PLACEVR - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Chief Executive Officer
- CEO / Department: Leadership
- CEO Job Title
Aaron Brossoit, Chief Executive Officer, was a founding member of Golden Shovel and has been with the company since September 2009. He began as VP of Business Development and filled the COO position prior to becoming CEO. After earning his Bachelor's degree from St. Cloud State University, Aaron co-founded a digital marketing agency in central Minnesota - a company he ran for ten years before joining GSA.
Aaron's day-to-day responsibilities include giving presentations and traveling to different communities and industry-related events. He is also active in product and market development and planning for the future, while also supporting the amazing Golden Shovel team wherever needed. His favorite project so far includes working with the PlaceVR clients who are joining us in making virtual reality a "reality" as a key tool in the economic development toolkit.
Aaron enjoys working with economic development organizations, knowing that we are making a difference in the lives of families and the vitalities of communities, especially in rural and underserved areas, where relatively few new jobs can have a massive impact on the region.
Aaron is currently located in Stillwater, MN. Outside of work, Aaron enjoys hiking, biking, playing board games, writing poetry, and playing bass guitar.
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing & Communications
- Director of Marketing & Communications / Department: Marketing
- Director of Marketing & Communications Job Title
- Marketing Coworkers
Audrey Anderson, Director of Marketing & Communications, has been with Golden Shovel Agency since January 2020. She has grown from the Marketing & Communication Assistant to the Director of Marketing. Before Golden Shovel, Audrey worked in marketing for industries ranging from universities to nonprofits. She has Bachelor's Degrees in Communication Studies, with an emphasis in Event Planning, and Public Relations from Minnesota State University Moorhead.
Her responsibilities include managing the company's social media channels, sending the bi-weekly newsletter "Economic Developer's EDGE," writing press releases, managing digital ads, and publishing company content aligned with a marketing strategy. Her favorite project has been creating the social media eBook that teaches economic development organizations how to set up and optimize their social profiles completely.
Audrey's favorite thing about working with economic developers is seeing all the creative ways business can be done. From a marketing perspective, it's interesting for Audrey to see how economic developers grab the attention of site selectors, local businesses, and residents (current or future) and how conversations are started through social media, videos, and the website.
Audrey currently lives in Central MN (Sauk Rapids) with her husband, black lab, and cat. Outside work, she enjoys spending time at the lake, watching the occasional Netflix binge, and crafting (most recently quilting and woodworking projects).
Audrey's certifications include:
Certified Digital Marketing Professional (Digital Marketing Institute)
Professional Certified Marketer (American Marketing Association)
Inbound Marketing (HubSpot Academy)
Google Ads Search Certification (Google Digital Acadamy)
Email Marketing Certified (HubSpot Academy)
HubSpot Marketing Software (HubSpot Academy)
Benjamin Watkins, PlaceVR Editor, has been with Golden Shovel Agency since January 2018. He started editing on VHS in the late mid-90s. After joining the Army in 2001, he started doing Digital Video editing and has created over 1,300 productions working as a producer for a video production company. Benjamin has his Master of Fine Arts in Motion Picture and Television from the Academy of Art in San Francisco. In 2014, he worked on a project that won a Regional Emmy.
Benjamin's day-to-day responsibilities include learning about new VR trends, editing video content for a variety of communities, and working with both the PlaceVR team and clients. His favorite projects to work on are the ones that have a great script going into the project because it's easier to shoot the video, the team has better footage to edit and piece together, and they are typically finished quicker for the client.
Benjamin's favorite thing about working with economic development organizations is giving clients their finished product and seeing them happily approve the final version.
Benjamin currently lives in Texas. He enjoys hunting, camping, playing video games, and watching films with family and friends. He has recently started archiving and converting all of his VHS tapes to Digital Video and his kids have gotten to see him when he was their age. Benjamin is also a lego maniac and a PADI Certified Scuba Diver.
