21 Questions with Dr. Andrew Rohm, Professor at Loyola Marymount University's M-School

Dr. Andrew Rohm of Loyola Marymount University's M-School 

Andy Rohm is a longtime friend who has not only changed his career path on different occasions, he's done so fearlessly. 

Currently a professor at Loyola Marymount's innovative m-School, Andy earned his B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan and his Ph.D. in Marketing from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His research examines consumer usage and acceptance of new media as well as firms¹ use of mobile and social media marketing strategies. He has published in scholarly and managerial publications such as the Journal of Marketing, Journal of Interactive Marketing, Journal of Advertising, Journal of Consumer Behavior, Journal of Business Research, and Sloan Management Review (among others). He teaches courses related to advertising, digital marketing, and social media. Rohm currently lives in Manhattan Beach, CA with his wife, three darling children, black lab named Pretty Boy Floyd, and Mexican Lab named Annabelle.

Follow Andy on Twitter or email him andrew.rohm@lmu.edu 

1. What would the headline of your biography be?

"From a BS in Aerospace Engineering to the Australian Outback to Academia--Would Ritalin Have Helped?"

2. What is your mission / goal in life?

To be able to tell a really interesting life story to any one who will listen to me...

3. What do you love to do?

I love moving and trying new things--I can't sit still. Whether in my professional life or teaching myself how to snowboard or surf, I love action and adventure.

4. What were your "aha" moments - when you realized you were exceptional at something?

Although it might have taken longer than most, I recognized I could be a good teacher when I spoke to Professor Tom Boyd's Marketing course at Miami University while working at Reebok. It was the first time in my life I felt like I had something important to say to people (aka students) who were actually listening to me.

5. What keeps you up at night?

My two dogs Annabelle and Pretty Boy Floyd.

6. What historical / business figure do you most identify with?

I just read the Steve Jobs book and flatter myself by imagining that I too could be as passionate, creative and visionary as he was.

7. What is the trait you most want to improve in yourself?

Hmmm...so many to list. Probably my ability to master and sweat the details.

8. What are your unique talents?

I can juggle a bowling ball, an egg, and a chain saw. Actually, it would have to be my curiosity and ability to really listen to people and what makes them tick.

9. What is your greatest extravagance?

French Fries.

10. Which brands / businesses do you admire the most?

Betabrand, Quiksilver, TOMS Shoes, Radical Media, and Bono's Red Campaign.

11. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Mindless and meaningless filler words like "So" and "OK" and "really"...really.

12. What is your greatest career regret?

No regrets. Ever.

13. When or where were you happiest in life?

I know it sounds corny, yet I am truly happiest every subsequent day with my family (wife Kim and three children Kendal, Drew, and Alex), especially when we're traveling somewhere and staying beyond our means in nice hotels.

14. Which talent would you most like to have?

I wish I had inherited some semblance of musical talent. Like playing the guitar. Or, being a better surfer.

15. What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Reinventing myself in my mid-20s to leave a good position in high-tech marketing and sales to move to Giru, North Queensland, Australia to play cowboy and pick mangoes in the Outback. When I came back, I had a much clearer view of what I wanted to do with my life.

16. What is your most treasured business memento?

I don't really treasure mementos...

17. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

When we discovered my mother had brain cancer and had six months to live.

18. Do you care about money?

Nope. Although I realize we need to pay the bills, buy food, etc., basing important life decisions solely on money often prevents us from pursuing those things that would more fully enrich our lives.

19. What is your defining characteristic?

The ability to accept risk and to view it as an opportunity to try or do something new and exciting.  Playing amateur psychologist, I think this is why I attempt to reinvent myself or my career every ten years.

20. Who are your favorite business writers / bloggers / people?

Although I don't read a lot of business books--most of them are too focused on principles and examples that are soon outdated--I like Malcom Gladwell's ability to identify perspectives that are timeless and that are applicable to all types of organizations, companies, and brands.

Professor Rohm elected to skip Question #21 and his grade will be affected accordingly. 

This is what a professor at a coastal university in CA looks like. Not a lot of time spent indoors.