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Sam Travis Ewen President/Founder Interference Incorporated
		Education: University of Wisconsin Hunter College CUNY Graduated Magna Cum Laude - B.A. English and Literature Books Reading: On Zen Practice - Taizan Maezumi & Bernie Glassman		Favorite Quote: Chance favors the prepared mind. - Louis Pasteur Inspirational Figures: I am inspired by so many in so many different areas. Current crushes are Lou Reed, Jim Moran Relationship Status: Single, 1 Daughter, Stella. 7 years old

Favorite assignment completed to date?
There have been hundreds over the years and usually by the time they get finished I am done with them I am ready for the next, not thinking how great this one was. My favorite part of the process is the creative ideation and getting our clients excited about the possibilities of marketing that they did not even know existed for them.

Toughest challenge overcome in your career?
The Aqua Teen Hunger Force situation in Boston in 2007. It was a huge challenge for us to overcome and get past and yet it made us into a much better agency in the long run. You never think when you come up with an idea that it may land you being interviewed by the Department of Homeland Security. But it is these times that you learn the most and grow as a company and individual.

What was your defining moment your agency?
Taking the chance to start the agency right after the dotcom collapse was the first defining moment. Yet out of that challenge, we were able to set our sights on being a different type of agency than most others out there. Who starts an ad agency during an economic contraction? It was the best thing we ever did.

Best describe your agency
A creative ideas company masking itself as a non-traditional marketing shop. In the end our ideas are not hindered by any specific medium, we look at the business challenge first, then allow ourselves the freedom to come up with any idea, regardless of whether the media exists or not, and then create it.

Why do clients choose your agency and how have you been able to maintain such long relationships?
We have some clients dating back to the inception of the agency, others have been with us on and off for 5+ years. I think our secret is always trying to create something authentic, innovative and relevant to the client's audience. We are not out here to win awards, we are out here to generate attention, engagement and results that make our clients want to come back to us.

Advice for those entering into the space from college?
Get ready for the hardest job you will ever love. It is challenging to go experiential and do it right. It takes a lot of work, time and dedication and you are going to take your lumps. This approach can be extremely effective, but you have to know what you are doing. And you need to put in the time to learn it. But it pays you back in spades.

Advice to the smaller agency owners in this tough economic climate?
Protect your business, your cash flow and your talent. Let the others go away, and then you will be there when clients need you. Don't wait until it is to late to make the hard decisions.

How you use and define experiential methodology?
Keep it simple. Engage your consumers. Create a participatory experience that does not start or stop with the specifics of any one execution. Utilize the methodology to turn all brand communication into an opportunity for relationship building.