search Manager
3. “I love the constant learning that accompanies working with clients in this space. There’s nothing like nerding out on super technical building science or home design topics for writing projects. I love living the client brand. Plus, you never know when that knowledge will come in handy in your personal life!” ~Ashley Moran, PR/Content Lead
4. “I love attending trade shows where new home products are introduced. Benefits may range from stress relief to timesavers, and products may help the environment or consumers’ wallets, but the best introductions inspire ‘Well, that’s just brilliant’ moments.” ~Kent Panther, Vice President, Director of Business Development
5. “I love seeing the life cycle of an idea, beginning with Insights and moving through Connections and Creative to become a whole program. I also love making a difference in people’s homes. It’s such a haven for families, where memories are made and life is lived. Our part in making it a happier home is awesome!” ~Jennifer Voorhees, Account Lead
6. “Easy. As someone with a long career dedicated to delving into how people connect with brands, the home category is a rich tapestry of insights. Our involvement with our homes is so deep and so meaningful, the emotional power of brands feels more consequential in this category than any of the others I’ve worked in.” ~Charlie Elberson, Vice President, Insights Strategist
7. “There are many aspects of working in the home category that I enjoy. One of my favorites is working with the major publishers in this space. Engaging with both the consumer and trade publishers, from Hearst and Meredith to Hanley Wood, has always been enlightening and inspiring. After all, these editors and marketers are on the front lines of consumer and customer trends, interests and opportunities. For example, I love attending MagFront and getting a sneak peek of new opportunities for our clients.” ~Sue Tatge, Vice President, Director of Media
8. “I love a good story told in a voice that compels me to listen. Beautiful photography always makes me pause and reflect. And, spot-on humor tickles my funny bone every time. The creative process may be long, but the result is worth the wait. And, the magic is in making something we can all believe in.” ~Carolyn Matjasko, Receptionist
9. “I love seeing and learning about beautiful design and innovative ideas in the industry.” ~Laura Gibbs, Account Lead
10. “We get to connect with consumers on an intimate level, in a space that’s extremely personal — their home! And, even the small or lesser-known pieces help make a house a home. I love giving consumers a new way to think about their space.” ~Makeia Carrier, Account Lead
11. “Stories about the home are some of the most interesting stories to bring to life. From a brightly colored new door to flooring that can withstand day-to-day life, we all can relate to the story of home.” ~Kelsey Adamson, PR/Content Account Manager