When Colin Rowe first started his career, social media wasn’t even on his radar. Like many young professionals, he began in customer service, learning the ins and outs of operations. But as the digital landscape exploded, so did his curiosity. After years managing teams and handling logistics, Colin made a big leap into the world of social media and marketing. It wasn’t an easy switch. It took patience, creativity, and a willingness to start fresh.
Stories like Colin’s are more common than you might think. A recent survey found that nearly half of all professionals (49%) make a major career shift at some point. The reasons vary—sometimes it’s about finding a passion; other times, it’s a practical decision. For Colin, the switch brought new challenges and a chance to build a career that felt authentic. His journey highlights how resilience and curiosity can open unexpected doors, especially in a fast-moving industry like social media.
Building a Strong Foundation
His first significant role? Service Manager at Mr. Roof in Franklin, Tennessee. Not your usual launchpad for a digital career, but it was here he learned client communication—a skill often glossed over in the world of social media but crucial. Knowing what clients want, hearing them out, and finding solutions taught him resilience. The client-facing operations honed his problem-solving.
Colin faced team dynamics head-on, too. In a fast-paced setting, he had to lead service teams while ensuring everyone stayed focused. Managing a team on the ground is like handling an audience online—both require quick responses, adaptability, and the knack for reading a room (or feed). His time at Mr. Roof was all about solving issues on the go, a skill that’s essential for success in social media.
The Transition to Marketing
After Mr. Roof, Colin joined ACS Commercial Roofing as an Operations Manager. Now, he wasn’t just managing a team; he was running large-scale projects—budgets, timelines, teams, clients—the works. The stakes were higher, the projects were complex, and he delivered significant value.
Under Colin’s leadership, ACS saw high client satisfaction because he understood the value of efficiency and communication. He focused on keeping projects on track and clients informed, building a reputation for reliability. Operations management at this scale wasn’t glamorous, but it was critical, and it taught him discipline.
Social media? The projects are different, but the need for clear strategy and timing is similar. You have campaigns to run, deadlines to meet, and an audience to engage. The skills Colin picked up in operations proved invaluable; they set him apart from others who may have solely digital experience.
Colin didn’t study social media formally. He didn’t get trained in it from day one. Instead, he brought his operations background into a field that benefits from structure and discipline. Social media is often seen as purely creative, but without structure, creativity alone is less impactful. Colin’s operations experience gave him a unique edge.
Where others see followers, he sees clients. Where others see “likes,” he sees metrics that reflect a brand’s operations. His ability to multitask, budget, and lead a team makes him highly effective in social media.
Not Just Digital – It’s Real Client Relationships
Many social media managers think of their audience as just numbers. Colin doesn’t. To him, they’re clients, just like the ones he managed at Mr. Roof and ACS. This client-centric approach adds a layer of authenticity in a field that can often get lost in metrics and analytics.
Client relationships were central to his roles in operations. Colin learned to prioritize satisfaction over flashy gimmicks. The same approach works in social media. He values meaningful engagement over high quantities of superficial likes, preferring dialogue over clicks. And that’s how he builds authentic connections online.
Bringing Operations Skills to the Web
Operations taught Colin about accountability. In roofing, mistakes are costly. You can’t afford a misstep when a project involves a client’s roof. This same sense of responsibility guides his work in social media. Where others might take risks with client accounts, Colin is cautious and focused. He avoids short-term tactics that might harm a brand’s long-term goals.
In social media, where trends change daily, stability is often undervalued. But Colin knows it’s key. His operations background taught him to stick to deadlines, manage expectations, and think long-term. Social media needs more of this approach. While short-term boosts are attractive, they can’t replace the power of a consistent brand presence.
Social Media Isn’t All About Fun
Most people enter social media for its “fun” side. But Colin’s career has shown him the importance of responsibility. Social media isn’t just a playground for creativity—it’s a business tool that must be approached with strategy. His background in client services and operations has kept him grounded. Instead of flashy tactics, he focuses on strategic growth.
Colin sees value in bringing a practical mindset to the field. He knows that social media can be as structured as any operations role. Structure and creativity can coexist to enhance client results. Where others want to experiment, Colin brings balance. He’s not afraid to say no to trends that don’t align with his clients’ goals.
A Creative Outlet
Colin Rowe has a deep passion for storytelling through music videos outside of work. He often collaborates with local artists to produce music videos, combining his love for creativity with his marketing expertise. By working with musicians, he gains insights into what audiences want to see and hear. This side project sharpens his ability to connect with audiences, a skill that enhances his marketing approach.
Creating videos gives Colin hands-on experience in audience engagement. He learns firsthand what resonates with viewers and uses this knowledge professionally. Through video production, Colin has built a network of creative professionals, enhancing his reputation as a skilled marketer who values both creativity and strategy.
Tips for Aspiring Social Media Managers
For those interested in following a similar path, Colin has a few tips:
- Be Adaptable: Social media is constantly changing. New platforms and trends emerge, and being adaptable is essential. Stay informed and be willing to learn.
- Focus on Building Relationships: A strong network is invaluable. Relationships with clients, partners, and team members can open doors and create new opportunities.
- Hone Your Organizational Skills: Managing campaigns requires attention to detail and effective time management. Keep track of deadlines and plans.
- Embrace Creativity: Social media is about engaging audiences. Experiment with new ideas, visuals, and formats. Creativity adds a personal touch.
- Stay True to Your Values: Colin believes in authenticity. Build a personal brand that reflects your values and stay consistent.
A Look Toward the Future
Colin Rowe is excited about the future of social media. As digital trends shift quickly, he sees each one as a chance to grow. With experience in both operations and marketing, he’s well-equipped to tackle new challenges. His journey shows the value of being flexible, resilient, and eager to learn.
From customer service to his current role as a Social Media Specialist, Colin Rowe demonstrates what it takes to succeed in social media. His career inspires others who want to make an impact in digital marketing, illustrating how dedication and adaptability drive success.
Published by: Khy Talara
