KPS3 - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Designer & Frontend Developer
Job Titles:
- Associate Account Manager
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Social Media Manager
Job Titles:
- Associate Account Manager
Ashley Chisam has always led with her creative side, ever since she started doodling as a child. After taking a studio art class in high school, Ashley was hooked-but at the time, she didn't know the graphic design profession existed and originally went to college to pursue a different career. Looking back on all the hard work and visible progress was so rewarding that she eventually found her way back into the arts.
While completing her portfolio during her last year at Truckee Meadows Community College, Ashley was hired by OCG Creative as a designer. Ashley loved being part of an ever-evolving industry where finding solutions and thinking creatively go hand-in-hand. After a year at OCG, Ashley made her way to KPS3 in 2016 and continues to step up to whatever challenge gets thrown at her to get the work done in the most creative ways possible. Ask her about her cow suit idea for Northern Nevada Dairy Farmers!
Here at KPS3, Ashley does so much more than design. From concepting campaigns and developing visual narratives to creating better user experience solutions, Ashley is passionate about solving problems and is always willing to lend a helping hand. A lover of all things aesthetic with an almost superhuman ability for multitasking, meeting deadlines, and asking questions that most of us would probably overlook, Ashley can always bring a fresh perspective to any project (and lots of facial expressions, too).
Ashley gains much of her inspiration from things that you can find organically in the world, so it shouldn't come as too much of a surprise that hiking and traveling are her favorite things to do. As someone who's constantly learning as much about their craft as humanly possible, she believes that any artist can optimize their elements, regardless of the medium. (That's exactly how she earned the platinum achievement for Elden Ring. It's all about problem-solving.)
Job Titles:
- Senior Growth Marketing Specialist
Billy Ruecker lives by his Scout Master's quote: "The only way to truly learn something is three: Learn one, do one, and teach one." As someone who genuinely wants to see people succeed, from his friends at the Mesa Rim climbing gym to his clients and coworkers, he embodies this every day as one of our growth marketing specialists.
Three things Billy is proud of in his career:
Getting a job (and a glowing recommendation from Brit Silva) at KPS3 in 2021
Developing and launching an app/brand with ClearGate
Always pushes forward and works to improve his skills
Curious about finding the best solution for a complex problem, Billy believes in trying, trying, and trying again. He credits his high-school math tutor, Sam, for showing him that challenges could be fun. Once he gets the answer, he'll celebrate by sending a GIF, meme, or a Slack message to his coworkers. He has spent his career championing the underdog and loves disrupting the industry status quo. (If this doesn't make him a perfect fit for KPS3, we don't know what does.)
If you're wondering, Billy's most recent off-the-wall idea was exploring raw-per-day data from Sprout Social and throwing it into a Google Sheet instead of having the social team manually enter an excessive amount of data every month. Did it work? You bet! Five minutes of spreadsheet magic led to hours upon hours saved.
Outside of work, he takes pride in the following life moments:
Graduating college (earning a bachelor's degree in business administration)
Achieving the rank of Eagle Scout
Meeting his partner, Issa
Find Billy listening to or creating music, rock climbing, watching anime, talking philosophy, or filing away more quotes to live by.
Brandon Barringer lives by the motto "Good enough isn't good enough," which he borrowed from his father… who probably borrowed it from someone else. He's driven to excel at anything that interests him-from Dungeons and Dragons, video games, and graphic design to finding a new anime and learning all he can about web development. (Such a work ethic has its pros and cons: pro being he achieves the upper echelon of anything he pursues; and con that he gets bored once reaching it and immediately moves on to something else.)
His curiosity, creativity, and desire to be challenged is what brought him to marketing-coding is what made him stay. Brandon took a graphic communication class his sophomore year of high school (mostly because it came with college credits). Hooked on design, he took that class throughout the rest of his high school career and right into his education at Truckee Meadows Community College. That's when he was introduced to web design, which organically grew into him coding his own designs. Coding allows Brandon to flex his creative problem-solving skills-and, with the accelerated pace that new technology comes out, there's a slimmer chance of him getting bored.
Prior to joining KPS3 in 2019 as one of our developers, Brandon freelanced in tandem with his role as a creative designer at Noble Studios. He spent five years juggling client design projects and perfecting pixels while cultivating his passion for development through studying and experimentation. In fact, helping organize and participating in Startup Weekend is one of his fondest career highlights-it made him feel like a key player in the industry.
