The show Friends ran for ten seasons. That’s 236 episodes, 87 hours, and over 5,200 minutes of love, laughs, and life lessons – and Rachel Peirce has watched them all multiple times. So, it’s no coincidence that when I talk to Rachel, I see some of the three main female characters in her – Phoebe’s carefree attitude toward enjoying life, Rachel’s desire to follow her dreams, and enough Monica Zeller to make those dreams a reality. Go, Team Monica!
In case you don’t know, Friends is about six young people living in New York City, figuring out life and how to balance fun with becoming a full-fledged adult. Besides the ridiculously large apartments and always hanging out at a coffee shop in the middle of the day, the show is about how important it is to have people (friends) in your life. Through all of life’s ups and downs, this second family helps shape us. They’re there to celebrate our wins and provide a shoulder to lean on when times get tough.
Our Rachel joined MarCom Group as an intern in the summer of 2018, right before her senior year at Christopher Newport University. Like many of us with our first job, she had an in. Her father, Scott, was the “computer guy” for MarCom Group for years and pulled a standard “dad move” and made a call on her behalf (without her knowing it) inquiring if MarCom Group had any internship opportunities. As it happened, we did, and MarCom Group was excited to meet her, and after a few interviews, welcomed Rachel to the family with open arms. She spent the summer learning, working on various projects, and getting to know the team. After graduation, she accepted the Media Planner/Buyer position, where she worked for 2.5 years, primarily on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) account.
From there, a promotion (or pivot) to Project Coordinator took her away from the TSA and into the Air Force Civilian Service (AFCS.) She was rewarded for her hard work with more responsibility, juggling multiple AFCS projects, keeping schedules on track, and making the client happy. Around this time, Rachel began working as an Event Coordinator, helping the MarCom Group Event Team with hiring events, trade shows, and more.
Once again, Rachel’s performance stood out; this year, she earned another well-deserved pivot. This time to Traffic Coordinator for MarCom’s Creative Team. Instead of supporting clients, she was now responsible for supporting and wrangling creatives (which, as one of those creatives, I can safely say, is no easy task).
It’s been nearly five years, and Rachel sees MarCom Group as her second family. She loves the people and the flexibility of her remote job. Like many at MarCom Group, this flexible work-life balance allows her to pursue passions outside of work. Traveling is her #1 hobby. She’s spent time in Maui, living in a van, traveling around Hawaii, spent a semester abroad in Florence, Italy, and is planning a National Parks road trip for her next big adventure.
She credits her father for giving her the travel bug. He loved to visit America’s National Parks. This upcoming trip holds special meaning for her. He passed away in 2022, and it is the perfect way to honor and remember him. She recalls the outpouring of support she received during this difficult time from messages and visits from coworkers and, most importantly, knowing she could take all the time needed away from work. They had her back and would handle everything until she returned. “A lot of places try and play the “family” card,” said Rachel, “but when my dad passed, the support from MarCom Group was something I’ll never forget. I bet my dad is pretty happy he made that call.”
So are we, Rachel.
Rachel Peirce Lightning Round
- She loves horses and has been riding since she was 8.
- Favorite movie is Eat, Pray, Love.
- Last meal would be New York Cheesecake Pancakes from IHOP with a side of crispy bacon, crispy hashbrowns, scrambled eggs, grits, and coffee.
- She wants to be best friends with Alex Cooper.
- Last show she binged was The Perfect Couple on Netflix.
- She has lived in Virginia Beach, Nashville, and recently moved to Charleston, SC.
- Has a dog named Emma.
- Been on stage with Tim McGraw in front of 15,000 people.
- In a past life Rachel worked on a petting farm, caring for zebras, alpacas, baby goats, and other animals.
- *HOT TAKE* – Mermaids are real.