Making Ad Tech More Human: Q&A with Arton Gjonbalaj, Director of Sales at Jun Group

Hey Arton, I’m excited to catch up! Most people don’t start their careers expecting to work in ad tech. What drew you to the industry, and what’s kept you here?

I stumbled into ad tech after college, working at a startup in San Francisco that was doing something innovative and exciting in the mobile gaming space. What drew me in was the fast-paced, ever-evolving nature of the industry and the challenge to stay connected and ahead of the curve. But when I really think about it, this path somehow feels like it’s been part of me all along. Growing up in New York City, I was in a theater group as a young child, and one of my ideas was to go around town with the director to find sponsors for our playbill. I’d suggest, “Why don’t we go meet the owner of this restaurant? They’d be perfect to advertise in our play.” It’s interesting looking back because I was basically doing ad sales before I even realized it.

In addition to innovation, what keeps me in the industry is its blend of creativity and strategy. There are business goals to achieve to take companies to the next level, but the process is creatively and intellectually engaging. Working across different verticals also keeps everything exciting and new. I’m always simultaneously working with a variety of brands, whether it’s a fresh new ecommerce company or a legacy brand that the world knows and loves. 

In New York City, we’re surrounded by advertising everywhere we go. It’s on taxis, subways, billboards, and of course, there’s an entire part of the city occupied almost exclusively by advertising — Times Square. It’s part of the city’s identity, and in a way, it’s always been part of mine, too.

The advertising industry has changed dramatically over the years. What’s one of the biggest shifts you’ve seen, and how has it impacted the way you approach sales?

One of the biggest changes over the past few years is the added emphasis on measuring and attributing impact. Advertisers, even some of the splashier brands, are much more bottom-line focused today. So, it’s more important than ever to be a partner who is intentional about achieving often qualitative brand goals while maximizing ROI. Included in this change is the appetite for precise targeting as a function of unique data sets and advanced audience segmentation.

Advertisers continue to search for synergies and to consolidate their efforts, working with fewer partners, while keeping in mind the newest platforms that captivate and engage the world. We’ve adapted to this shift by becoming a one-stop-shop where clients can get everything from CTV to digital out-of-home and influencer marketing, on top of core offerings including mobile apps. Combining scale, data, and omnichannel solutions, clients can better identify efficiencies and lean into the areas that work best for them.

What do you think is the most exciting trend in ad tech right now?

I think the trend making headlines recently is AI. It’s exciting to imagine the ways in which it can save time for lean teams and automatically optimize to enhance performance. There’s still a lot of human input and creativity needed to make it work properly – otherwise can AI truly understand the nuances of what’s happening in culture?

Strong relationships are key in this industry. What’s your philosophy when it comes to building lasting partnerships with clients?

Treating our industry colleagues as people first and foremost. Taking time to understand what motivates them. Bringing to the table solutions that make their lives easier. I like to ask clients questions like, “What’s the most difficult part of your job?” or “What’s the biggest challenge when working with new partners?” These kinds of questions help me understand what they’re truly struggling with and where I can make the biggest impact. And if it’s something my company can’t provide at that very moment, I can still be a valuable resource. Connecting people and being helpful beyond your own offerings helps build stronger relationships. It’s about creating a community, not just a transaction.

What’s something you’ve learned from a client that has helped you become better at your job?

I learn from clients all the time. My clients have reinforced my communication skills and challenged me to see things from other perspectives. It’s all about listening and understanding their language, their goals, and their pain points. The key is picking up on those cues and being able to address them in a way that shows you truly understand their needs.

When you’re not pitching Jun Group, what hobbies or interests keep you busy?

I love food and finding new restaurants. It’s a fun challenge to see if the latest hotspots on TikTok are actually worth the hype, but I also enjoy discovering places that have been around forever and are still somehow hidden gems. Bringing clients to new, exclusive, or overlooked spots is a great way to make them feel extra special.

I’m also into art. I love collecting art as well as putting myself to work by painting. I spend a lot of time decorating my home and imagining new ways to utilize space.

Since you’re a native New Yorker, I have to ask, what are your hidden gem restaurants?

One that comes to mind is Gene’s in Greenwich Village. It’s old-world Italian-American, super classic, and it’s been around forever. It feels so New York City.

Follow Arton Gjonbalaj on LinkedIn.