Zoe Schmitz grew up in New Glarus surrounded by small businesses, long work hours and the steady rhythm of community life. Today, she operates in a world measured in impressions, contracts and brand partnerships — serving as Vice President of Talent Management for A-List Me, a company that manages social media influencers across the country.

Her path into influencer marketing was not a straight line.

“I didn’t discover talent management until college, but in high school, I was always drawn to creative classes and projects that required communication,” Schmitz said. “I loved thinking creatively while still being strategic.”