Interview
This interview is with Avery Hadley of Gala Creative Agency. In this interview, Avery talks about his young company and what it aims to do for hospitality-based clients.
Avery talks about after graduating from Oregon State University, he sent out 380 applications in search for a job. Originally from Salem, Avery knew some local businesses that he was able to photograph for and eventually manage their social media. Word of mouth spread his work throughout the community where he secured more clients. After collecting consistent clients, he and his partner discussed opening their own creative agency.
Avery discusses how he chose the hospitality industry because of his mom. While his parents weren’t necessarily wine drinkers, Avery grew to love what wine brought to social settings. To Avery, wine is the best delivery mechanism for storytelling.
Later in the interview, Avery talks about how he feels about the current climate of the wine industry. While his agency aims to mimic the voice of the brand, he believes it is imports to cater to the younger generation as well. He discusses the value of the longterm return from these young wine drinkers.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Nicholson Library at Linfield University in McMinnville on June 2, 2026.