Job Titles:
- Executive Vice President
- Executive Vice President / Department: Leadership
- Executive Vice President Job Titl
Bethany Quinn, Executive Vice President, joined Golden Shovel in 2016. As Executive Vice President, Bethany oversees operations and works with the CEO to develop and implement growth strategies, including the creation of new products and services. Bethany is passionate about finding new ways to tackle historic challenges and is responsible for much of the company's thought leadership. She is a co-host of our podcast, ShovelTalk, and presents to economic development associations throughout North America.
Bethany's previous positions include Director of Content and Vice President of Strategy & Content Development.
Prior to Golden Shovel, Bethany co-owned a digital marketing and content development firm with an emphasis on supporting small businesses. She brought 10 years of content writing, digital marketing, SEO experience, and project management to the team. She also has her Bachelor of Science from Penn State University.
Bethany enjoys getting to know the Golden Shovel clients and the communities they serve on a detailed and granular level, helping them to define their goals and objectives, and then creating and implementing the strategies that help them to achieve those goals. Through her time with Golden Shovel, she has been privileged to bear witness to community transformations and has been delighted to play a part in their growth.
Bethany currently lives in Annapolis, Maryland with her family of nine (husband, 7 kids, and dog, Sox). They like to travel - their two favorite destinations are the Outer Banks in North Carolina and Disney World. On weekends, you'll find them going to museums and galleries in D.C., visiting historic sites up and down the East Coast, and cooking new recipes, ideally from around the world.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Coordinator
- Marketing Coordinator / Department: Marketing
- Marketing Coordinator Job Titl
- Marketing Coworkers
Brady Moeller, Marketing Coordinator, has been with Golden Shovel Agency since January 2023, starting as Golden Shovel's Marketing, Sales & Statistics Intern. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management with a Minor in Marketing from Minnesota State University Mankato. In addition, Brady has HubSpot certifications in Social Media Marketing, Digital Marketing, and Content Marketing.
His day-to-day responsibilities include managing and growing the company's social media channels, assisting with the bi-weekly newsletter "Economic Developer's EDGE," writing press releases, managing digital campaigns, and tracking promotional success.
Brady's favorite thing about working with economic development organizations is helping Golden Shovel's clients reach their goals, no matter how big or small. Seeing their success plays a large part in our success.
Brady currently lives in White Bear Lake, MN. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his fiance and taking their dog for walks, going to the lake, and playing/watching all sports.
Job Titles:
- Director of Development Job Titl
Job Titles:
- Director of Content Management Job Titl
Job Titles:
- Territory Sales Manager / Department: Sales
- Territory Sales Manager Job Titl
Dan Armitage, Territory Sales Manager, has been with Golden Shovel Agency since April 2023. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management: Organizational Leadership from Illinois State University.
His day-to-day responsibilities include managing and improving communities to enhance the quality of life for their residents. Dan collaborates with various economic developers and works towards implementing initiatives that address the needs of a community, aiming to create a positive and lasting impact for the people who live and work in these communities.
Dan's Favorite thing about working with economic development organizations is to help people and groups who want to help make things better in their little corner of the world. He is highly motivated every day by being surrounded by people who positively impact the communities they serve.
Dan currently lives in a close-knit beach neighborhood in San Diego, CA. It's very dog-friendly and is home to one of the country's first dog beaches, so dogs are welcome on the beach and in all the neighborhood businesses. Dan and his dog Bourbon know all the shop owners by name and always stop in to say "Hi" and catch up as we walk through the neighborhood. Whether the local pizza place gives Bourbon a piece of pepperoni or the local convenience store with treats behind the counter, they always have something waiting for any dog who comes in to say hi. Outside of work, Dan and Bourbon hang out with friends at the coast for sunset every night.
If you are interested in learning more about Golden Shovel's services, you can contact Dan Armitage at darmitage@goldenshovelagency.com.
Ernie Gonzalez, Video Editor, has been with Golden Shovel Agency since 2018. Ernie has degrees in Radio, TV, and Video and Film from the University of Central Florida and the University of Miami. He has been shooting and editing videos for over thirty years and has had the privilege of working with a lot of nonprofit organizations.
