At Yellow Duck Marketing, building strong client relationships and crafting meaningful brand stories is at the heart of everything we do. As our Client Engagement and Communications Manager, Jamie Campbell brings a unique perspective shaped by her experience in real estate and local government. From community branding and placemaking to strategic communications, she’s passionate about helping clients navigate challenges, connect with their audiences, and bring their ideas to life. Jamie shares insights on relationship-building, past successes, and what excites her most about the evolving tourism industry.

Q: Tell us about your role at YDM, what do you do and why?

A: As the Client Engagement and Communications Manager at YDM, I get to wear a lot of hats, working on everything from project and client management to business development and strategic communications. My background in nonprofit, real estate and local government gives me a unique perspective, especially when it comes to understanding the challenges our clients face.

I’ve had the opportunity to work on community branding and placemaking initiatives, including playing a key role in transforming and growing a Main Street program at a local municipality. Through that experience, I helped define the community’s identity and elevate programs and initiatives that supported and reinforced it. Having worked on the ‘inside’ of these organizations, I understand the opportunities and roadblocks that come with these types of projects. That insight helps me anticipate challenges, communicate effectively, and collaborate with our team to develop creative solutions.

At YDM, I love working closely with clients to bring their ideas to life and help them navigate the process with confidence. Whether it’s a tourism initiative, a rebranding effort, or a strategic campaign, I enjoy helping communities and organizations tell their stories in meaningful ways.

Q: What do you think are the most important strategies for building lasting relationships with clients?

A: In my career, I’ve worked with a range of “clients,” whether it’s donors, taxpayers, sponsors, tenants, homeowners or developers. No matter what I’ve call them, building a lasting relationship comes down to a few key things: listening, clear communication and transparency.

Especially in the nonprofit and local government sectors, when working with donors and taxpayers, it’s all about building trust and making sure everyone’s on the same page. I strive to listen closely to understand client needs and expectations, be open about goals, challenges and results, and maintain transparency to build credibility and long-term trust.

At the end of the day, a solid relationship is more than just business – it’s about creating a connection where both sides feel valued and committed to mutual success.

Q: Can you share a past success story from your previous role where you turned client engagement into a win for your organization?

A: When I started working with a local municipality, communication with residents was limited. Over my seven years there, I helped grow the city’s social media presence to over 12,000 followers and introduced new ways for the community to engage with staff and stay informed. One of the projects I’m most proud of is helping residents connect with the city’s rich history. Many longtime residents often complained how newer ones didn’t know much about the area’s history, so I worked on developing initiatives to change that. I updated our community branding, commissioned multiple murals, worked on historic art preservation and even created a unique history walk – an art scavenger hunt with a historical twist! It was incredibly rewarding to see residents engaging with the community’s history.

Q: What trends or changes are you most excited about in the tourism industry?

A: When you visit Europe, you’re fully immersed in the culture of each place — the traditions, the history, the local way of life. For a long time, many communities here in the U.S. focused on bringing in external attractions to draw tourists, often overlooking the things that make them truly special. But over the past decade, that mindset has shifted.

Communities are now embracing what makes them unique — whether it’s outdoor recreation, scenic landscapes, historic architecture that tells the story of a place or one-of-a-kind local experiences. By leaning into their authentic identity, they’re creating richer, more meaningful experiences for visitors while also fostering a deeper sense of connection and pride among residents.

Q: How do you like to relax and spend your time when you’re not working?

A: I honestly don’t get much time to relax these days, and I haven’t since before my kids were born. I have 8-year-old twins (a boy and a girl) who keep me busy outside of work. But that’s okay – I wouldn’t have it any other way! When I do get a little ‘me’ time, I love the beach and mountains, outdoor adventures (I’m up for a challenge but prefer activities that aren’t too strenuous), traveling (I wish I had more time for this!), baseball, horseback riding (I’ve always had a love for animals) and reading. I’m currently in my “dance mom” and “baseball mom” era and I love supporting my family in everything they do!

Q: What’s your favorite song of all time?

A: Oh wow, this a tough one! I have VERY eclectic taste in music, everything from country to rock to 2000s boy bands (yes, I loved and still love NSYNC) to ‘90s alternative rock, pop and so much more! I honestly don’t think I could ever pick just one favorite song because it totally depends on my mood and what’s happening in my life.

That said, there are definitely songs that instantly bring back great memories or make me want to get up and dance. The Dance by Garth Brooks is my go-to when I’m feeling emotional. I’m a HUGE Michael Jackson fan (notice I said music), and anything by him will get me on the dance floor. And Whitney Houston? Absolute legend, I love anything she recorded.

I really feel like music is a lot like smells and tastes — it can instantly evoke emotions or transport you back to a specific place and time. My childhood was filled with songs by Billy Joel and Eagles, and the second I hear one, I immediately think about my dad and I can’t hear Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here by Deborah Cox and I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor without thinking about my ‘high school dance era’!

Oh, and musicals! I am a big musical fan. I did work for the Blumenthal for seven years, so needless to say, there’s no way I could ever name just one!