Brian Dahl

President, Partner

With 30 years of marketing communications experience, Brian supports client and Account Service team efforts with brand strategy, account planning and campaign development. In addition to leading DKY business development, Brian shares responsibility for overall agency management including strategic vision, financial performance, relationship management and staff development with the other agency Partners. He holds a B.A. degree in Communications from the University of Minnesota.

Interests:

Outside of DKY I love spending time with my wife and family – exploring new places, discovering new restaurants, traveling. I also love music, sports, movies and projects around the house. Psalm 73 helps me keep life in proper perspective: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and portion forever.”

Laurie Christen

Media Director (Traditional)

Laurie brings 25+ years of ag media expertise, blending data analysis and creative problem solving for brands like Case IH, New Holland, and John Deere. She focuses on delivery programs that connect with audiences and leverage the right mix of channels for measurable success.

Grace Dahl

Production Artist

With her background in digital and website design, Grace assists the DKY creative team in producing an array of both digital and print collateral. She is accustomed to creating visually appealing work in a deadline-driven environment and has excellent collaborative skills. Grace graduated from Grand Canyon University in Arizona with a Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design.

Interests:

I currently live in Phoenix, Arizona and when I’m not working I enjoy spending time with friends by the pool, hiking, thrifting furniture, road tripping to Flagstaff, and trying out new restaurants. I also love true crime podcasts and I hate loose corn.

Brynn Daniels

Senior Account Manager

An experienced and accomplished Account Manager, Brynn is the kind of person you want on your team. Organization, attention to detail and commitment are the marks of her approach, while kindness and fun describe her style. Brynn graduated from Central College in Pella, IA with a Communication Studies major and Spanish minor. Prior to joining DKY, Brynn spent 6 years on the client-side supporting marketing campaigns, membership programs, major events and other key initiatives.

Interests:

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Matt, and keeping up with my toddler, Rownan, who ensures I’m always on the go. I’m a lover of running and fitness, travel, watching football, the Kansas City Royals, music, self-improvement books, organizing tasks and activities in my planner, and anything with frosting. Learn more in our Ring True Spotlight on Brynn.

Mike Dobies

Executive Creative Director, Partner

With over three decades of experience driving creative strategy and campaigns, Mike now leads the creative team at DKY. He has worked on award-winning campaigns for large multi-national corporations to small local businesses in diverse industries. As a DKY Partner, Mike shares responsibility for overall agency performance including financial position, relationship management and staff development. Mike earned a B.A. in Speech/Communications from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Theological Studies from Bethel Seminary.

Interests:

I am an avid movie buff, basketball junkie, lover of theology, and am currently reading definitive biographies of U.S. presidents (in chronological order). Years ago I wanted to get a new TV for the family at Christmas. We ended up with a poodle. Huge cost difference. Just ask, I’ve kept a spreadsheet on the true cost of owning a dog. Learn more in our Ring True Spotlight on Mike.

Dan Domagala

Account Supervisor

Dan is an effective, trusted Business Development and Account Service leader. From his tenure at DKY and previous positions with long-standing Minneapolis agencies Russell Herder, Olson and Carmichael Lynch Spong, he brings extensive experience in a variety of B2C and B2B categories. His diverse background, tenacious service and natural business instincts are a potent combination for the DKY clients he serves. Dan holds a bachelor’s degree from Gustavus Adolphus College.

Interests:

When I’m not at work, I enjoy Golden Gopher football, following the Twins and exploring the Twin Cities craft beer scene with my wife and family.

Scott Echols

Business Development Director

With a sales and management career spanning finance to automotive technology to publishing, Scott brings over three decades of business experience to help drive the growth of prospective clients and DKY. His broad perspective and optimism are invaluable in assessing the needs and suitability of potential partners and clients. Scott holds both a BS and MBA from the University of North Carolina.

Interests:

Outside of fostering new relationships for DKY, I can be found on the golf course struggling to best my wife, battling the varmints over the vegetable garden, diligently refining my taste in wine, and/or obsessing over Carolina basketball.

Megan Elliott

Creative Director

Megan is a Creative Director with 14 years of experience managing creative execution and content strategy for global outdoor brands. She’s an expert in designing multi-channel brand experiences that evoke emotion and inspire action. Megan brings her background in strategic communication, as well as a passion for authentic and compelling storytelling, to every project. She’s also experienced in UX and UI design and understands how to deliver intuitive, engaging digital experiences that drive optimal results.

