Rebecca Thomson
Rebecca Thomson is an accomplished Advertising Account Executive based in St. Augustine, Florida, with over 11 years of experience in advertising sales. She is currently in her fourth year with Visit St. Augustine, where she manages relationships with attractions, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and other businesses that advertise on the city’s approved travel website. Her work helps travelers plan unforgettable vacations while supporting local businesses. Rebecca is deeply involved in the community, participating actively with the Chamber of Commerce, the Attractions Association, and the Visitor and Convention Bureau, attending events across town to connect with people who can benefit from her advertising expertise. Rebecca’s approach to sales is rooted in honesty and relationship-building. She believes that guiding clients to make the best decisions even if it means advising them not to purchase is the key to long-term success. Her dedication has produced measurable results: in her first full year at Visit St. Augustine, she increased sales by 36.5%. Prior to her career in advertising, Rebecca served as a finance manager for Harley-Davidson, where she helped elevate the dealership from the bottom 10% to the top 10% in performance within 18 months. Her passion for advertising is inspired by her grandfather, who launched a newspaper in Pittsburgh focused on the arts community after a successful career in advertising with companies such as PPG Glass and U.S. Steel. Rebecca holds a Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Business Administration and Management from Chatham University and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Pittsburgh. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, bike riding, and reading. Her commitment to integrity, client success, community engagement, and personal growth defines both her professional and personal life.
• Chatham University - MBA, Business Administration and Management, General
• University of Pittsburgh - BA, Communication and Media Studies
• St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce (Historic Council Leadership Team)
• Visitor and Convention Bureau
• St. Augustine Attractions Association
• Flagler College Women of Vision Silent Auction Committee (Scholarship Program)
• United Way Campaign Committee (2024-2025)
What do you attribute your success to?
I really think building relationships is what makes me successful. I'm honest with my clients - I won't push someone into something they're going to be unhappy with. If it's not working for you, I'll tell you not to do it and to spend your money somewhere else. Some people might think that's not the kind of salesperson you're looking for, but that's who I am. I won't twist someone's arm into something that will make them unhappy, because if you're going to be unhappy, you can find a reason to be unhappy. I also believe in balance. I raised two children on my own while working my way through college and then grad school. You have to balance everything out and give time to each of those little buckets if you want them to thrive. Every one of them is very important.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My grandfather told me I had to finish college if I wanted a job in the advertising field. When his newspaper was still running and I hadn't finished college yet, he said, 'Nope, not yet' he wouldn't let me work there until I finished my education. He was firm about that: you finish college if you want a job in this field.