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Employee Spotlight: Ginny Walker

Employee Spotlight: Ginny Walker

From London to the bright lights of Hollywood, Ginny’s broad PR experience has refined her into the PR leader she is today.

What is your current role at KBS?

I am the PR Director, and I report to Ryan Butala.

What is the scope of that role?

I am responsible for running publicity for the company including media relations, social media, speaking opportunities, awards, contributed articles and editorial calendars.

How long have you been with KBS?

Almost four years.

What is the most enjoyable part of your job here at KBS?

I think everyone can agree it’s the people. Chuck and Marc have created an environment that encourages job satisfaction. And Ryan is one of the best bosses I’ve ever had.

Tell us about your career before joining KBS.

I’ve worked in all kinds of PR. I did my internship for Tommy Hilfiger in London, but I really began my career working for a PR agency in LA that focused on entertainment. I worked behind the scenes with fun TV shows such as America’s Next Top Model, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and everything on the Oxygen network. It was a blast, but it didn’t pay well, and the hours were awful. I’ve met a ton of celebrities from Jay Z to Ben Affleck to Janice Dickinson. They are all eccentric in different ways.

I then moved into consumer products and high tech such as Verizon and Nintendo. About 10 years ago I moved into commercial real estate and mortgages with a small stint at a Daimler auto finance startup. I’ve worked in just about every industry. Now, I’m really enjoying commercial real estate.

Tell us a little about where you grew up.

I was born in Austin, Texas, but grew up in a small- town Liberty, Missouri, which is about 20 minutes north of Kansas City. Kansas City is really fun; the people are great, but the weather is awful. We had a saying if you don’t like the weather today, just wait until tomorrow. One day it would be 90 degrees and hot; the next it would hail, and the next day it would snow. Every single car I’ve owned has had hail damage at some point. All of my family still lives in Austin, so when I go home that’s where I go. Austin is great too, but again the weather is awful and omg the bugs!
“Chuck and Marc have created an environment that encourages job satisfaction.”

Where you involved in any activities growing up?

Yes, in high school I lettered in debate and cheerleading.

Where did you go to college?

I went to college at Northwest Missouri State University, which is in a small farming town – Maryville, Missouri. It had one road. When it snowed, which was often, there were no snow removal crews so the farmers would bring their tractors into town and push all of the snow into the middle of the road.
Ginny and her husband Trent at a LAFC game.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a minor in Psychology. I was in the Public Relations Students Society, Lambda Pi Eta (Communications Honor Society) and Vice President of the Delta Zeta sorority.

Tell us a little about your family?

I’m married with two kids. My son, Austin is 12 years old and already much taller than I am. My daughter, London is 9 years old. My husband, Trent and I met at a party on the 4th of July in Newport Beach. We have two dogs, a shepherd mix that was a rescue, and a multi-poo.
Ginny with her family (from the left to right), Ginny's mom, her daughter London, her in-laws, husband Trent and son, Austin.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I love to travel and shop. I just got back from a long weekend in Las Vegas, and I have an upcoming trip to Cabo. I need to book a Europe trip soon. I did my internship in college for Tommy Hilfiger in London and absolutely fell in love with the city.

Any favorite sports teams, musical artists or comedians?

Growing up in Kansas City, I became, and still am a huge KC Chiefs fan. My husband is an even bigger soccer fan. He has box seats to LAFC (Los Angeles Football Club) so we spend a lot of time at LAFC games.

As for comedians, I recently saw Chris Rock and Dave Chappelle when they were in Anaheim and would love to see them again.

Ginny with her daughter London and son Austin.

Favorite vacation spots or places you have visited in the U.S. or abroad?

When I interned in London I got to see so much of Europe – Paris, Versailles and Dublin were the most memorable. When I return, I want to see Italy and the Amalfi Coast.

Favorite food or restaurant?

Sushi and crab legs. Nobu is one of my favorites for sushi. And Irvine Ranch Market has the best crab legs.

Any humorous moments – something you all look back on and laugh about?

I was on the third season of The Bachelor. I thought it would be perfect for my roommate to go on because I had a boyfriend at the time. I made her go to the casting call, but she insisted I apply along with her, and I was picked. I thought it would be fun to be on TV. It was when reality TV was just becoming popular, so it was a really big deal at the time. I was terrified of embarrassing my family or my boyfriend’s family, so I barely spoke. Obviously, I didn’t make it far. When it aired, I was working at the Cheesecake Factory, and everyone I would meet would recognize me; they were so excited. It was a trip. Now it’s just a fun story to remember.

The ad for season three of The Bachelor. Ginny is in the middle.
Ginny (front row) with all 25 contestants from The Bachelor.

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