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Chatting with Fred Miketa!

Where are you from originally? What was it like for you growing up there?

I’m from a small town called Pueblo in Southern Colorado. At the time I detested living there (I moved away the day after I graduated high school), but in retrospect it was amazing. Being somewhat isolated led me to seek out culture wherever I could find it, and it empowered me to do whatever it took to not become a ‘townie’ or whatever. Plus Pueblo has one of the most amazing graffiti scenes in the country and some of the best Mexican food.

What is it like living and working in the busiest places in New York City?

Despite how crazy and daunting it can be at times, I never take it for granted. I often work 60 hour work weeks and the time still flies. I’m not a fan of a lot of crowds or people in general, but I definitely thrive on pressure and deadlines. COMPLEX is my home in many ways and the work I do and the people I work with make it all worth it.

How did you get into the world of publishing? How did you get started, and tell us what the most interesting experience you've had was -

I was kind of a burnout in college and never interned, made any connections or anything. So I started interning at the electronic music publication, XLR8R at a fairly late age. After a few years, I was offered an editorial position and soaked up as much knowledge as possible. I then stumbled into marketing at PAPER, Santos' Party House, The Daily Front Row, and now COMPLEX. Every position and company I’ve worked with has been interesting in its own way - it’s pretty rad to have such an eclectic resume and experiences.

You're also in a band. What's the band called and what do you do?  

We’re called Crushed. I sing (scream, really).

What is the music like? What is the band's primary source of inspiration? What are the lyrics about?

It’s a unique take on New York Hardcore. I play with a pretty wild cast of dudes - A colleague here at COMPLEX, an Executive at Gilt and an insane professional artist. We’re inspired by a wide net of music - classic hardcore, real emo, techno, pretty much anything that’s sincere and off the beaten path. Lyrically, it’s a bit on the nihilistic side. A lot of songs about growing old, reflecting on better days, and regret.

If you could have 5 more hours in the day, what would you do with it?

Spend time with my adorable, awesome daughter.

If you could only choose one, would you choose whiskey or beer?

Beer. Rolling Rock always wins.

Where's the most beautiful place you've been in the world?  

Bologna, Italy.

Tell us about your Orient Watch!  

The Dyno has me feeling like a thorough executive. My first day at the office rocking it, I was already making power moves.

If you could go anywhere, any time - where would you go and why?

I’d go back to Pueblo, Colorado in 1981 and live this life all over again. It’s been pretty killer.

Fred Miketa is the Director of Marketing Strategy at COMPLEX media, which means he spends most his days coming up with multi-million dollar creative strategies for a variety brands. He also oversees an awesome team of marketing champions in offices across the country. Fred  is what he calls "old school" so he keeps his social media to one personal Facebook account and the obligatory LinkedIn profile 


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Chatting with Fred Miketa! | Orient Watch USA
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Chatting with Fred Miketa!

Where are you from originally? What was it like for you growing up there?

I’m from a small town called Pueblo in Southern Colorado. At the time I detested living there (I moved away the day after I graduated high school), but in retrospect it was amazing. Being somewhat isolated led me to seek out culture wherever I could find it, and it empowered me to do whatever it took to not become a ‘townie’ or whatever. Plus Pueblo has one of the most amazing graffiti scenes in the country and some of the best Mexican food.

What is it like living and working in the busiest places in New York City?

Despite how crazy and daunting it can be at times, I never take it for granted. I often work 60 hour work weeks and the time still flies. I’m not a fan of a lot of crowds or people in general, but I definitely thrive on pressure and deadlines. COMPLEX is my home in many ways and the work I do and the people I work with make it all worth it.

How did you get into the world of publishing? How did you get started, and tell us what the most interesting experience you've had was -

I was kind of a burnout in college and never interned, made any connections or anything. So I started interning at the electronic music publication, XLR8R at a fairly late age. After a few years, I was offered an editorial position and soaked up as much knowledge as possible. I then stumbled into marketing at PAPER, Santos' Party House, The Daily Front Row, and now COMPLEX. Every position and company I’ve worked with has been interesting in its own way - it’s pretty rad to have such an eclectic resume and experiences.

You're also in a band. What's the band called and what do you do?  

We’re called Crushed. I sing (scream, really).

What is the music like? What is the band's primary source of inspiration? What are the lyrics about?

It’s a unique take on New York Hardcore. I play with a pretty wild cast of dudes - A colleague here at COMPLEX, an Executive at Gilt and an insane professional artist. We’re inspired by a wide net of music - classic hardcore, real emo, techno, pretty much anything that’s sincere and off the beaten path. Lyrically, it’s a bit on the nihilistic side. A lot of songs about growing old, reflecting on better days, and regret.

If you could have 5 more hours in the day, what would you do with it?

Spend time with my adorable, awesome daughter.

If you could only choose one, would you choose whiskey or beer?

Beer. Rolling Rock always wins.

Where's the most beautiful place you've been in the world?  

Bologna, Italy.

Tell us about your Orient Watch!  

The Dyno has me feeling like a thorough executive. My first day at the office rocking it, I was already making power moves.

If you could go anywhere, any time - where would you go and why?

I’d go back to Pueblo, Colorado in 1981 and live this life all over again. It’s been pretty killer.

Fred Miketa is the Director of Marketing Strategy at COMPLEX media, which means he spends most his days coming up with multi-million dollar creative strategies for a variety brands. He also oversees an awesome team of marketing champions in offices across the country. Fred  is what he calls "old school" so he keeps his social media to one personal Facebook account and the obligatory LinkedIn profile 


Other stories from the blog

Related Stories

x
Your cart
- +
You don't have any items in your cart.

Close this and continue shopping