Ernie's day-to-day responsibilities include working with the PlaceVR team, and editing video content for communities and regions around the world. His favorite project so far has been working with a Kentucky client, editing clips that highlighted the many diverse job opportunities that are being promoted in the area.
Ernie's favorite thing about working with economic development organizations is seeing the hidden treasure of possibilities. Ernie enjoys editing and putting together all the pieces of the video puzzle for clients and helping them promote their community.
Ernie is currently located in South Florida. In his free time, he enjoys hobbies such as music and woodworking. He also loves the ocean and when possible, tries to go out for a swim.
If you have any questions about your PlaceVR video, you can contact Ernie Gonzalez at egonzalez@goldenshovelagency.com.
Jay Brunham, Video Editor, has been with Golden Shovel Agency since February 2021. He has 25+ years of experience in the industry and a Bachelor's Degree from St. Cloud State University.
Jay's day-to-day responsibilities include putting together the puzzle pieces of music, video, narration, and graphics to create a compelling story in the form of a video to help market and promote a variety of communities.
Jay's favorite economic development project has been working on a video that was shot in Haiti. He really enjoyed being a part of it and seeing all the wonderful scenic shots that the region had to offer.
Jay currently lives in St. Cloud, MN with his wife and two children. In his free time, he enjoys traveling, tent camping, and downhill skiing.
Job Titles:
- Territory Sales Manager Job Title
Job Titles:
- Graphic Designer Job Titl
Job Titles:
- President
- President / Department: Leadership
- President Job Title
John Marshall, President, has been with Golden Shovel since January 2011. He has grown from Sales Manager to President (June 2017). John studied Marketing & Communications in college, and worked as a financial advisor for 11 years, helping small and medium-sized business owners with employee attraction & retention, mergers & acquisitions, expansions, and transfers. He has multiple planning certifications including CLU, CHfC, and CASL, and holds 4 securities licenses (Series 6, 63, 7, and 66). John also spent 10 years in the residential, commercial, and industrial construction industry where he learned the ins and outs of private property development.
John's day-to-day responsibilities include business development, strategic partner communications, product development, and leadership of the sales department's vision and strategy. His favorite project so far has been working with a Kentucky client to who he's grown close. "This client is a true economic development professional and appreciates what a firm like Golden Shovel can bring to the table to accelerate their efforts. They have utilized almost every weapon in the GSA arsenal over the last 5 years including marketing, website design, targeted digital marketing, social media management, virtual FAM Tours, virtual building renderings, drone video, and existing building tours. John enjoys seeing their success at attracting new investments and creating new jobs," he said.
John's favorite thing about working with economic development organizations is the ability to make a positive impact in communities across the country and globally. He also enjoys seeing the tremendous accomplishments that our clients make.
John is currently located in northeastern Wyoming, about 30 minutes from the South Dakota border on the western edge of the Black Hills National Forest in a town of 1,100 people (the lowest populated county in the nation). He enjoys spending time with his two sons, Connor and Wyatt, along with hunting, fishing, traveling to FL beaches, and spending time on nearby ranches riding horses and branding cattle.
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Development
- Director of Business Development / Department: Sales
- Director of Business Development Job Title
Laura Christie, Director of Business Development, has been with Golden Shovel Agency since February 2018. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Logistics from Auburn University and over 10 years of logistics experience, having worked with major companies such as Toyota, Denso, Target, and Google.
Laura's day-to-day responsibilities include lead management, customer relationship management, regional research, scheduling, invoicing, sending contracts, preparing kick-off meetings, and generation of proposals and presentations. Her favorite projects so far have been working with unique International clients and learning about their region, as well as working with a client that's nearby where she used to live, in an old historic town.
Laura's favorite thing about working with economic development organizations is attending conferences and being able to meet new people, colleagues, and clients.
Laura currently lives in Fayetteville, GA (south of Atlanta) and spends her free time with her son and pet chickens.
