She disregarded advisers and friends who told her that a workplace where employees came first would surely fail. Not if you're Townsend. Five years after The Townsend Agency was created for less than the cost of a compact car, her agency is the largest high-tech integrated marketing firm in San Diego and among the 120 top agencies nationally. It has grown from just Jackie Townsend and her business partner, Cynthia Guiang, to more than 40 advertising and public relations professionals. She has Fortune 1000 and international clients.
Awards are plentiful.
She represents start-up companies, and many owe their solid market positions to her dedication. More importantly, she gives her time and knowledge to them. She's on the advisory board of the MIT Forum, an international entrepreneurial program. She's a member of the UCSD Connect steering committee. Yet she also finds time for community causes.