2021 40 Under 40: James Mulvenon

In his first job, James Mulvenon, 33, worked on marketing campaigns for Starbucks, Frito-Lay and Mission Foods.

One of them was for a small brand of kettle-cooked potato chips. You might know the name now: Miss Vickie’s.

“The campaign and subsequent roll-out remains the highest rated consumer redesign in the history of Frito-Lay,” Mulvenon says of his work at the time with Springfield-based The Marlin Co.

Another? Mulvenon says he spearheaded a photo shoot in Seattle for a campaign “that is still synonymous with the holiday season for Starbucks.”

Now, as creative director for Revel Advertising, he’s transitioned from national and international brands to local and regional clients – and it’s a change that allows him to better the community right where he’s at.

First job? My friend’s father purchased a driving range, mini-golf and batting cage facility atop an old limestone quarry with hopes of turning it into a world-class golf course. What began as hand-picking golf balls off the driving range evolved into “macheteing” tree limbs and brush hogging.

Favorite podcast? I start every day with NPR and USA Today’s “5 Things.” On my drive into the office I switch gears and listen to the ridiculous musings of “My Brother, My Brother, and Me,” “This Is Important” and “Wonderful!”

Favorite hobby or pastime? I’m an internationally ranked pinball player. (You only have to play in one sanctioned tournament to be ranked.) Please do give me your quarters.