From Manager to Leader: Chris Laskowski’s IMC Success Story

Meet Chris Laskowski, IMC ‘24, a sustainability-focused marketing professional who has carved a remarkable path in the new home construction industry by leveraging what he learned in Medill’s Master of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) Professional program.

Currently serving as the director of marketing at New Home Star, one of the nation's largest private sellers of new homes, Laskowski has been instrumental in shaping the company’s marketing strategy and driving significant growth. But his journey to this level of success wasn’t always smooth sailing.

Enrolling in the IMC Professional program at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications marked a pivotal turning point in his career, propelling him from a marketing manager to a strategic leader. His ability to seamlessly integrate classroom learning into real-world challenges has yielded extraordinary results, making him a standout example of the program’s impact.

“It took a global pandemic to realize that many things can happen in life, and you might as well go for it. So I did,” Laskowski shared. His decision to pursue the IMC program embodies a spirit of seizing opportunities and pushing beyond limitations.

The results of his efforts and knowledge are clear. Under his leadership, New Home Star’s marketing agency division has generated over $1 million in annual revenue within its first year of operation, positioning the company as a leader in the new home construction industry.

Read on to discover how Medill’s IMC Professional program helped develop the strategic framework and cultivated the innovative mindset that spurred Laskowski’s success.

Before embarking on his academic journey at Medill, Laskowski had already established a solid foundation in the marketing world. With a background in finance and statistics, he brought a unique analytical perspective to his role at New Home Star, which had a startup culture when he first joined. This culture tends to be a fast-paced, innovative and collaborative environment where teams work closely together to bring fresh ideas to life; individual experiences and initiatives of employees make a huge impact. His previous positions to that point had included marketing strategist at Star Marketing and marketing manager at Synergy Builders Inc.

However, despite these marketing industry achievements, he found he had reached a career plateau. The excitement and challenges of the early years had given way to a sense of stagnation and Laskowski yearned for new opportunities to grow and develop his skills.

“I felt stuck like I hit the ceiling and couldn’t continue to grow at the company I dearly cared about. I was in the same position doing the same things for eight years,” Laskowski admitted. That realization ignited a desire for professional reinvention and inspired him to seek out new challenges.

The desire to break free from this professional rut led him to explore advanced education options. However, traditional MBA programs, while offering a broad business perspective, did not align with Laskowski’s specific goals.

Instead, he sought a program that would provide deep insights into the intricacies of marketing and equip him with knowledge of the latest industry trends and technologies. The Medill IMC Professional program, with its emphasis on integrated marketing communications and a strong focus on practical application, emerged as the ideal fit for Laskowski’s career aspirations.

Enrolling in the Medill IMC program was a significant commitment for Laskowski, requiring him to juggle the requirements of his demanding role at New Home Star with the rigors of graduate school.

For the busy Laskowski, the program’s blend of in-person immersive courses and online classes offered flexibility; it also presented challenges in terms of time management and workload. Despite these obstacles, Laskowski remained determined to make the most of his educational experience.

“It was either going to be IMC at Medill or nothing at all. That’s how I looked at it,” Laskowski said. His unwavering commitment to personal and professional growth fueled his determination to succeed in the program, which he began in 2020.

Throughout the program, Laskowski actively sought opportunities to apply classroom learning to his professional role. Courses in marketing strategy, customer experience and data analytics provided invaluable frameworks for addressing complex business challenges. For example, the customer journey mapping techniques that he learned in class inspired Laskowski to redesign New Home Star’s onboarding process, resulting in improved customer satisfaction and increased retention.

The IMC program also fostered a strong sense of community for Laskowski with his fellow students.

Collaborating on group projects and engaging in class discussions allowed Laskowski to learn from his peers and build lasting relationships. The in-person immersive experiences were particularly impactful, providing opportunities for deep dives into specific marketing topics and networking with industry professionals.

Laskowski’s IMC journey has been nothing short of transformative. Since completing the program, he has ascended to the role of director of marketing at New Home Star, overseeing a team of over 40 professionals. His strategic acumen, honed through intensive coursework and real-world application, has been instrumental in driving the company's growth.

A prime example is the successful launch of New Home Star's in-house marketing agency, which has generated over $1 million in revenue in its first year. “This is a full-demand generation agency, scanning every aspect of marketing as a complete solution,” Laskowski explains. The agency's success is a testament to the innovative spirit fostered by the IMC program.

Laskowski’s story is about being prepared to meet the occasion: “When our sales VP for our SaaS program left, I came in as the interim head of sales for our tech side,” Laskowski said. This unexpected leadership opportunity allowed him to apply the strategic frameworks learned in the Medill IMC Professional program to a new challenge, demonstrating the versatility of his skills.

A pivotal moment in Laskowski's journey came during a sustainability-focused IMC course. Inspired by the class, Laskowski spearheaded New Home Star's commitment to sustainability. "It was a must, as corporations can impact so much of our planet," he reflects.

The company has since implemented several eco-friendly initiatives, including the installation of solar panels that generate excess energy for the power grid. This focus on environmental responsibility has not only enhanced the company's reputation but also contributed to cost savings and operational efficiency.

"We redefined our office and practices," Laskowski explains how New Home Star has committed to achieving net zero emissions, balancing its carbon output with carbon removal. This ambitious goal underscores the company's dedication to sustainability and its willingness to embrace innovative solutions.

Reflecting on his journey, Laskowski, who graduated from the IMC Professional Master’s program in 2024, offers valuable advice to aspiring marketing professionals. Balancing a demanding career with graduate studies requires dedication and effective time management, but the rewards are substantial. While the program was challenging, Laskowski emphasized the importance of prioritizing and utilizing available resources.

Laskowski also notes the importance of applying classroom learning to real-world situations. "As I was doing the class work, whatever the assignment was, I then applied it to what we were doing at New Home Star," he explains. This hands-on approach accelerated his professional growth.

For those considering the IMC program, Laskowski is enthusiastic in his endorsement. "It's truly been life-changing for me. If you had told me all of this would happen as a result, I would have joined Medill’s IMC Professional program years ago," he said.

The program's ability to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to drive meaningful change is evident in Laskowski's notable success.

Laskowski's journey from marketing manager to industry leader is a testament to the power of perseverance, continuous learning and strategic thinking. His experience highlights the transformative potential of the Medill IMC Professional program in propelling professionals to new heights. Combining academic rigor with practical application and embracing opportunities to lead as they arose, Laskowski has not only achieved personal and professional success but also has made a significant impact on his organization.