Interests:

When I’m not at work you’ll usually find me hanging with my husband and neighbor friends watching our kids be kids in the backyard, at a campsite or a local swimhole. I live for beach days, game nights, a good playlist, family reunions and football season.

Caitlin Farmer

Account Manager

Caitlin is an accomplished account manager with a robust background in managing large global events. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for creating memorable experiences, she has successfully overseen numerous high-profile events for leading international organizations. Caitlin’s expertise in strategic planning, client relations, and event execution ensures seamless and impactful results.

Interests:

Outside of DKY, you can find my husband, Marcus, and I at Lifetime, Target, or taking our mini Goldendoodle, Louie, for a walk. I love to spend my time traveling, watching sports, or cuddling up with a coffee and a good book.

Lindsey Hadden

Social Media Manager

Lindsey has held a range of communications and digital marketing roles—from copywriter to social media manager to SEO specialist to content strategist—and in each position, she has been responsible for boiling down complicated concepts into compelling content that drives engagement. She strongly believes good content is the best way to attract quality leads, retain customers, and create brand loyalty. She has more than a decade’s worth of B2B social media strategy and leadership experience, specializing in technology, science, chemical, agriculture and manufacturing industries.

Interests:

I’m originally from Washington State, and that comes through in my love of hoppy beers, putting cream cheese on hot dogs, perfecting my coffee-making process, and rooting for the Seahawks. Off the clock, I spend my time reading too much, biking (slowly) with my husband, attending (and hosting) bar trivia, playing board games, and taking any and every opportunity to make a playlist.

Britney Harris

Project Manager

With years of project management experience, Britney has exceptional organizational skills and loves a good project tracker. With her ability to keep a positive attitude and effectively coordinate resources she consistently keeps projects running smoothly. Britney holds a B.S degree in Marketing from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Interests:

Outside of DKY, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two elementary aged children. We love to explore our city on bikes during the summer and be outdoors as much as we can. On the flip side, I also love a good movie night or game night at home with some popcorn.

Chris Henderson

Creative Director

With a career spanning over 25 years, Chris has had the privilege of collaborating with numerous brands, shaping diverse and impactful experiences. He has a profound love for innovation in all its forms, constantly seeking new work methods. As a seasoned digital leader, Chris excels in advising and supporting stakeholders and teams on complex projects, showcasing expertise in end-to-end strategies encompassing everything from strategic planning and content creation to program management. His versatile experience extends across leading initiatives in both B2C and B2B realms across multiple verticals.

Interests:

Navigating the landscape of parenting with my wife, Sue, as our five children and two grandkids are constantly moving and growing. Trying to travel as much as possible, and my first creative love – sketching and illustration!

Sue Henderson

Human Resources Director

Sue Henderson is an experienced HR pro who drives organizational success by developing a culture and work environment that allows employees to thrive at work. Her passion for aligning people and business goals stems from a belief that employees are the driving force behind any successful organization, and that businesses can achieve long-term success by investing in their growth and development. Sue holds a B.S. in Business Management & Human Resources from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Interests:

When we’re not adulting, my husband Chris and I try to keep up with our five children and two adorable grandkids. We like to hang out with friends, explore new restaurants, and travel. Life is good!

Tim Holmes

VP, Group Account Director

Tim is a proven and strategic Group Account Director with experience planning and executing marketing strategies that translate into revenue growth at agencies and Fortune 500 companies. Tim leads DKY B2B and Agriculture at DKY and has a passion for persuasive storytelling and finding key insights that will deliver that aha moment to the team and will inspire action. He holds a B.A. Degree in Communication/Journalism from St. John Fisher University in Rochester, N.Y.

Interests:

I am innately curious and a life-long learner. I have many hobbies and I’m always up for trying something new. I enjoy “playing” with my family including traveling, snowboarding, camping, running and hanging in our backyard oasis making fresh pizza in our pizza oven. I am also a private pilot with a passion for all things aviation.

