More Info
About WickendenAge: 22Job: Marketing associate for Rapid RMS, an iPad point-of-sale software development startup in Chattanooga.Career: Marketing
It was only last year that Claire Wickenden graduated from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - magna cum laude after four straight years on the dean's list - with a bachelor's degree in marketing.
Yet Wickenden already has worked at a few of of the most cutting-edge tech organizations in town.
Her resume includes stints at the Enterprise Center, the public-private partnership at the heart of Chattanooga's new downtown Innovation District, and Nooga Labs, a website design and digital marketing agency serving Chattanooga businesses that was in its startup stage in 2012 when Wickenden joined.
Now, Wickenden's day job is managing social media accounts, doing website design, copywriting, content creation and improving user experience for Rapid RMS, an iPad point-of-sale software development startup in Chattanooga.
Founded by Nirav Patel, whose family owns and operates several local liquor and convenience stores, Rapid RMS grew out of the accelerator program operated by the Co.Lab.
Even with all that on her plate, Wickenden freelances after hours and does design, marketing campaigns and websites for a variety of businesses, including HavePaws, a startup that makes "jerky chips" for dogs and cats. She also launched a free, online local business directory for Chattanooga, Noogafirst.com.
Two 4 Travel was a blog that Wickenden started in high school with her longtime friend Laura Crafton. "Thousands of readers," she said, checked out the blog's weekly travel stories, advice, and videos.
"I think the travel blog gig played a big part in where I am now, as it opened a lot of doors and opportunities for me at a young age," Wickenden says. "I used to fly for free, a benefit to having a flight attendant for a mom, and that's a large part of why I was able to travel so much."
The blog even led to sponsored trips overseas for the two friends.
"Her entrepreneurial spirit is remarkable, and I have always appreciated her fearless attitude when it comes to a new business idea or taking a risk with a project," says Crafton, who has been friends since kindergarten with Wickenden.
While she's big on travel, Wickenden has stayed put in Chattanooga.
"I think Chattanooga has a bright future," she says. "I don't know what the future holds for me, but I love working with startups and hope to stay in this scene."