Introducing: Karleen Lensing   

Look East recently welcomed Karleen Lensing to the team as a Project Manager who assists clients with projects ranging from influencer tours to digital promotions and creative assets. 

Based in the Des Moines area, Karleen is known for her wicked organization skills and quick wit. We wanted to get to know Karleen better, so we sat down with her for a visit. 

We know you have deep roots in agriculture, tell us about your background. 

I come from a family farm up in Northeast Iowa. I have lots of memories of my cousins and family friends coming over to drive four-wheelers and play in the pastures. We would even try and play tag with the cattle. But… it wasn’t always fun and games, especially when it came to “picking rock” during the summer on hot days. It always seemed when that farm chore rolled around, all my cousins and family friends weren’t around to go out to the fields, go row by row to pick up rock, and throw them on the wagon. If it wasn’t that chore, you could find me helping with the animals, as we have raised anything from chickens, pigs, dairy cows, beef cattle, sheep and row crops.  

Shortly after I graduated from college, I began working at a B2B marketing agency. Working with clients in the ag industry is meaningful to me as I know we are making a positive impact. Each day I am reminded of my farming roots as I get the opportunity to work with our clients. Being involved with agriculture was a great way to grow up and a good field to continue working in.  

What projects have you gotten involved in here at Look East? 

I am excited to be helping with efforts for The Center for Food Integrity, including projects for the United Soybean Board and Corteva. I’m also involved with Phibro Animal Health and their social media platforms.  

What is your favorite thing about working here? 

The people. Everyone here is so passionate about the projects they work on and so knowledgeable.  

You do a masterful job of managing multiple projects and keeping everyone on task. What’s your best tip on how to keep organized? 

Lists, lots of lists!  

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? 

I wanted to study cosmetology and cut hair! I have three younger sisters so you can imagine how much time we spent playing pageant and doing each other’s hair and makeup.  

What music do you listen to while working? 

I listen to a lot of R&B but sometimes if I am feeling spicy, I’ll throw on 90s country.  

What’s your idea of a good time? 

I enjoy hanging out with family and friends, traveling, going to movies and enjoying a good Moscow mule!  

Speaking of travel, what’s your favorite place to visit? 

Can I have two places? My favorite trip so far has been going from Seattle to Portland and driving down Highway 101. The scenery is absolutely beautiful out there. And then a place I would like to visit would be Nashville which I will be tackling later this year!   

Thanks for visiting with us, Karleen, and welcome to the team. Are you interested in joining Look East? Learn more about what it’s like to work here.