TRG MARKETING - Key Persons


aileen smith

Job Titles:
  • Account Supervisor
Aileen joined our Milwaukee-area marketing firm when the doors opened in 2004. She immediately connected with clients through her ability to see opportunity behind every obstacle. Meanwhile, her clients have come to rely on Aileen's quick thinking and capacity to adapt to their ever-changing industry environments. Her skill to get right at the heart of a problem and address it head on is greatly appreciated by her clients and TRG teammates. Loyal, honest and forthright, Aileen is a committed asset to any client she assists. Aileen understands the responsibilities of herself and TRG in delivering client results, and she works dutifully to achieve them. Aileen has an affinity for and years of experience working with TRG's non-profits, trade associations and professional organizations.

Ann Woelfel

Job Titles:
  • Event Planner
With experience in the nonprofit sector, and small businesses corporate world, Ann enjoys taking on big initiatives, fixing problems and leaving each project better than she encountered it. Ann helps TRG fill in skill gaps and achieve next-level outcomes, all with a cup of coffee in hand. For 15 years, Ann was the Senior Vice President and Corporate Events Manager at Baird, one of the largest companies in Wisconsin. While at the end of her tenure at Baird and thereafter, she ventured into nonprofit development and doula services. Ann can strategize at a 30,000-foot level, and additionally possesses the knowledge and skills to accomplish goals on a micro-basis, always with an eye for process improvements and efficiencies. She excels in strategic planning, event planning, operations and board development. In her spare time, Ann enjoys being active in her faith and her community with her husband and three children.

Chad Ritterbusch - President

Job Titles:
  • President
Chad started The Ritterbusch Group (now TRG Marketing) in 2004. Many years later, his vision of taking a practical, client-first approach to marketing has helped dozens of businesses, and trade associations and others find a path forward. He is especially proud of TRG's many long-lasting client relationships When working with clients, Chad's analytical approach to problem solving helps them make well-informed decisions. Drawing upon his wealth of past experiences, harkening as far back to his days as senior vice president with the world's largest marketing firm, Chad helps large, medium and small clients get the results they deserve.

David McCullough

Job Titles:
  • Author

Greg Gardetto

Job Titles:
  • Integrated Marketing Strategist
Before joining TRG in 2020, Greg experienced business from a variety of perspectives including working in small and large family businesses, B2C and B2B companies, as a business owner and being both a marketing firm associate and a marketing firm client. Greg applies everything he has learned from these various perspectives to understand what a customer is looking for and what challenges they might face. With more than 35 years of experience Greg helps clients design a solid marketing strategy and plan. As a former client to TRG, he knows what it's like to use TRG's unique blend of strategic and tactical resources and the role they play in the day-to-day operations of a business.

Heather Kormanik

Job Titles:
  • Accountant
  • Member of the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs
A successful part of any team includes the people behind the scenes who keep the wheels turning. Heather helps do that for TRG Marketing, providing financial acumen and bookkeeping services. With more than 20 years of experience in both public accounting and the private sector, Heather knows the unique needs of today's growing business. She knows that business owners and leaders need reliable, timely data to track progress and make decisions. Heather is a member of the Wisconsin Institute of CPAs (WICPA). Heather served as a board member for Friends of the Arts - Catholic Memorial High School. Friends of the Arts supports the drama, music, arts, and STEM programs at Catholic Memorial High School.

Jacob Werre

Job Titles:
  • Account Supervisor
Originally from rural Wisconsin, Jacob joined TRG Marketing in 2015. He always brings energy and a fresh perspective to the table. Around the office, Jacob is well-regarded for his ability to "get stuff done" and takes his client responsibilities to heart. Specializing in web design, Jacob is a true "jack of all trades" within the online world, boasting skills in online advertising, social media, SEO, design applications, etc. Always willing to dive into a new project, Jacob successfully adapts his varied skills to the circumstance and what is best for TRG's clients.