Tim Karlberg

Director of Digital Marketing

Tim leads digital marketing strategy for DKY and our clients—helping brands grow and relate to their audiences through SEO, email, paid search, lead-gen, analytics, automation, and more. His 16 years of digital marketing experience began when the discipline itself was starting to mature. Even now, as industry tools and best practices continue to evolve, Tim helps clients succeed by focusing on a few things that have haven’t changed: identifying strategic goals, executing from a smart plan, and measuring what matters.

Interests:

Away from work, I enjoy endurance running, spending time outside with my wife and kids, amassing trivial knowledge, and exploring all kinds of music. Learn more in our Ring True Spotlight on Tim.

David Landes

Director of PR & Content

David is a strategic thinker and storyteller who works with clients to find, develop, and amplify compelling narratives that resonate with key audiences and help strengthen brands. Before joining DKY, David built up an award-winning content and PR agency in Stockholm, Sweden, where he also spent a decade with an innovative digital news publisher. He holds an MA in International Relations from Johns Hopkins SAIS and serves on the jury for the Native Advertising Awards.

Interests:

How I spend my time outside of work is largely dictated by my two teenage sons’ hockey or soccer schedules. When I’m not watching or driving to their activities, my wife and I are often exploring new neighborhoods or planning our next adventure. I’m also a confessed news junkie who spends more hours than I’d care to admit feeding my habit.

Tracy McCrory

Vice President of Project Management

With almost 20 years experience working in advertising agencies and marketing firms, Tracy knows there’s more than one way to get a project done. By blending best practice project management techniques with the realities of real-life work, Tracy ensures our client and project teams are set up for success. She is responsible for ensuring scopes are well-defined, schedules are realistic, and that our clients’ budgets are efficiently managed. Along the way, she makes sure the team has fun. They say life is about the journey, not the destination. Tracy says the same about managing projects.

Interests:

Visiting new places and trying out new things with family and friends is my favorite way to pass time outside work. I love going on adventures and watching my daughters experience things for the first time. But as an extroverted-introvert, I love spending time at home just as much. I’d describe a great weekend as one spent hanging out with my husband, cuddling my kids and reading a good book.

Tim McKim

Group Account Director, Agriculture

With journalistic roots and deep marketing communications expertise, Tim uncovers the emotional benefits that ring true with client audiences. With this insight at hand, he guides brand strategy and messaging to deliver positive results for his clients and the audiences they serve.

Interests:

If you investigate my storage spaces, it becomes quickly apparent that I’m a hunter/gatherer by nature. Morel mushrooms, Alaskan salmon, garage sale treasures, metal detecting, pop bottle collecting, and gardening are just a few of my interests. I’m often accompanied on these pursuits by one or more of my three boys, now that they are on their own and I’m no longer following them to their activities.

Shannon Mell

Project Manager

With nearly 20 years of marketing experience, Shannon excels at bridging the gap between client and deliverable. Shannon’s omnichannel planning background brings talent in creating an integrated, consistent journey across a brand. With her excellent organizational skills and passion for growing strong relationships, Shannon keeps projects running smoothly from discovery to completion.

Interests:

Outside of DKY, my husband and I will be found outdoors with our two daughters. We enjoy skiing (our girls are on the race team), gardening, camping, relaxing at the lake, and going for walks in the woods. I enjoy being a wife, mom, and pet owner caring for our dog and six egg-laying chickens.

Hayley Monsma

Production Artist

Hayley is a Production Artist with a versatile skillset. As an Adobe Creative Suite expert, she keeps client projects looking great and flowing smoothly. As a gifted designer, she also works with the DKY creative team for concepting and problem-solving on client brand initiatives and campaigns. Hayley graduated from Dordt University in Iowa with a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design.

Interests:

Outside of work, you will most likely find me with my partner-in-crime and husband, Jake. Together, we are always trying new recipes and restaurants, planning outdoor adventures that usually involve a hike or two, and dreaming up innovative house projects and ideas. Learn more in our Ring True Spotlight on Hayley.

Joe Peterson

VP Account Services, Partner

With 25+ years of combined agency- and client-side experience, Joe brings deep perspective on marketing and business activities through strategic planning, branding, marketing execution and analytics. This includes building campaigns in owned, paid for and earned media channels. Joe’s capacity to understand big picture goals and objectives, while aligning an infectious drive to get things done, is an invaluable asset for his leadership role as an agency Partner.

