Paul Spinak
H e a d  M e c h a n i c

Paul is originally from ‘Jersey. Perth Amboy to start but ended up at exit 8 for his entire childhood. Myth has it that the town he grew up in, Twin Rivers, was a truly magical place filled with kids, common grounds to play on, and parents who were all New York transplants. There was always something going on just [right] outside the house or at most just a bike ride away.

His earliest influences were The Fonz, Evil Kenevil and Bugs Bunny. Through them, he picked up the skills of confidence, risk taking, and the subtle art of sarcasm. Paul’s first clear career aspiration was to be a demolition derby driver. Of course he was only five when this epiphany occurred. His parents, not fond of the “crash ‘em up” dream were quite thankful he instead developed an entrepreneurial spirit at a young age. During the 70’s gas crisis, Paul (age 10) earned money by riding his bike to the convenience store for people who were stuck in gas lines. In 5th grade, he sold firecrackers to classmates (and got in trouble doing so!). Let’s just say he was the kid with the lemonade stand. He admits to not being much of a student in high school but he’s quick to say he had plenty of fun and made several lifelong friends along the way. Paul’s dad, the real influence, suggested he go to college for Marketing. And since Paul didn’t have a better plan that was the path he chose to follow. Paul learned his craft of marketing/advertising from Johnson & Wales University in Providence RI.

After college, Paul quickly got some industry experience under his belt. But it wasn’t long before the itch for entrepreneurial independence emerged yet again. In 1998, The Marketing Machine was born and continued as a 1-man machine for close to a decade. Simultaneously, Paul was the drummer for Fat Head Otis, a favorite Raleigh rock band. He lived this double life of business owner and rock star (yeah right!) until the band’s somewhat gracious demise in 2006. With more time on his hands and a revived interest in seeing TMM achieve its full potential, Paul opened his arms and mind and took on a couple of partners to begin a new chapter.

Paul’s interests outside of work are varied and plentiful, but the ones he’s comfortable mentioning include: being a mild gear head, riding his motorcycle, playing drums, loving K9’s, and playing in his workshop making artistic stuff (he’ll say he’s still figuring it out).

Photo credit: Aaron Price