After years of finessing his dev skills, figuring out any challenge thrown his way, and powering through side projects (like creating a personal AI assistant that gives ChatGPT access to the internet and his computer), Brandon was promoted to senior developer in 2023.
Beyond development and graphic design, Brandon is highly athletic and adept at fire-spinning, fire-dancing, and fire-breathing-meaning he's basically like the dragons seen in anime or DnD campaigns. (Feel free to ask him about his favorite shows or his DnD character; he loves any chance to nerd out!) Even with all these killer skills, he still isn't sure he and his family would survive a zombie apocalypse… but, hey, at least they'd be together.
Brittany Silva is someone who always seeks to understand something-a project, a partner, or a recipe-completely, making her perfect for strategic marketing. She strives to cut through the noise and make an impact. That's why we're happy to have Brittany as one of KPS3's VPs of Client Strategy.
After working as a Marketing Specialist for a Toronto ballast manufacturer (if you can market a ballast, you can market anything…) and later as Tomauri's lead for brand, product, and e-commerce, Brittany realized how much she enjoyed creating brands from start to finish. In 2016 she relocated to Reno, Nevada, and dove into the community head-first. (And we don't just say dove in head-first because she's a go-getter. Brittany feels most like herself when in a lake or ocean. It's possible she was a fish in a past life.)
In Reno, Brittany worked at D4 and then Ruby Seven Studios, expertly catering to all the needs of her clients, from CRM flows and awareness campaigns to website design and content.
She was driven to KPS3 for our culture, seeking a company that pushes the boundaries and genuinely cares for the well-being of all employees. Brittany loves building teams and supporting people's development, both in personal and career goals. Regardless of the challenge at hand, her reliability and adaptability help her team move forward with a plan-and a whole lot of encouragement.
While there are quite a few activities Brittany will never do again-including eating stinky tofu or cutting her hair herself-the main thing she won't do is dwell in negativity. She credits her confidence in part to her husband, Garrett, whose belief that she can do anything is so strong, she believes it too… hence why she fearlessly tackled making her own egg yolk ravioli. Yup, that dish they always have as a pressure test on MasterChef (and, by all accounts, she definitely is one).
Some notable achievements include building and launching a backpack brand that became a top seller in Canada, receiving her MBA in 2019 from the University of Nevada, Reno, and being president of the American Marketing Association (AMA). She'd also raise a glass-filled with cabernet or red blend wine-if the Toronto Maple Leafs won a Stanley Cup. (If you can do anything, Brit, so can they.)
Job Titles:
- Account Director
- Associate
In search of the next great adventure, cup of coffee, and client strategy
Job Titles:
- Director of Public Relations
Job Titles:
- a Junior Designer
- Senior Creative Director
Jessie Sublette is living her best life-and she attributes that to not only being hired at KPS3, but also taking a leap of faith that took her across the country to Blacksburg, Virginia. After growing up outside of Sacramento, California, and living in Reno, Nevada for over seven years, she wanted to explore more of the world with her partner, Chase, and pups. She takes a lot of pride in stepping so far outside her comfort zone.
Jessie also takes pride in creating organized spreadsheets and analyzing data to provide her clients with strategic insights. She didn't think she would end up in the SEO/DMM world but loves every minute of it.
In college, Jessie pivoted between majors a lot-until a friend who was studying PR suggested she take marketing classes. Jessie received her B.A. in journalism with an emphasis in strategic communications from the University of Nevada, Reno. After graduation, her professional career consisted of working for large casino resorts, small startups, and everything in between. She was recruited to KPS3 in 2021 as a search and digital media specialist (where she successfully balances her work with teasing her coworkers about their taste in music).
Jessie's mornings start with a workout (whether it's riding on her Peloton or lifting weights), a shower, a light breakfast, and a true crime podcast. While she loves an edge-of-her-seat story about true crime, the sound of someone popping their knuckles is really the only thing that sends a chill down her spine
When she isn't optimizing sites or listening to true crime, Jessie is enjoying the company of her partner, her two dogs, and her best friends (preferably on the beach or at a lake). She feels most like herself in these moments-especially if she's sipping a glass of wine and reading a book on her Kindle.
