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How This Hooters' Marketing Exec Is Feeding The Dream

HOA Brands' Melissa Fry on bold moves, building communities, and unexpected talents!

I've had the opportunity to connect with and learn from executives of major brands at MediaPost's Insider Summits. In the process I've discovered some truly impressive women -- not only for the work they do, but their stories behind the scenes. With Brand Insider: BTS, I get to pull back the curtain on some of the most influential women marketers as they talk about their path to success: the twists and turns, obstacles, inspirations and the valuable lessons learned along the way. 

From Hooters Girl to marketing leader! Fresh out of high school, Melissa Fry quickly found herself immersed in the fast-paced world of franchising—opening stores domestically and internationally and watching the brand thrive. But when it came time to “hang up the orange shorts,” the HOA Brands' senior director of marketing took a leap and never looked back. In this episode of Brand Insider: BTS, Melissa shares the confidence-building impact of the organization, and why the Hooters Girls remain the brand’s most strategic asset. She opens up about navigating personal loss, embracing challenges, and the importance of authenticity, kindness, and speaking up—especially for women in business. Watch the full conversation in the video above!

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About the Author

, Senior Director, Event Programming, MediaPost