Meet our New Digital Marketing Intern, James LaPlante

A new year means new hires at AdShark! We are highlighting the first of 3…yes, THREE, new Digital Marketing Intern hires in the last few weeks. Without further ado…

James LaPlante joins AdShark as a Digital Marketing Intern. James grew up just outside of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota and recently graduated from North Dakota State University where he received a degree in Strategic Communications.

In James’ new role, he will help the PPC team manage client accounts and learn Google, Facebook and Bing advertising from the best of the best.

As a tradition at AdShark, we asked James some questions to get to know him:  

Tell Us About Your Family

I’m the fifth kid of seven—2 girls and 5 boys. We grew up just outside Detroit Lakes, Minnesota on a property in the woods where we spent a lot of time playing sports, helping our parents in the garden, mowing the lawn, and sledding and cross-country skiing in the winter. Most of my siblings and I were homeschooled (my Mom’s a rock star for putting up with us that much). I graduated High School after taking a few PSEO classes in 2015.

Do you have a childhood nickname you’d like to share?

For some reason I’ve accumulated a lot of nicknames over the years:

• Jamie
• JimBob
• Jimmy Pete
• Jimothy

The one that’s stuck though is Jimmer. That one I like.

What’s your favorite book and movie?

I have a lot of books that I enjoy reading, but by far my favorite has to be the Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien. That was my go-to when I would finish other books and wanted to keep reading. I read it literally nine times!

My favorite movie is a bit of a silly cult classic called “Fantastic Mr. Fox.” It’s a puppet animation film based on the Roald Dahl book directed by Wes Anderson and features the voice talents of George Clooney, Bill Murray, and Merryl Streep. It’s got a 70s aesthetic and witty dialogue that for some reason my siblings and I really enjoyed and have practically memorized.

What is the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time?

The nerdiest things I do in my spare time are playing video games with my roommates and sharing the weirdest memes we can find in our group chat. 

Do you have any hobbies?

I’m really into videography and filmmaking. I have filmed wedding films for several friends, and I’ve made a few special effects gag videos for fun on my personal YouTube channel. I also enjoy playing sports with friends, skiing, and camping when I get the chance.

Tell us one random fact about you.

I fainted once during Drivers Ed while watching the scary videos they show.

I felt woozy and tried to get up to go to the water fountain. The next thing I knew I was on the floor. Fortunately, I didn’t hurt myself, and looking back it was pretty comical.

What are three things left on your bucket list?

I would like to travel to Ireland and England, climb to the top of a mountain, and bench 300 lbs. 

What’s your favorite type of shark?

My favorite type of shark is probably the Great White. I would say Megalodon but they’re all dead, despite what Shark Week wants you to think. 

Why are you excited to join AdShark Marketing as a Digital Marketing Intern?

I’m excited to join AdShark Marketing because I believe I’ve found a team of great people to work with and I’m looking forward to sharpening my skills where the rubber meets the road in the Advertising industry with digital marketing.