TEAM CHEMISTRY

You hire an agency for its expertise. Whether that’s in brand strategy and creative development or in research, media, PR, content marketing, or 1:1 marketing, the experts should be put in a position to lead. But no individual or partner can do their job in a vacuum without a high degree of collaboration. At Nelson Schmidt, we believe the best client/agency relationship’s are founded on a mutual understanding of goals, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and accountability for the quality of the input each individual contributes. And when such partnerships click, there’s nothing else like it! Below is a sampling of the people that comprise the NS team — professionals that offer you a diverse set of capabilities and draw upon different points of view to help enhance your team’s marketing efforts.

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Daniel H. Nelson, Jr.President & CEO

Bio

Daniel H. Nelson, Jr.

President & CEO. Ring Leader. Lover Of Life.

Just about everyone calls him Nelie, but no one calls him lethargic. Always on the go, both professionally and personally, Nelie’s long list of career achievements is only rivaled by his litany of hobbies and activities. A graduate of Stanford University and a Bay Area resident during the Internet’s infancy, Nelie has always had a knowledge and passion for digital communications and technologies. But his professional interests and experience run the entire marketing gamut. From commercial photography, creative direction and account management to planning, strategy development and brand consulting, Nelie has immersed himself in just about every industry pool you can think of. After more than 20 years in the business, Nelie purchased Nelson Schmidt Inc. from his father, Dan Nelson Sr. (or just “Senior” if you see him in the hallway) in 2012, and has continued to propel our agency on an upward trajectory ever since. After wearing all those hats, you’d think Nelie might spend his rare free time catching up on a little rest. But when he’s not burning the business end of the candle, he’s living life to the fullest, hunting, fishing, boating, diving, skiing, golfing or volunteering as a rescue diver for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. Nelie is also an active leader in the community, serving as chairman of the Rotary Club of Milwaukee’s Maritime Committee, which produces the free LIVE @ the Lakefront summer concert series in the Rotary Amphitheater at Discovery World.

Mike FredrickChief Creative Officer

Bio

Mike Fredrick

Chief Creative Officer. Advertising Geek. Bike Fanatic.

Mike often says, “Creativity is the most powerful weapon in business today.” So he uses his role as Chief Creative Officer to spread the love and importance of creativity across the entire agency and with its clients. He’s also a self-described advertising industry geek, always on the lookout for the newest thinking, latest technology, and any other differential advantage he can bring to the agency’s work. Mike’s a bit obsessed with his work (you’ll usually see him in the office by 6:30 a.m.), but he does try to get away from it all and clear his mind with another obsession: bikes. He’s into gravel, mountain, and fat biking. But his all-time favorite way to unwind is to get in the woods camping with his wife and two dogs. Oh yeah, and if you get Mike talking about BBQ ribs, you won’t be able to shut him up.

Lynne ChamberlainHuman Resources Director

Bio

Lynne Chamberlain

Human Resources Director. Dog Lover. NS Lifer.

Mrs. Lynne Chamberlain is Nelson Schmidt elite. She’s been walking through these agency doors for over 30 years (she was hired when she was 8). Lynne is a fan of the many different personalities here at NS, and that’s a good thing–seeing she’s head of HR and all. She is responsible for planning, directing and coordinating the administration functions within the organization. Lynne is always upbeat and in good spirits. Her life philosophy speaks to her magnetic spirit: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, do more and become more–you are a leader.” When Lynne switches off ‘work-mode’ and turns on ‘fun-mode’, she and her husband like to hop on their Harley and take off up north to hang out at their cottage with beloved family members. And if Lynne is having quiet time (aka if no one else is around), she’ll enjoy her favorite dish (Pasta Bolognese) while watching her favorite reality show. Now, she won’t tell us which show, so we’ll just have to assume it includes dogs, roses, challenges and boozy drama. Wait. Isn’t that every reality show?

Spencer AllenIT Director

Bio

Spencer Allen

IT Director. Whisky Taster. Bitcoin Trader.