Job Titles:
- Director of Growth Marketing
One of our directors of SEO and digital media here at KPS3 (since 2019), Joe is a marketing guru whose search skills are as sharp as they come. He holds both a bachelor's degree in advertising and a master's in internet marketing. His impressive résumé boasts a number of noteworthy positions, including online marketing specialist for the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and even a stint as a digital marketing specialist for Noble Studios. Before joining our team, Joe worked as the director of marketing for ZLINE Kitchen & Bath, where he wore a number of hats and was responsible for everything from managing website meta data and maintaining front-end web content to reporting on digital campaigns and deciphering website analytics.
Job Titles:
- Senior Technical Director
We're excited Julie joined KPS3 in April 2022 as our VP of Public Relations-but let's take a few steps back-she's done a LOT before landing here.
Julie studied broadcast journalism in college and interned at CNN and MTV Networks in New York City, before receiving her bachelor of arts degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Nevada, Reno. She did a stint as a news director at KRZQ Radio in Reno before pivoting into a career in public relations. She's held leadership roles at the Rose/Glenn Group, the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada (EDAWN), Sierra Nevada Corporation, and the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine.
Humble brag? Julie was a video jockey (VJ) for Reno's first and only music video station, TV-55, AND she started her own business-Julie Ardito Public Relations. She loves to challenge herself to see what's possible. We seriously don't think there's anything she can't do.
Actively involved in the community, Julie serves on the Reynolds School of Journalism Dean's Advisory Council, Renown Health Community Advisory Committee, and is an ambassador for the Community Foundation of Northern Nevada.
But, even rock stars like Julie need time to chill. She loves concerts, hiking, mountain biking, and her Peloton! On occasion, she even paints watercolor still lifes or anything else that she finds particularly beautiful.
Job Titles:
- Growth Marketing Specialist
Mike McDowell was drawn to marketing and advertising because of its ability to move people into action. While he started college with the goal of becoming a graphic designer, he soon found himself in account service and strategy instead. One event that sparked his passion was leading his team through a campaign for the Toyota Matrix at the collegiate IMC Competition. (Not only did they battle their way to the national level - they took home the winning title.)
He started as an account manager at KPS3 in 2006 and worked his way up to Director of Web & Digital, where he spearheaded the new digital wave. After a decade of serving hundreds of brands, he put all his energy into one: his alma mater, the University of Nevada, Reno. As the Director of Marketing Operations, he helped the Marketing Department champion projects relating to the university's brand and recruitment. Two years passed and Mike was presented with an awesome opportunity to become the Director of Marketing for a tech startup, Talage. But when KPS3 called in need of a strategic team leader, they knew Mike was just the right guy. After his triumphant return to KPS3, he advanced to the role of our Vice President of Client Experience, leading the agency's account service team and helping to ensure our clients have an amazing experience working with KPS3.
The colleagues he's had and the achievements he's shared with them over the years are plentiful. But, outside of work, there's very little that makes Mike more proud than his two sons. He enjoys seeing his children happy, healthy, and in the consistent pursuit of the things they love--from art to athletics and everything in between. He credits his family for teaching him both extraordinary patience and perspective.
Mike feels most energized when he's collaborating with others. He loves sharing knowledge and seeing people grow, from partners and students to teammates and the kids he coaches. If you're lucky, he might even share his ice cream with you. He eats three scoops every night and reviews them on his Instagram series called "Wanna Spoon?" (We couldn't believe it, but he actually enjoyed the Kraft macaroni and cheese flavor.)
At the end of the day, Mike follows through with what he believes matters most: being there for people. He's intentional with the way he shows up for others and exemplifies that value every day here at KPS3.
Job Titles:
- Growth Marketing Specialist
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Public Relations
Job Titles:
- Public Relations Specialist
Olive Giner has harnessed their passion of amplifying clients' voices as an account & public relations coordinator at KPS3 since 2022. They were promoted to public relations specialist in 2024.
Determined, ambitious, and empathetic, Olive was exposed to the world of marketing and account management through their mentor-our very own Brittany Rubenau-at KPS3's one-day externship program.
Olive ventured from their hometown in Las Vegas up north to earn their bachelor of arts in journalism with a concentration in public relations and a minor in cultural anthropology at the University of Nevada, Reno. They graduated magna cum laude in 2023 and was one of four featured undergraduate speakers at UNR's API Affinity Graduation. Additionally, Olive served as a board member of the Public Relations Student Society of America during their undergrad and earned the AAF Reno Outstanding Student in Strategic Communications Award during their time in college.
