Wayne County, NC

So this is my first blog post since taking the helm as the new Research and Marketing Specialist (I have been here for over six months…can’t really play the “I’m the new guy” card anymore). I have a blog post I am working on and look forward to getting it up here for all to see. It will be a fascinating and compelling piece I promise (think manufacturing) see you got a little excited just then…but I felt that it was appropriate to introduce myself first. Well let’s get the formality out of the way – my name is Jeremy Cayton. I graduated from East Carolina University (GO PIRATES!!) in 2001 and began working in marketing and advertising, even though I got my degree in Psychology and before you ask, YES it did help me as I forged my way into my new career and continues to come in handy to this day! I loved advertising – the design work, helping clients realize their message, coordinating with agencies across the country, moving and shaking – I loved everything about it. Then one day I got a call telling me that the owners were retiring and selling off the company. SHOCKED was the only word that described how I felt – I sat in my office thinking “ok what now?” There weren’t many, if any, ad agencies like the one I worked for around. So upon the recommendation of a friend I pulled the old career U-turn and began working in finance.

I got into finance as we were all sitting atop the financial rollercoaster looking down a very long drop. To say it was a challenge is truly an understatement! BUT I persevered and got really good at what I did – the only thing was I didn’t have that zeal and passion like I did when I was in advertising. So after several years of working in finance, I found myself perusing the want ads and along comes this position that I thought, “I was made for this!!” – The Research & Marketing Specialist for the Wayne County Development Alliance. I had finished grad school about a year before this and found that I really like doing research and I LOVED marketing. It was a match made in heaven!! I interviewed via phone and waited, then got a call for a face to face interview – did that, then waited, and finally a panel interview and more waiting. Have you ever noticed that when you really want something that it seems to take FOREVER?? Well, the call I was waiting on came and I was offered the job!! It’s been just over 6 months since I started and I LOVE my job! I work with a great team and have learned a great deal in the short time I’ve been here. I love my job so much in fact that I drive approximately 2 hours a day to and from work – yes it’s that great!!

I am not a native of Wayne County and don’t live here either so not only have I learned about economic development from a great teacher (the one and only, Joanna Helms), I have also learned a lot about Wayne County and the Greater Goldsboro Area. The one thing that stood out to me in my first few weeks of working here in Goldsboro was everyone was so nice and that continues to be the same. I grew up in New Bern and Goldsboro reminds me so much of that area (minus all the waterfront property). So far this has been a great opportunity for me and I truly thank the decision makers that helped put me here! I look forward to being a great asset to Wayne County and the Development Alliance!

In my spare time (what little I have) I spend time with my wonderful wife and awesome son, play drums in a regional party band, help my wife with her budding photography business, and chip away at the never ending honey-do list – It’s my life and I love it! So that’s me in a nutshell; Jeremy Cayton, Research & Marketing Specialist for the Wayne County Development Alliance.