Spencer is the agency “tech guy.” For those that don’t speak tech, we’ll have Spencer explain what he does in his own words. “If it plugs into a wall, I manage it.” Well said, Spencer. When he isn’t dealing with agency tech issues or babysitting his non-tech savvy coworkers, Spencer enjoys building electronics and eating chicken paprikash and mint chocolate-chip ice cream. Wouldn’t it be cool if he took his love of electronics and built a robot that could make both mint chocolate-chip ice cream and that Hungarian chicken dish? If the robot could also distill whiskey, we’re sure Spence would have a new best friend.

Rachel BertschCreative Director

Bio

Rachel Bertsch

Creative Director. Experience Enhancer. Dad Joke Enjoyer.

Rachel is the epitome of someone who challenges themselves to do better and learn more. And in the “that was so last nanosecond” world of digital, those are some pretty good traits to have. As a creator and leader of other creatives, Rachel believes it’s crucial to understand her own abilities while striving to draw out the talents of others. It’s a philosophy that manifests itself in how she creates experiences for clients and customers.

“I’m an advocate for users when in all interfaces,” says Rachel. “I believe in uncovering and implementing the best digital and web technologies, software and processes in order to create the best experiences and outcomes.”

When not making the delivery of data more delightful, Rachel is into floral arranging, interior design and enjoys playing with her boys. And even though she’s a mom, she’s a huge fan of dad jokes. So she left us with this:

“How do you make a tissue dance? Put a little boogie in it.”

Not bad, Rachel. Or um, S’not bad. S’not bad at all.

Allysa DefatteOffice Administrator

Bio

Allysa Defatte

Office Administrator. Dog Lover. Former Yooper.

Allysa is the glue that keeps the agency together. As our Office Administrator, she calls herself our “go-to gal.” From accounting support to proofreading our final work, Allysa ensures that everything here runs smoothly. Though her job is busy, Allysa’s life philosophy is, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” To live up to that, Allysa, a transplant from Upper Michigan, loves to explore warm Milwaukee by taking her dog to different parks and enjoying our many festivals, shows and new restaurants. In winter months, you’ll find her vegged out on the couch watching old 80s and 90s comedies – recognize that quote from anywhere?

Jason GantnerMarketing Operations Director

Bio

Jason Gantner

Marketing Operations Director. Awarded Actor. BBQ Eater.

If you walk by Jason’s office, you might hear the echoes of “Take a Chance on Me” by ABBA–admittedly one of Jason’s guilty pleasures. Jason likes getting in the mix here at NS. The flexibility within the agency doesn’t keep Jason tied down to his desk and collaborating with the team helps him produce timelines and budgets for concepts crafted by the folks in the creative department. Which brings us to his creative philosophy: “No matter what the budget or timeline anything’s possible” When Jason isn’t taming the production beast, you can find him with his family and attending their athletic extracurricular activities.

Maria HalversonMedia Manager

Bio

Maria Halverson

Media Manager. Passionate Gardner. Popcorn Popper.

Owning the title ‘Media Manager’ at Nelson Schmidt means Maria must be both focused and resourceful when negotiating media buys. What keeps her stoked at work? That’s easy. Maria appreciates having the ability to be flexible with her schedule and working with a solid group of advertising individuals. Maria is an easy-going spirit who enjoys life–one day at a time. When Maria pushes her media mind aside, she’s likely to ice up a couple of Coors Lights, grab her fishing pole and get outdoors. And when it’s time to relax, you might find Maria chillin’ in front of the television and coaxing her husband to prepare his ‘famous’ grilled chicken. I mean, c’mon. You can’t watch The Bachelorette on an empty stomach now, can you?

Sarah HandAssociate Creative Director

Bio

Sarah Hand

Associate Creative Director. Evader of Routines. Beer Baroness.

