4 Unique Quirks of Pittsburgh Marketing Firms

Most marketing firms are naturally composed of eclectic teams of quirky people.

Pittsburgh marketing firms, however, are an entirely different bunch. In addition to the idiosyncrasies expected of most eccentric professionals–including creativity superstitions and coffee addiction–we bring a few of our own unique to our location.

Here are four quirks of Pittsburgh marketing firms:

1.) We All Know Each Other in Some Way

A friend of mine recently said that most Pittsburgh marketing firms are “basically interconnected” and that “Pittsburgh’s size creates this feeling that we’re all on the same team.” Ask any marketing professional about any other and they’ll more than likely say yes or that they’ve at least heard of them.

This may be the case in other cities, but I’m willing to go out on a limb and say that it’s not to the extent of the Pittsburgh scene. Competition naturally exists, but at the end of the day, we recognize and applaud each other’s work. This reflects the larger community of Pittsburgh. Because of its diversity of neighborhoods and people–as well as its smaller size–everyone seems to know everyone.

2.) We’re Late to Meetings Because of the “Tunnel Monster”

If we’re ever late to a meeting because of what we call the “Tunnel Monster,” I promise that we’re not making excuses.

Most cities experience heavy traffic patterns, but we only seem to truly suffer from one major obstacle on our commutes–the Squirrel Hill Tunnel.

For whatever the reason, drivers seem to start hitting the brakes when they approach this tunnel. Because of this, traffic will back up in tremendous volumes for no justifiable reason. This even happens at “off” times of day and causes a lot of Pittsburgh marketing firms to be late for meetings.

Oddly enough, as soon as you make it through the tunnel, traffic returns to a normal pace. It’s maddening to experience when you need to get somewhere.

This isn’t a new concept either. The photo below is an example of traffic back up before the tunnel in 1954.

3.) We Know Where the Closest Primantis is By Heart

Primanti Bros. is a famous Pittsburgh icon. The restaurant serves their “Almost Famous” sandwiches, which are composed of coleslaw, tick-cut fries and your choice of meat.

image via primantibros.com

If you’re ever looking for amusement, ask a Pittsburgh marketing firm where the closest Primanti Bros. restaurant is. You’ll be surprised at how precise their answer is.

For example, I hosted a friend of mine a few months ago. Prior to his visit I told him that he had to try one of the sandwiches before his time in Pittsburgh was over.

He visited my office one day and asked me during the lunch hour where the closest location was.

Without even blinking I repeated, “4.8 miles.”

4.) Most of Our Company Outings Have to Do with Black and Gold

There’s no doubt about it–Pittsburgh is a city that is obsessed with its sport teams.

For this reason, most Pittsburgh marketing firms share their company outings with the Pirates, Steelers and/or Penguins.

Don’t believe me? Check any firm’s Facebook/Instagram accounts and you’ll see what I mean.

What are the marketing firms in your city unique for?