Monica Beeman moved to this area in 2004 from sunny California. Her home, however, is Jacksonville, Florida. She has always had a love of people and community.
"I remember when I was 5 or 6 years old being the one who was the talker of the group," she said. "I didn't have one group of friends because I was friends with everyone."
She has a degree from the University of North Florida in psychology with a minor in criminal justice, which was an easy decision to make, she said. "I like people and I like to relate to people, so it was easy for me to complete that degree."
Monica also played Division 1 volleyball while at University of North Florida.
Monica was a stay-at-home mom from 2001 to 2006.
"I gained a lot of weight during that time. I just decided to change my life and get back to me," she said. She started working out and eventually became a personal trainer in 2009. She went on to host "Live Fit Texarkana Fitness Expo" in 2016, 2017 and 2018 alongside her husband, Doug.
Monica started working at Chick-fil-A in 2012 as part-time marketing director. She had little experience, a big goal and a lot of determination. Monica created events by transforming the restaurant's atmosphere to leave an impression on all who attended. Following her successes in this role, Monica decided to go out on her own.
Simply Perfect Marketing was created in April 2013. The first year, Monica hosted events all over the community. From the "Gifts, Galore and So Much More" Christmas event at Texarkana Texas Convention Center to "Run to Remember 5K" for Cornerstone Bunch Woodview, Monica wanted to help her community. The business grew into a public relations company with the goal of providing effective marketing for an affordable price.
"Small businesses are missing out because they can't afford to pay a really high fee for marketing direction or advice," Monica said. "But it is more than marketing materials. It is social media, graphic design and just loving on people. I just wanted to get all the information out there to the masses for them."
Monica is still leaving her mark on the community through her new job at Newk's Eatery.
"Everything is so crazy right now with this pandemic," Monica said, "but I love that Newk's local owners are continuing to help the community.
"We have started donating 50 meals a week to the two hospitals in Texarkana. We hope to feed every staff member who are working the front lines during this pandemic.
"To me it is just a meal. But to someone who is broke-as-a-joke, or maybe they had the worst day ever, it is a shining light in the middle of their day."
Whether it is hosting a fundraiser for a regional nonprofit, helping a local business build its brand, or doing "random acts of kindness" around town, Monica Beeman has a heart for her community.
By her actions, she shows that little things matter.
NAME:
Monica Beeman
Occupation:
Area marketing director for Newk's Eatery
Neighborhood:
Atlanta, Texas
Family:
Husband, Doug, 4 children and 1 granddaughter
Favorite Color:
Hot Pink
Favorite hobby:
Collects leadership books (has 25 so far!)
Favorite book:
"The Five Dysfunctions of a Team" by Patrick Lencioni
words to live by:
"It's not about money or connections. It's about the willingness to outwork and outlearn everyone." - Mark Cuban