Interests:

When not building campaigns for clients I enjoy spending time at the cabin with my wife and two children – and a lot of their friends. I also enjoy activities around the house, especially things that involve a tool belt or power tools. Learn more in our Ring True Spotlight on Joe.

Heidi Pfau

Account Supervisor

Heidi is a smart, effective Account Service pro serving as a primary connector between client and agency teams. She is a central player in project and campaign planning, with a keen eye on budgets, deadlines and ultimately, client objectives. Heidi graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Analytics from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Interests:

My non-DKY happy place is at home with my husband, Ben, and toddler, Wilson. A perfect day would be spent taking Wilson to the park, getting my hands in the dirt and planning a big landscaping project, and grilling burgers for dinner. I also enjoy bringing new life to old furniture and XC skiing in the winter.

Donnie Potter

VP of Digital

With over 19 years of experience creating integrated brand campaigns and major web/mobile projects, Donnie has been a versatile, award-winning art director, user experience architect and interactive director – a rare purveyor of both right- and left-brain talent. He now leads the DKY Digital Department with his skills of bringing a high degree of elegance and simplicity to complex assignments. Donnie graduated from Bemidji State University with a bachelor’s degree in Design Technology.

Interests:

Outside of work, you can usually find my wife, kids and me exploring the outdoors via going on hikes or soaking up the sun while boating on some of MN’s fantastic lakes. I also enjoy spending time woodworking and doing various home improvement projects, though as of late, that hobby has been replaced by trying to keep up with our two extremely busy toddlers (they’re so much fun, yet why am I so tired all the time?!). Learn more in our Ring True Spotlight on Donnie.

Tom Probst

Creative Director

Right brain meets left. With many years as an advertising, online and direct marketing creative director serving a long list of blue-chip clients, Tom combines a real passion for breakthrough ideas with a relentless drive to deliver results.

Interests:

Outside of DKY, I enjoy bicycling, exploring backroads by motorcycle, kayaking and boatbuilding, tinkering with an old Saab, trying to whittle down an ever-growing reading list and just hanging out with family, friends and our dog, Maya.

Angel Rowell

Account Manager

Angel knows the value of excellent communication and strategic planning. Her background as a project manager, photographer, film producer and content creator have shaped her creative, can-do approach. Whether building websites, launching products or managing marketing campaigns, Angel serves DKY clients with tenacity and excellence.

Interests:

I’m an adventure junkie with a foodie palate and a solitude-seeking spirit. I enjoy hiking, running and biking in the mountains as much as possible. I’m always in search of the next “best thing I ever ate”. If you have one to share, email me!

Jason Schumann

PR Director

With nearly 30 years of PR and marketing communications experience, Jason has supported some iconic brands, including General Mills, Macy’s and Target, as well as stalwarts in the ag industry – Cargill, ADM and Land O’Lakes. Jason brings strategic leadership, incredible creative thinking and exceptional execution for PR and content efforts.

Brett Sharockman

Controller

Brett keeps DKY accounting and financial management on track and on mission. His deep experience in risk assessment, analytics, data governance and finance strategy help keep the agency and our clients on solid footing. A fractional DKY staffer, Brett also works as a mental health therapist – a career pivot he began in 2018 after 27 years in the corporate finance with KPMG, Guidant, Valspar and others.

Interests:

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife/family. We love being active outdoors – hiking, biking, and exploring new areas. We have 4 adult kids and 4 adult pets.

Preston Stevens

Art Director

Preston is a culturally conscious art director with over a decade of experience helping to build brands and tell their unique stories through a creative process grounded in strategic insight. With a background working across channels for clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500s, his skillset is diverse and keeps him up to speed in a rapidly changing industry. The work he creates is authentic, challenges the norm and carries with it the power to inspire action. At the end of the day, Preston’s passion for great design allows him to balance being conceptual while maintaining the ability to see those ideas executed with craftsmanship so the work shines.

Interests:

Outside of work I spend most of my time with my wife and our two sons: 11-month-old Sebastian and 4-year-old Louie, plus our dog Dia. I enjoy snowboarding, golfing, occasionally skateboarding and cooking, which probably stems from my desire to eat good food without always dining out. I also spend what some might consider an unhealthy amount of time doing home improvements, although at some point everything has to be done right?

