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Vinny Antonio is always looking for ways to bring new ideas into his business, Victory Marketing Agency.
The Fort Myers company coordinates thousands of freelancers who work trade show booths, serve drinks, distribute promotional materials and model products. Victory manages more than 1,000 events per month.
His latest idea: In an unusual partnership, Victory and British counterpart Kru Live agreed to swap an employee for two weeks. “Each company took care of their employee and their accommodations,” says Antonio, who paid for Project Leader Frankie Alaimo to travel to London and stay in an apartment with a stipend.
The program was selective. “Anyone who wanted to apply had to write an essay to the other company,” Antonio says. Then, each company conducted video interviews with the top candidates.
The application process eliminated favoritism because the other company picked the person they wanted most. “We wanted to make sure there wasn't any bias,” Antonio says.
Antonio says the $7,000 he paid for Alaimo's travel and expenses was worth the investment because of the sharing of ideas. Plus, everyone in his office can now speak with a British accent.
“As long as we're profitable we'll keep doing it,” Antonio says. “It was super beneficial.”
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