Nicole Kotara

senior social media consultant

Hello! I’m Nicole. I am a marketing professional with over 13 years of experience with brand, social media, and community management. Most recently, I worked for the marketing phenomenon that is Sanrio. As a part of the brand marketing team, not only did I manage all of Sanrio's US accounts, including Hello Kitty, Gudetama, Aggretsuko, and many more, I shaped Sanrio’s social media persona with kawaii copywriting and creative content development for over 32 million passionate followers across multiple networks.

When not working, I enjoy long walks around the city, reading comics and manga, illustrating with watercolors, ceramics (I have a BFA in sculpture from the San Francisco Art Institute), and snuggling with my two cats. Their names are Pica and Okami -- and the only reason I exist is to feed them and cater to their needs (well, at least according to them, they’re cats. And I’m a cat lady.)

LEAH SMITH

senior project management consultant

Hi! I’m Leah. I’ve managed projects and teams on a variety of customer experience initiatives for over 9 years. I’ve worked for global tech-based start-ups, such as Via Transportation and quip, as well as various non-profits and small businesses. I’m an expert in researching and implementing digital tools that reduce the need for manual and tedious tasks, and give teams more time to focus on what’s really important. I love being the link between customers and service providers, and making sure that the products being delivered are human-centered and accessible.

If I’m not at work, I’ll probably be biking to one of the nearby art museums, taking my dogs out to brunch, or watching the latest indie movie in a tiny, old movie theater.

stacey kawakami

managing partner | strategy

Hey! I’m Stacey. I am perpetually curious, which is why the ever-changing landscape of digital media has been such an attraction to me throughout my career.  

With over 17 years of experience leading owned, paid, earned, and social media initiatives for large brands like Sierra Club, Chipotle, and Hello Kitty, I’ve learned how to build and engage passionate audiences. I learned hands-on how digital marketing can shift the balance of power, watching the old days of brands pushing out one-way messages fade away. I am incredibly passionate about helping do-gooders of every shape and form leverage digital tools to solve real-world problems and would love to help you.

In my free time, you can find me listening to future-focused and mindfulness podcasts, on the Peloton racing for new PRs, or playing with my pups, Momo and Mimi.

BRANDON WHALEN

senior paid search and seo consultant

Hi! I’m Brandon. I'm a digital marketing strategist with over a decade of experience consulting with clients to improve their lead generation, customer acquisition efforts, paid media campaigns, email marketing, search engine marketing, and data analysis.

I'm infatuated with the "why" and "how" when it comes to strategic marketing efforts. I diligently create the tracking and measurement systems we need to make informed decisions. On your end, it means less wasted ad spend, data-based decision making, and a better chance to impact your bottom line.

My history includes time spent leading digital campaigns for Travel Channel, Hello Kitty, and Werther's Original, managing a creative agency as a partner, and more recently providing strategic digital consulting to global Non-profits.

Marley Slade

art direction consultant

Hi! I’m Marley. I’m a graphic designer with almost 10 years of experience working with clients across the globe. I’m constantly pursuing new skills in every area of art, design, and computer science including web design, animation, and augmented reality. I’m probably learning something new while you’re reading this right now!

While I’ve had the opportunity to work with companies like Cushman & Wakefield, Discord, Nike, and Cameo, my favorite projects have always been helping small businesses develop strong branding that will last for years to come.

When I’m not creating something new, you can find me roller skating with my dog - and before you freak out, she runs next to me while I skate. I also enjoy teaching art classes at the MFA in Boston and growing a small jungle in my apartment.

fleetwood mathews

managing partner | creative

Howdy! I'm Fleetwood. My story is way too convoluted to fit in the space provided but if I had to summarize it; I am a creative entrepreneur passionate about crafting authentic, emotional, and compelling communications, experiences, and results. I’ve got some very well rounded experience functioning as everything from a copywriter to a producer to a creative director to a deal closer.

I have worked in the creative industry for over 12 years. During that time, I learned from the best. From Madison Ave type shops to nimble start-ups, I've managed, produced, written, and directed projects for nearly every industry. I have been lucky enough to enjoy working on big brands like Nike, Verizon, and Old Navy while also lucky enough to be instrumental in helping startups and small brands like Earth Balance, Avitus Group and the City of Boulder.  

Outside of work, I’m a social person who enjoys bullshitting over drinks, cooking my friends delicious dinners, and burning off excess energy at the gym. I’ve also become an archery enthusiast. Ask me about it sometime and I promise to talk your ear off.