From banner ads and app interfaces to exhibits and brand identities, Sarah is a designer who does it all. She pulls her design inspiration from the world around her, always switching up her daily routines to be influenced by new surroundings. Sarah likes to say, “life’s about balance.” And she lives up to it. She loves watching horror movies, hiking with her dog and listening to movie scores at full volume. Sarah also loves beer. Like really loves beer. She drinks beer, has her own homebrew brand and is on the Board of Directors for New Barons Brewing – Wisconsin’s first cooperatively owned brewery.

Angie MooreVP, Account Planning and Management

Bio

Angie Moore

VP, Account Planning and Management. Consummate Collaborator. Well-Reasoned Risk Taker.

As a creative, results-driven advertising and marketing executive with 15+ years agency and global corporate experience spanning multiple industries, Angie’s capabilities are practically endless. She focuses on generating positive outcomes and has a track record for building lasting client relationships and high-performance teams. When asked how she does it, Angie had this to say:

“I generate successes through my belief in the power of collaboration, a desire to always be learning new things and having an entrepreneurial spirit.”

When not working, she also likes to explore the unknown and expand on her experiences. Five-star hotel or a camper in the woods? Yes. A concert with a thousand fans or a hole-in-the-wall music joint? What the heck. Angie’s comfortable stepping outside comfort zones.

“If you are not willing to risk the unusual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.”

In life and on the job, keep pushing those boundaries and moving forward, Angie.

Heather MrotekSenior Project Manager

Bio

Heather Mrotek

Senior Project Manager. Coordination Mastermind. Biker Who Means Business.

Heather has a unique background consisting of marketing, creative and administrative roles. In addition to her project management prowess, she is also a talented photographer and retoucher. Skills that got her into one of her first gigs at Harley-Davidson and on to her first motorcycle.

“I enjoy riding my 1994 Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200CC,” said Heather. “But don’t ask me about all that mechanical stuff… I just love to get on and rip!”

When not enjoying the open road or her guilty pleasure of watching re-runs of MTV’s The Challenge, she’s all business. She cultivates relationships, maintains budgets, implements efficiencies and ensures accountability in order to provide a high-quality final product.

“Being in everyone’s business to ensure a project is produced on brand, on time and on budget is my business,” says Heather. “My philosophy is to chase the passion and trust that through good intentions and great choices everything will fall into place.”

Keep chasing that passion, Heather. Either in the office or on the road.

Daniel H. NelsonChairman

Bio

Daniel H. Nelson

Chairman. Legend. Oenophile.

Senior, as he’s called around campus, is the former owner of Nelson Schmidt and current owner of legendary status in the world of advertising. At the height of his long and distinguished career in marketing, Senior purchased Nelson Schmidt (formerly the Ken Schmidt Company) in 1988. Throughout the next quarter century, he built the agency into a premier B2B powerhouse. After selling NS to his son in 2012, Senior continues to collaborate with the management team as chairman, helping develop and nurture growth opportunities for both agency and clients. And if you ever want to hear his gripping tales of advertising’s good ol’ days, the key to Senior’s story vault can be found inside a bottle of fine red wine. As a connoisseur, he’ll probably be able to tell you a few stories about the vino as well.

Kimberly PanagisAccount Supervisor

Bio

Kimberly Panagis

Account Supervisor. Traveler. Ballet Dancer.

If you see Kim bebopping around the agency, odds are she’s going to have a smile on her face, a cup of coffee in her hand and some random 90’s R&B tune playing smoothly in her head. And that’s No Diggity (see what we did there?). With Kim being the liaison between client and creative, her work philosophy speaks well to the elements of her job: “It’s important to strive to find the why in whatever you’re doing and stand for something.” When Kim isn’t exploring the mindsets of NS clients, she’s outside–camping, hiking and enjoying apples and peanut butter in the comfort of nature.

Jake PrinsenContent Writer

Bio

Jake Prinsen

Content Writer. Former Reporter. Possible Future Professor.

Jake got his start as a writer working for newspapers. Before joining us he was a reporter and producer for the USA Today Network. Before that he was a research assistant and opinion editor. So if one were to state that Jake likes to get his story straight when telling a great story… Well, that would be an understatement.

