The book, The Beatles, and more in my interview with PR WEEK

In PR WEEK, our humble author manages to plug a friend’s web site, a Beatles song, the book of course, and kiss major boss butt in a few short lines.

PR WEEK

Habits: Andrew Giangola, NASCAR, director of business comms

April 01, 2010

Morning ritual: Banter with my wife about the fiscal recklessness of patronizing Starbucks, not our own coffee machine. I then proceed to take the dog to Starbucks.

Required reading: The New York Times, the New York Post, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today (dead tree versions). I also make sure to check out NASCAR Scene Daily, NASCAR.COM, the Drudge Report, the PRWeek Breakfast Briefing, and TWI-NY.com.

First PR job: I was a PR manager for Pepsi-Cola.

Proudest career achievement: The publishing of my book, The Weekend Starts on Wednesday: True Stories of Remarkable NASCAR Fans.

Favorite city to travel to for business: Talladega, AL. To a New Yorker, this always feels like a trip to Mars. I mean that in the most positive way, of course.

Most regrettable career moment: Remaining on the telephone and going off message to tell the Associated Press that a new Pepsi spot with Magic Johnson, who had tested positive for HIV several months earlier, was “not on the front burner.”

Most distinct aspect of your personal office: It has a striking resemblance to a locale for the A&E television show Hoarders.

Best career advice you've ever given: Find a job reflecting your fiery passion(s).

The first person you would call in a crisis: Ken Ross, VP of corporate communications at Netflix. He is a wise friend who is battle-tested. He spun it when Pepsi set Michael Jackson's hair on fire.

Mentor: Jim Hunter, VP of corporate communications at NASCAR. He shows that you can never go wrong in being direct, honest, plain-spoken, and true to yourself.

Ideal job, if not in PR: Paperback writer.