It feels like just yesterday when I told my friends and family that I was moving to Chicago and starting a new journey here in the Windy City. Fast forward almost two years and I can honestly say that I’ve had experiences that I couldn’t have imagined.
New Beginnings
In January 2010, I joined a great team at DeVry University to help lead their social strategy. I’ve made amazing friends throughout these two years and planted a stake here in Chicago personally and professionally. And in June of this year, I married the woman I want to spend the rest of my life with and started that life with her.
Suffice it to say, there hasn’t been a dull moment since my move and it continues with my announcement that I’ll be joining U.S. Cellular, as Social Media Manager, and their team headquartered here in Chicago!
Thank You
First off, to my DeVry team, thank you. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for the experiences and the roads we helped pave in social and the business as a whole. From social business strategies to empowering our employees through our training/certification programs, I’ve learned and grown a lot and am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of something that I can be proud of.
The Future
To the future with U.S. Cellular – I’m super excited to be joining (on Nov 7th) a company and team of amazingly smart, dedicated and focused people. It was a decision that lined up with me personally and professionally but at the end of the day, it was a great opportunity that puts me within an organization with an amazing leadership, a culture that’s spread company-wide and a solid focus on social business.
Clean Slate
With any change, comes an opportunity to wipe the slate clean, empty drawers and delete files. It feels good to have that fresh start. With that is also an opportunity for me to refocus on my dusty, cobweb filled blog (yes, self-deprecation helps ease my neglect). As I get things started in my new role in a few weeks, I plan to get back into a normal writing flow and focusing on my learnings and growth at U.S. Cellular and how social is continuing to evolve within organizations.
To everyone who has and continue to have my back in my career and life, thank you. There are too many names to mention (and for the sake of accidentally excluding anyone) but I truly appreciate the guidance, support and friendship along the way and look forward to what our futures hold.
24 comments On Two Years and New Beginnings
This is wonderful news!! Congrats to you and to Team Gill 🙂
Thank you, Danielle – much appreciated! Team Gill is excited 😉
Congrats sir! Looking forward to belated celebrating whenever I next find myself up in Chicago…
Thanks Andre! Look forward to your next Chi-town visit!
Congrats Sonny! I woah you well in your new journey! Are they hiring in PA? Haha
Wish* you well
Thanks so much, Heather!
Congratulations, and good luck friend!
Thank you, Val!
Congrats, Sonny! Sounds like a great move. They’re lucky to have you!
Thanks Melanie! Appreciate the kind words 🙂
Sonny! Congrats on your new position. So excited for you!
Appreciate it, Anna, as always!
Congrats to you, my friend! You’re such a genuine and kind person, and I love to see good things happening to you. We might even get to meet in person some day. 🙂
Too kind, Kellye! Thanks for the love and yes, definitely need to meet up some time soon!
Sonny, many congratulations to you!
Thank you, Becky! Hope everything has been great with you!
Rock, nice work Sonny. Hope all is kickin’ in Chi. Used to help support U.S. Cellular’s Connecting Rural America campaign at my old agency there. Look forward to hearing how things evolve and big congrats man.
Scott – good to hear from you, man! Appreciate the congrats and cool to hear that you used to work with U.S. Cellular at your old agency. Let’s catch up soon!
Pingback: People on the Move in the Social Business Industry, Nov 20, 2011 « Web Strategy by Jeremiah Owyang | Social Media, Web Marketing ()
I CAN’T believe it’s already been 2 years, Sonny. Whew. Congrats on the new gig! We’ll have to catch up in the new year.
I know, Mike – seems like I just moved to Chicago! Thanks for the comment and look forward to catching up soon!
Sonny, I worked with you for a brief blip in time during your Dominion/AutoTrader days. It’s good to see you writing again. I’ll keep checking back.
Nedie! So great to hear from you! Appreciate the message and hope things are going great for you. Talk soon!