Leveraging her advertising and digital marketing expertise, Lauren Elizabeth Patterson is a distinguished professional who is the co-founder and chief executive officer of That Random Agency, a firm that takes an empathetic stance toward their clients and stakeholders.
At this woman-owned digital marketing firm, Patterson brings more than a decade of experience to her role. Her responsibilities include managing the team and ensuring they meet their contractual obligations, fostering creativity, ensuring client satisfaction, handling payroll and accounting, marketing the company, and planning for the future of the business.
Patterson’s expertise has been instrumental in leading That Random Agency, managing her team, and growing the firm by 400% in its first year. This achievement highlights Patterson’s dedication to her core values and passion for remaining current with industry trends, especially as she reached this notable success while facing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. She takes great pride in her confidence and courage to persevere through difficulties to achieve her goals.
An Impressive Background in Marketing and Communications
Before establishing That Random Agency in 2020, Patterson served in various key roles that helped contribute to her future successes. From 2019 to 2020, she was the director of content and social media at Platypus Labs, where she strengthened her skills in digital marketing and strategic communication. Other experience includes her work as a social media strategist at Lambert from 2018 to 2019 and at Campbell Ewald from 2017 to 2018. She further bolstered her expertise while working at GTB (formerly Team Detroit and Blue Hive), where she grew from a social analytics intern in 2014 to a senior community manager in 2015.
Patterson’s career has been aided by her educational background, which includes a bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in entrepreneurship from John Carroll University, earned in 2014. She has continued her education by completing the Snapchat Advertising Essentials course from Snap Inc., receiving a content marketing certification from HubSpot Inc., and participating in Twitter Flight School through Twitter (now X).
Patterson is committed to remaining current with industry trends, particularly advancements in AI technologies and digital media. She believes that businesses and brands need to understand that social media sites have evolved and function much like search engines, an advancement that can be leveraged to further visibility.
Patterson first ventured into entrepreneurship while still in college, operating her business, Elizabeth Rose Shoes, from her dorm room. Her hand-painted shoes and high heels, which included TOMS brand footwear, gained popularity and allowed her to support herself while in school. She also had the opportunity to work with celebrities at Comic-Con and design shoes for an executive at Salesforce.
Success and Looking to the Future
Patterson’s contributions have earned her various accolades, including a Webby Award in 2016 and recognition as the Best Integrated Campaign from GTB in 2015. She also earned the Distinguished Alumna Award from the Marian High School Alumnae Association in 2014. She has been a member of the Forbes Business Council since 2024 and is a Forbes contributor.
Patterson attributes her success to the positive relationships she has established with others, as well as her belief in the value of putting her best foot forward, as she never knows what impact she may have on another person. Looking ahead, she plans to mentor younger individuals and further explore new technologies like AI. She would also like to write a book about her experiences in hopes of inspiring others on their entrepreneurial journeys.
