As part of the ongoing “Cubicle Spy” series here at Mashable, we’re taking a look inside the coolest, quirkiest, and most gadget-laden offices of people who work with social media.
For our second peek into the cube, we scoped out the office of Steve Rubel, senior vice president and director of insights for Edelman Digital, a division of Edelman — the world’s largest independent PR firm.
Rubel’s job involves traveling the world and helping clients identify emerging technologies and trends that can be applied in marketing communications programs. Though he might be a self-declared minimalist, Rubel’s workspace contains an interesting variety of toys, gadgets and military paraphenalia. Click through the gallery for a behind-the-scenes look.
Rooftop Deck
Steve Rubel, enjoying the view from Edelman's rooftop deck, in New York's SoHo district.
Steve Wozniak Trading Card
Evan Carmichael, a Canadian entrepreneur, developed a series of entrepreneur trading cards. During the development stage, he reached out to bloggers and influencers, asking who they thought should be on the list. Steve replied, "Benjamin Franklin." This card of Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak sits on Rubel's desk.
The June 1983 Issue of Popular Science magazine.
The magazine's cover announces "The new generation of incredible do-it-all hand-held computers." Comparing then to now, Rubel said, "It reminds me of how technology changes very quickly." He also joked, "Some of them are not too different [from] iPads today."
Donald Duck Figurine
After graduating college, Rubel's goal was to work in public relations for the Walt Disney company. He moved to Orlando, lived in a trailer park and sold hats outside Disney World for $5 an hour.
Wayang Puppet
Rubel travels frequently, speaking at conferences around the world. He picked up this shadow puppet after speaking at a conference in Indonesia.
Umbrella With Flashlight
Rubel packs this dual-feature umbrella in his travel case. It works like a normal umbrella, except a flashlight is built into the base of the handle.
Goals and To-Do List
Every day, Rubel writes out a to-do list and carries it, along with his weekly goals, in what he calls his "quarterback's wrist coach."
Hewlett-Packard Wall of Touch
Among the different gadgets in Edelman's reception area is a giant monitor, known as the Wall of Touch. Users can access cable feeds, satellite feeds, or the Internet, by touching any of the nine 43" televisions.
Russian Officer's Wheel Cap
This Cold War relic sits on a windowsill in Edelman's lobby. Feel free to try it on and snap a photo with your cell phone.
Microsoft Surface
A Microsoft Surface sits in Edelman's reception area. Users can do everything from play checkers, to read news, to listen to music on the tablet.
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More About: business, cubicle spy, edelman, edelman digital, office, offices, pr, steve rubel
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