Know about Zimmerman Advertising? (Jacksonville, Miami: how much, home, safe area)

[mickeymaine22]

So I have an interview in Ft Lauderdale next week for a entry/mid level position with the ad agency - Zimmerman Advertising. As much as I've done research on the company, I'm curious if anyone on here has heard of them, worked for them, worked with them? Just want to know more about the company, work environment,etc.

[chisoxfan]

Can't provide many specifics, but I know that they are one of the biggest ad agencies in South Florida and that they have a very good reputation. They've done a lot of work with a few of the pro sports franchises here, I think. I do have acquaintances in the advertising business, so I'll see what else I can find out.

[doggiebus]

Originally Posted by mickeymaine22

So I have an interview in Ft Lauderdale next week for a entry/mid level position with the ad agency - Zimmerman Advertising. As much as I've done research on the company, I'm curious if anyone on here has heard of them, worked for them, worked with them? Just want to know more about the company, work environment,etc.

I wouldn't take a job there. They will work you to the bones from what I hear. And their work isn't that great. There are plenty of other agencies in town that do great work, Chrispin for instance. But if you need a job, you can always work there. Also don't take a job at DJS in Miami, the woman is horrible to work from what I have heard many times (she pays very well I hear however). I am not positive on this, but I don't think Zimmerman pays that well (I would be surprised if they did), so make sure if you do get hired that the salary will be enough.

[mickeymaine22]

Yea... I had another phone conversation with one of the guys there, he just needed to clarify some information. So I asked him a little more about the position... my pay would be 24,000 - ****ty for ft lauderdale as far as I know.

This pisses me off though. I have some decent experience, no agency experiences, and I'm trying to get into advertising, marketing, PR. Its like no agency is willing to take on someone new ambitious and with some experiences. F***in entry level sucks, no one is willing to give you a chance. And if they are, its BS or pay crap.

I'm still gunna go for the experience, maybe after workin with them for a while I can find something better.

[Wild Style]

Is this the one on Oakland, if so I interviewed for a job there in 2000. As for the pay, welcome to South Florida my man. I guess take the job with the thought you cry now so you can laugh later. Meaning get the experience in and then go get something that pays a heck of a lot more.

[chisoxfan]

Originally Posted by chisoxfan

Can't provide many specifics, but I know that they are one of the biggest ad agencies in South Florida and that they have a very good reputation. They've done a lot of work with a few of the pro sports franchises here, I think. I do have acquaintances in the advertising business, so I'll see what else I can find out.

Talked to one of my acquaintances this morning (she's been in the ad business for almost 25 years) and her assessment basically was the same as those who posted after me. In a best-case scenario, it sounds like the type of place you stay a few years, get some experience, then move on to greener pastures. But I think most jobs are like that these days. People like me who have been at the same company for more than 20 years are dinosaurs!

As for the pay, it's like Wild Style says ... welcome to South Florida, where the concept of getting "paid in sunshine" is alive and well.

[doggiebus]

Originally Posted by mickeymaine22

my pay would be 24,000 - ****ty for ft lauderdale as far as I know.

Thats salary for an entry level person in the advertising world down is spot on, the pay here in South Florida is overall low compared to the cost of living. Most locals that stay here, live at home when they first start out (because they can't afford to live on their own), till they start jumping from job to job, to increase their salary. $24,000 a year I don't even think you could make it if you got a roommate in a 2/1 even, unless you live in a bad area. If you really want to move to South Florida, spend two or three years getting experience where you are now. Then come down with that experience, then you can expect more pay.

[mickeymaine22]

I'm not even that frustrated with the pay in the sense of how much it is, its more about the cost of living compared to it.... I mean, can a person, living alone, live off of 24000 in the ft lauderdale area?

The more I research, the more it seems I won't even get by making that much.

* They're office is on W. Commercial Blvd*

[doggiebus]

Originally Posted by mickeymaine22

I'm not even that frustrated with the pay in the sense of how much it is, its more about the cost of living compared to it.... I mean, can a person, living alone, live off of 24000 in the ft lauderdale area?

The more I research, the more it seems I won't even get by making that much.

* They're office is on W. Commercial Blvd*

There is no way someone can live off of $24,000 a year and live in a nice safe area and have fun. As you know your take home will not be $24,000. Like I said in my previous post, locals that grow up here, that start working here usually live at home because they can't afford the low salaries usually of their first job.

To give you a little example of the cost of living I looked up a few other cities. The Cost of Living Index for Miami is 130 (nation average is 100). Ft. Lauderdale is 129.4. To give you other cities to compare South Florida too. LA is 163.2, Chicago is 113.6 (cheaper than South Florida probably because salaries are higher), Atlanta is 90.9, Boston is 134.2, Dallas is 89,Denver 107.8, Toledo is 84.8, Tampa is 100.5, NY is 177.6, Jacksonville FL is 96.1.

[Wild Style]

^^

More proof south florida is NOT a good look.