Matthew Taylor

Senior Project Manager

With a deep background in leadership, Matthew brings a team-centered approach to project management, understanding that collaboration truly does breed innovation. Matthew believes that open communication is fundamental to the success of any project and that the best ability is adaptability. He is highly organized and derives great joy from seeing a project through from start to finish. Matthew holds a B.S. degree in Marketing from Metropolitan State University.

Interests:

Outside of DKY, there is nothing I enjoy more than spending time with my wife, Adriana, and our newborn daughter, Lucia. I am the biggest sports junkie you will find. I enjoy closely following all sports, and am involved in way too many fantasy sports leagues. I clear my mind by walking my 97-pound golden retriever, Boomer, and listening to sports, true-crime, and economics podcasts.

Maggie Thoele

Director of Paid Social

Maggie provides strategic planning, execution and analysis of Paid social. Her experience ranges from big and small brands and she has a track record of delivering positive results for clients in many industries. Maggie has strengths in collaboration to help build a media plan that seamlessly connects all media types for the best results.

Interests:

As the mom of 3 boys, I’m always on my toes, a master multi-tasker and peace maker. In my free time you can find me cooking up a masterpiece in the kitchen, or on the sidelines cheering on my boys.

Deb Vergin

Fulfillment Manager

Deb brings a wealth of client and agency-side marketing experience to DKY in her role as Fulfillment Manager. She is a skilled purveyor of direct marketing and fulfillment engagements, managing everything from leading-edge database and email programs to arcane postal regulations. Deb helps our team and clients rest easy by ensuring that client campaigns stay on track, on budget, and on target.

Interests:

I love dogs, wine and my family. Some days in that order.

Val Waligoski

Senior Production Artist

Val is a master builder of quality, production-ready files for both print and digital art that is generated by the agency. She brings over two decades of color correction, asset retouching, and quality assurance expertise to DKY client projects. Val graduated from Mankato Vocational Technical College with a degree in Graphic Arts.

Interests:

I am the mother of three. All of my kids are pretty active, so outside of work I am usually found sitting in the stands at a field or in a gym. I enjoy gardening a great deal, and if the year is good, I do a bit of canning with the garden yields. I also love getting lost in a good book.

Audrey Wilcox

Senior Account Manager

As a primary liaison between DKY, agency partners and clients, Audrey applies extensive experience and aptitude to ensure that projects start and stay on track. As a connoisseur of quality, she wields a sharp eye and sharper red gel pen to protect and elevate client brands and marketing. Audrey graduated from Saint Cloud State University with a bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design.

Interests:

When I’m not at work I enjoy spending time with my kids/friends/family, traveling, working out, and creating works of art, whether it’s handmade cards, making jewelry, or anything else “creative.”

Luke Yaeger

Content Manager

Luke helps manage the ever-increasing amount of visual content for DKY and its clients, primarily in videos, which he occasionally shoots and edits himself. During pre-production, he helps the team develop a creative, efficient and effective plan. He supports our production teams who execute the plan, and then works with the post-production team to deliver final, polished files. When projects are completed, Luke makes sure all content is catalogued and stored for any future marketing needs.

Interests:

Life is too short to stay in one place. My wife and I love traveling to as many new places as we can. If there’s a golf course nearby, you can be sure I’ll either be playing on it or imagining which hole(s) would’ve screwed up my chance at the perfect round.

Mark Yaeger

Executive Art Director, Partner

As a founding partner of DKY, Mark has invested more than 25 years of experience, leadership, and hard work into the development of agency staff, culture and client relationships. Mark is an intuitive and talented co-leader of the DKY creative team. In addition, Mark and the other Partners are responsible for overall agency performance including financial position, relationship management and staff development. Mark majored in Commercial Art/Graphic Design at Bemidji State University.

Interests:

Beyond the boundaries of DKY my life is pretty simple. I love spending time with my wife, Kelley – and with our 2 sons (whenever they’re home). I definitely feel like a round peg in a round hole when I’m at our family cabin, in Wisconsin, or on a golf course anywhere. I feel extremely blessed and I’m excited to see what God has planned in this next stage of my life.