If you are interested in learning more about Golden Shovel's services, or if you have any questions related to your contract, you can contact Laura Christie at lchristie@goldenshovelagency.com.
Job Titles:
- Territory Sales Manager and BDR Team Lead / Department: Sales
- Territory Sales Manager and BDR Team Lead Job Title
Michelle Schriever, Territory Sales Manager, has been with Golden Shovel Agency since October 2022. Michelle earned her Bachelor of Science Degree, where she studied Interdisciplinary Studies and also acquired her teaching certification for Texas. She enjoyed her career in teaching for five years before deciding to make a change into the sales world. Her favorite part of teaching was building relationships within the community, and by joining Golden Shovel, she'll continue building meaningful relationships in a new way.
Michelle's day-to-day responsibilities include connecting with economic developers and discussing their goals for the community in hopes they align with the services we offer.
Michelle is passionate about helping better communities through economic development. She enjoys working with those economic developers and collaborating with many agencies, whether governments, non-government organizations, or private companies.
Michelle is currently located in Sugar Land, TX. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and camping with her husband, visiting National Parks and other notable sites around the US. Recently, they have visited Yellowstone National Park, Arches National Park, Teton National Forest, Mount Rushmore, The Grand Canyon, Old Faithful, Custer State Park, and Buffalo Bill State Park.
If you are interested in learning more about Golden Shovel's services, you can contact Michelle Schriever at mschriever@goldenshovelagency.com.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- CFO / Department: Leadership
- CFO Job Title
Ron Kresha, Chief Operating Officer, is a founding member who helped start Golden Shovel Agency on the premise that every community deserves to be recognized and to have the tools needed to compete for businesses and jobs. He is committed to providing services that improve communities and people's lives. Ron refers to himself as a serial entrepreneur who has been told he's "too stupid to know how to fail". He wears that as a badge of honor as a person who never quits on people, companies, or communities.
Ron's day-to-day responsibilities involve a lot of spreadsheets and numbers. He spends his time analyzing economic development trends, and marketing statistics and listening to feedback from clients to improve our services. A large part of his role is also managing the very talented team at Golden Shovel Agency. Ron enjoys working on all types of unique projects within the company and enjoys meeting new people, and learning about their communities, and the challenges they face.
Ron's favorite thing about working with economic development organizations is the people. He absolutely loves the people. Golden Shovel helps community leaders grow their communities and give back. He loves being part of those success stories.
Ron currently lives in Little Falls, MN, which is where the Golden Shovel headquarters are located. In his free time, one of his passions is building wooden games - he likes to find unique games from around the world and recreate them in his woodshop. Ron is also a pilot and does not rock climb in his spare time.
Job Titles:
- Website Population & Launch Manager Job Titl
Job Titles:
- Lead Copywriter / Department: Content
- Lead Copywriter Job Titl
Sowmya Subramaniam, Lead Copywriter, joined Golden Shovel Agency with prior experience of owning a Content & Copywriting Services business in India, which she helped run for 9 years. Since relocating to Cary, North Carolina, in 2017, she has worked on freelance copywriting projects. She has also helped small business owners located in and around Cary with their branding and communications. Sowmya also has a Master's Degree in Business and Personnel Management.
Sowmya's day-to-day responsibilities include researching topics and assimilating data, attending interview meetings with clients to facilitate content creation, and creating in-depth articles that explore specific topics, tell a story, and can create awareness and interest.
Sowmya's favorite thing about working with economic development organizations is researching unique and different locations, especially ones that she could travel to. After all the research and writing is complete, Sowmya almost feels like she has visited these places.
Sowmya is currently located in Cary, NC. She is a wellness enthusiast and has been practicing yoga since she was a child. Qigong and Tai Chi are her most recent interests. Reading, writing poetry, classical dance, and music bring her joy. Sowmya also loves cooking and trying out new ingredients and cuisines that promote good health. Her husband (who is a foodie like her) also tries to join in all her endeavors.
Job Titles:
- Director of Communications & Database Administrator Job Title