Jeff Brauer

Job Titles:
  • Account Supervisor
Jeff Brauer joined TRG Marketing after more than 40 years as a successful golf course architect. He now helps TRG serve the American Society of Golf Course Architects, a TRG client since 2004. Prior to joining TRG, Jeff operated his own business, which grew to employ nearly 10 people. Jeff knows the opportunities and challenges faced by owners and operators of today's small-to-medium-sized businesses. A noted author of hundreds of articles and even one book, he also knows how to turn ideas into concepts-and concepts into practical application.

Jonathan Wordell

Job Titles:
  • Account Executive
  • Assistant
Before joining TRG in 2022, Jonathan worked in the financial industry for two years, leading strategic marketing initiatives and supporting client advisors. His natural curiosity, attention to detail, and marketing intuition have made him the perfect fit for TRG, where strategic thinking and capable action come together. Having spent 16 years of his life in Japan, Jonathan credits his upbringing for his unique perspective. He loves being able to make a difference and is excited to work with clients to elevate their marketing through their website, social media, digital ads, e-newsletters, and more. Jonathan is a 2020 graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran College, where he studied marketing and played on the tennis team. In his free time, he enjoys staying active, making chai, and sharing terrible dad jokes to the dismay of everyone around him.

Kim Dunn

Job Titles:
  • Graphic Designer
  • Artist
Kim brings more than 15 years of consumer-facing graphic design experience to the TRG team. She specializes in print design, packaging design, illustration and digital design. She has had the privilege of working for some of Wisconsin's most recognizable names including Roundy's, Kohl's and most recently, Stone Creek Coffee. Kim is a skilled artist and has a particular knack for designing products for mass market appeal. So, it's not uncommon to find her designs adorning numerous websites, coffee labels, spice racks, t-shirts, posters and even inside mailboxes (ie: direct mail pieces). Outside of the office, Kim likes to spend time with her husband and two children in Port Washington. She also enjoys traveling and going to concerts.

Marc Whitney

Job Titles:
  • Account Supervisor
  • Adjunct Professor of Communications at Marquette University
Marc has spent more than 25 years in marketing, public relations and media relations, including stints at the United States Olympic Committee and Children's Hospital of Wisconsin. A native of Chicago, Marc joined TRG in 2010. He takes a strategic approach to his work helping clients see the value of both big picture thinking and immediate tactical execution. A molder of young minds, Marc is an adjunct professor of Communications at Marquette University. He values helping future generations develop along their personal journeys. Not to be ignored, Marc's role in the classroom also helps him stay close to the developing communication technologies and philosophies ruling the day - an asset to TRG's growing client roster. Astute to his surroundings, Marc is quick to help both clients and peers feel at ease. His easy-going nature helps foster productive working relationships.

Mike Shefky

Job Titles:
  • Account Supervisor
Prior to joining TRG Marketing in 2007, Mike used his talents in a wide variety of engaging ways ranging from fundraising to event coordination, from media relations to marketing communications, for one of the world's largest association management companies. Soon after joining TRG, Mike was immediately responsible for leading several of the firm's clients. Mike's ability to understand and relate with a variety of personalities helps him build and lead successful marketing programs and web-related project teams. He enjoys the opportunity to work closely with his colleagues and clients, dialing in on exactly what it takes to get the most out of everyone in any given situation. Armed with an infectious enthusiasm and a deeply rooted drive to succeed, Mike brings skills benefiting clients looking for that distinctive edge in project planning and tactical execution.

Ryan Sanders

Job Titles:
  • Digital Media Specialist
Ryan Sanders joined TRG with a multitude of hard and soft skills. After receiving degrees in software programming and front-end website development, his diverse skillset gives him insight into multimedia design, website creative and video production. Ryan's knowledge of website development helps TRG clients elevate their digital presence, and his keen awareness of design principles helps him create high-level corporate videos. Ryan also has a knack for digital advertising, supporting online engagement for many TRG clients. In his personal time, Ryan is a musical creative who makes custom beats. He also holds the distinction of being TRG's only staffer who knows how to drive a Zamboni. Ryan's technical and creative skills make him a great asset to TRG and our clients.