One thing they are passionate about is effectively communicating via real stories; they believe that people's intersectionalities offer crucial perspectives to any strategy. As they grow in their career, Olive will continue to help clients translate their values to better connect with audiences and to learn about a wide array of industries.
When Olive isn't at the office, you'll find them reading One Piece, listening to KPOP, or going to the movies (Inception, Howl's Moving Castle, and The Raid: Redemption are their top three favorites). Olive has an appreciation for all kinds of music. Growing up as a violinist in orchestras, Olive has an affinity for jazz and metal. They're happy to explain why it's reminiscent of classical music-just ask!
Job Titles:
- CEO
- President
- Board Member of the Children 's Cabinet
- Production Supervisor at Jeff Dow
Sarah Goodlaxson helps make marketing dreams a reality-and tirelessly works to conquer her own. (Uh, she swam with sharks, fought in the MMA cage, learned how to play both piano and violin, and competed in BJJ-Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu-tournaments, just to give you small idea of her drive.)
Always learning, improving, and sinking her teeth into a new project (or a new recipe), Sarah chose to go into the marketing industry because it's "all the things" at once. She earned her BSBA in marketing from Wayne State University in 2015 and her MS in marketing from the University of Denver in 2022. Life in between her degrees was nothing short of busy though. She started her career with multiple internships at The American Cancer Society, Macquarie Group, and Trademark Productions. After that, Sarah wanted to try her hand at larger brands-that's when she took a category operations manager role at US Foods.
While her experience there was invaluable, Sarah knew her passion lay in marketing-specifically in agency life. So much so that Sarah even founded her own agency based in Denver, Colorado, where she focused on marketing consulting and brand-building for female-owned small businesses. However, when the opportunity to join KPS3 presented itself, Sarah decided it was time to pack her bags, move to Reno, and become a leader for a company on the edge of both marketing and technology. As one of our account directors, she is a trusted advisor, strategist, confidant, and forecaster for her team and our partners.
With such a "go-go-go!" mentality, Sarah credits her husband, Nathan, for teaching her how to slow down and be a more nurturing person that offers understanding and support without hesitation. In fact, this has taught her to encourage growth in everyone on her team. She's the type of coworker who bends over backwards to ensure her team is happy and successful. (We have the Slack messages from when Sarah's been on PTO or been up in the wee hours of the night to answer our questions as proof.)
How does she do it all? Maybe it's the coffee consumption. Maybe it's the whole salt-crusted fish or oysters Rockefeller dishes she loves to make. Or maybe it's her at-home supervisors, Bear the chocolate labrador and Kovu the Siberian husky, who act as the perfect pillows when she finally takes a moment to relax and pick up one of her many instruments as she sings her heart out.
When we asked what Sarah's life goal was, she responded, "I've done everything I've wanted to do. I guess that's what I'll do next: come up with another goal." And if that doesn't describe Sarah perfectly, we don't know what does.
Sarah Polito loves strategy. She spends her time thinking about what influences people to act, the ingredients for happy teams, and how to create strategic marketing plans to drive impactful results. But-it's not just about the results for Sarah-it's about what marketing does for people. It connects them to resources, education, and products that enhance their lives, which has forever inspired her. She also feels energized by helping the team learn and grow in their careers and developing relationships with clients.
Sarah rejoined the KPS3 team in 2020 as the VP of Client Strategy, providing strategic guidance to clients and working with the team on everything from brands to websites, digital marketing to PR, and everything in between. From Fortune 100 companies to small startups, Sarah enjoys pushing herself and the team to the next level (her favorite motto is "Go Big or Go Home"). She isn't one to settle, in fact, you could say she's "allergic to mediocrity," and we definitely have to agree. You can always count on her to find the bright side in just about anything, too, which as a team lead, is one of our favorite things about her.
Sarah earned her B.S. in business administration from the University of Nevada in 2006 and her MBA from the same university in 2019. After earning her undergraduate degree, Sarah accepted a position at Renown Health as the team's marketing coordinator, where she learned the ropes about marketing and how to work with advertising agencies. From there, Sarah made her way to an advertising agency where she worked as an account executive-sharpening her communications skills, developing relationships with clients, and executing large integrated campaigns for a variety of them.
Job Titles:
- Technology & Creative Support Specialist