Employee spotlight: Morgan Hoffman

What makes 84.51˚ an intriguing company? Is it the flexible hybrid work options, the free food regularly found around the office or the challenging problems that we tackle? While these aspects are undoubtedly great, it’s the people that make working here truly special. Check out our Employee Spotlight series to learn more about who we are and the unique traits of our teammates. 

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio  Office Location: Chicago, IL  Start Date: June 2023 Job title: Media Account Manager

Describe your role.

I partner with CPG brands in the Health, Beauty, and Care categories to plan, execute, and analyze omnichannel campaigns across tactics like social media, Kroger.com, email, and more. I collaborate cross-functionally with agencies, brand and shopper marketing teams, data scientists, operations specialists, and product managers to deliver strategic, insight-driven campaigns that generate strong, incremental returns on investment.

A key skill I’ve developed in this role is stakeholder management—it's one thing to deliver insights and recommendations, but it’s another to truly understand a client’s goals, limitations, and how those intersect with our capabilities. Building that alignment has been critical to driving successful outcomes.

How long have you worked in media sales and what inspired you to pursue this field?

I’ve been in the media industry for just under two years, beginning my career at 84.51° shortly after graduating college. I studied Marketing and Digital/Social Media Business Applications at Indiana University, where I developed a strong interest in business analytics, consumer behavior, and trend analysis. The fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of retail media makes it the perfect environment to turn those interests into impact.

What interested you in joining 84.51°?

I was drawn to 84.51°’s ability to combine rich data with consumer insights to influence brand, category, and even enterprise-level decision-making. That blend of quantitative and qualitative thinking aligns perfectly with how I like to approach business problems.

Additionally, the people and culture stood out. From day one, I felt supported through both formal and informal mentorships, surrounded by smart, kind, and innovative colleagues. The environment here fosters continuous learning and collaboration—two things I deeply value.

What has been the most memorable experience or favorite project you’ve worked on?

One of my most formative experiences was participating in the Consultant Development Program when I first joined the company. This three-month rotational program offered a deep dive into 84.51°, the retail media landscape, and Kroger’s business. Through the Dev Program, I was able to explore various teams and functions, build strong relationships with peers and mentors, and gain a holistic view of the organization. The program ultimately led me to my current role, where I continue to apply those learnings every day.

What’s your favorite part about working at 84.51°? Do you have a favorite benefit or perk that is offered?

I feel lucky to work alongside such passionate, smart, and helpful colleagues. In terms of perks, I really appreciate our generous PTO policy, especially as someone who loves to travel. It’s empowering to work at a company that supports work-life balance and encourages personal passions. I also enjoy using our paid volunteer time to give back to the community, such as volunteering with my team at the local food pantry.

What do you like to do in your free time outside of work hours?

I volunteer with PAWS Chicago, where I foster cats, walk and train dogs, assist with adoption placements, and write pet biographies for their website. I'm also passionate about fitness and teach group exercise classes in my spare time. Some of my favorite ways to stay active are cycling, swimming, and strength training.