“My job here is to write, edit and package compelling content that furthers our clients’ marketing and business goals,” says Jake. “I love telling stories and figuring out the best way to tell them.”

When not producing prolific prose, you can find him hunting, fishing, cooking, playing guitar or maybe even making balloon animals which he learned at a Scholastic Book Fair.

When asked what he’d do if he weren’t in marketing, he had this to say:

“I’d probably be a pretentious English professor. I have a whole closet of cardigans and a shelf of books I haven’t read to prove it. In all seriousness though, I think I would teach literature.”

There’s that passion for the written word again. Although, one wonders if he combined literature with one of his other hobbies. Balloon Animal Farm, anyone… No?

Mitchell RoehlAccount Executive

Bio

Mitchell Roehl

Account Executive. Connection Creator. Entertainment Aficionado.

Mitchell loves helping brands amplify their stories in order to make meaningful connections with their target audiences. In his day-to-day duties, he helps manage the development and execution of integrated marketing plans that deliver results for our clients. When asked if he had any tricks to tackling tough tasks, he had this to say:

“Team collaboration is so important. The possibilities are endless when you’re part of a team built on trust, empathy and accountability. It’s also smart to take a step back to look at the big picture. I like to evaluate what has been done and push past the boundaries to provide innovative solutions.”

Outside the office, you can find him enjoying a variety of shows from stand-up comedy to theater to movies to reality TV watch parties with friends. Whether building relationships between clients and their audiences or being a part an audience himself, Mitchell always makes the most out of making meaningful connections.

Cristy SchuenkeController

Bio

Cristy Schuenke

Controller. Food Enjoyer. Money Cruncher.

Cristy has probably the most noted job here at Nelson Schmidt. She’s in charge of everything financial within the agency. Expenses. Profits. Wait. That means our paychecks, too. Did I mention Cristy is very charming? She appreciates the many different personalities that make up Nelson Schmidt, which can speak to her creative philosophy: “Keep it balanced.” When Cristy is not taking care of the agency numbers, she enjoys eating a lot of food and spending time with her family.

Shelly SchumacherVice President, Public Relations

Bio

Shelly Schumacher

Vice President, Public Relations. Brand Definer. Considerate Coach.

Shelly’s well-rounded experience across editorial, consulting, client-side marketing and agencies gives her a wonderfully fresh and inspired view of how to deliver world-class PR solutions for our clients. She’s passionate about helping businesses tell their stories and define their brands in unique ways. Asked how she does it, she had this to say:

“I strategize to find the next best step in a client’s journey, empower others to achieve their objectives and coach teams to be the best versions of themselves. I’m also a strong believer in creativity, and that collaboration is the key to quickly overcoming obstacles and making good ideas amazing.”

When not collaborating with colleagues on how to creatively craft communications for our clients, Shelly likes hanging out with her husband, hiking, running, reading and training her two Cairn Terriers (Finleigh and Ollie) to participate in agility competitions.

Seems like for Shelly, coaching others to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals is all in a day’s work.

Keep it up, Shelly. Keep it up.

Anna WardDesigner

Bio

Anna Ward

Designer. Worshiper of the Wow Factor. LaCroix LoVer.

Anna wakes up every day excited about what she’ll get to create and how she can bring to life a client’s message in a visually powerful fashion. It’s a passion for generating engaging work best exemplified by a quote from one of her favorite designers, Milton Glaser who once said that there are three responses to a piece of design — yes, no and WOW! Wow is the one to aim for. When asked about her own design philosophy, Anna had this to say:

“I believe that great design makes ideas and concepts feel more concrete and helps everyone see the bigger picture.”

Outside of work Anna loves being outside. Whether it’s hiking and biking, waterskiing in the summer or snow skiing in the winter, Anna is pretty much into any and every seasonal sport. She even admitted that she once went cliff diving. On the more subdued side she also enjoys cooking and going out for a good brunch… washed down by a LoVely LaCroix, of course.

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