Sidney Barnes

Social Media Manager

Sidney creates winning social media platforms for DKY clients and their target audiences. She brings 7+ years of experience in strategy, social media management, community management, and graphic design. Her commitment to details, design, process management, and analytics makes her a powerful marketing ally. Sidney has a BA in Psychology and a minor in advertising from the University of Minnesota, and uses her background in research to formulate a top to bottom strategy for both paid and organic social.

Interests:

When I’m not working I enjoy cooking elaborate Italian meals and pretending I have time to travel “Eat Love Pray” style, chasing down my ducks and chickens, and spending time with my family. I also enjoy gardening even though every year I am reminded of how terrible I am at it. But I do have some beautiful peonies, at least, which is great since they are my favorite flower.

Orionna Brisbois

Account Manager & Event Specialist

Given her vast background in hospitality, restaurant management and event planning, Orionna’s meticulous attention to detail is entirely understandable: it’s second nature for her to listen and visualize flawless execution. Her balanced ability to quickly grasp the big picture, and her well-honed skill to drive successful results makes all the difference in the outcomes her work produces.

Interests:

My energy comes from seeing those around me thrive in what matters most to them. I search to discover and understand what others enjoy and love and, in the process, remain dedicated also to what I love. This includes staying connected to my time out in nature, spending time with my pups, fussing over my chicken run, hosting events, and traveling to see family and friends. I live by the belief that every human encounter offers a spark to better understand yourself and others. I look forward to meeting you and embarking on the very best of what is yet to come.

Craig Claeys

Senior Art Director

Craig is an ever-curious, award-winning Senior Art Director who continually looks for inventive new ways to deliver creative designs. Whether it’s traditional or digital media, Craig tackles each assignment with the same enthusiasm and quest for visual excellence. Before landing at DKY, Craig plied his trade in public relations and publishing industries. Craig graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stout with a BFA in Graphic Design.

Interests:

I enjoy making craft ginger ale, growing the stack of (unread) books on my nightstand, feeding my obsession with La Liga Football, and listening to a carefully-curated list of podcasts on my walks to work. Learn more in our Ring True Spotlight on Craig.

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.”

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 more than 25 years of strategic creative chops, Mike’s extensive experience allows him to effectively lead creative campaigns across varied media as DKY’s ECD. 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.

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.

Katie Fitzpatrick

Director of Content & Public Relations

Katie has nearly 20 years of public relations experience serving the financial services, industrial, technology, corporate and nonprofit sectors. With an extensive agency background, Katie brings strategic communications planning, media relations, content development, executive visibility and account management expertise to DKY. She enjoys the art of storytelling and knows the value of integrated marketing programs to drive reach and value for clients. Katie has a B.A. in English and a minor in public relations from the University of St. Thomas. She has volunteered for the Minnesota chapter of the Public Relations Society of America and a few local nonprofits.

Interests:

Outside of work, I chase around my three, young kids and enjoy traveling to new places with my husband. Most recently, we visited Austin, Texas, and Nashville, Tennessee, for some good food and music. As a sports and fitness lover, I frequently run, bike, and attempt to still play broomball when it’s below zero outside.

Tim Holmes

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.

Matt Horton

Creative Director

A listener, curator, creator, and student of culture and trends, Matt brings his 20-plus years of expertise to help lead the strategic development of all creative endeavors. Offering inspiration from concept to completion, he strives to execute emotionally compelling work that gets talked about, shared, and, most importantly, helps to better clients’ business objectives. From big agency, big brand experience to nimble start up’s, Matt is a strategically driven, fully integrated, extraordinarily creative thinker. He strives to solve business challenges in unconventional and memorable ways.

Interests:

During days away from DKY, I enjoy maintaining balance with hot yoga, a slightly ADD meditation practice and staying up too late going down the Spotify playlist wormholes. I also live vicariously through my older children–a daughter who is having success early in her hospitality marketing career and my son who is in his final year of college while diligently maintaining his musical endeavors as “Chef Henry.”

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 still maturing. Industry tools and best practices continue to evolve, but Tim’s work also helps clients gain success with things that 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, playing trivia, and exploring all kinds of music. Learn more in our Ring True Spotlight on Tim.

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 Jean 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 elementary age daughters. We enjoy skiing (our girls are on the race team), gardening, camping, relaxing at the lake, running, and going for walks in the woods. I enjoy being a wife, mom, and pet owner caring for our two labradors as well as our newest addition of 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.

Derek Nelson

Account Manager

With many years of solid account and project management, on both the client and agency side, Derek is known for bridging gaps with actionable solutions without sacrificing quality or time. His constant positive attitude and willingness to jump in, helps him form strong, long-lasting relationships while always keeping his clients’ best interests front and center. Derek has a B.A. in Mass Communications/Advertising and a minor in Sociology from Winona State University.

Interests:

Outside of work I love to spend time with my wife and two daughters. I’m so blessed to have them. I also have a passion for being on the water. You can often find me fishing for the elusive 30” walleye or just boating up and down the St. Croix River. When I grow up, I’d love to get my Captain’s license. I’m an avid hockey fan and I even still try and play once in a while if the legs are willing. I just want to be ready if the Minnesota Wild decide to call me.

Dave Opgenorth

Project Manager

Blending a background in project management and process operations, Dave not only manages people, teams and projects, but also ensures that processes are documented and repeatable. Additionally, Dave understands the importance of relationship-building, communication and creative problem solving, making sure that projects are aligned and on track.

Interests:

Outside of work I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends (and our dog Stella), adding to my ever-growing music playlists and catching up to an ever-growing reading list. In the summer I try to get out to the golf course and in the fall I like to spend as much time watching football as possible.

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.

TJ Rempfer

Project Coordinator

As a PC, TJ supports the Project Management team. With the help of his excellent organizational skills and teamwork, TJ is able to aid the Project Managers by organizing team meetings, providing project status updates, preparing presentation items and communicating with clients to ensure the work they receive is topnotch. TJ graduated with a B.S. in Marketing and an M.S. in Management from the University of Denver where he spent five years studying at the Daniels College of Business.

Interests:

Outside of DKY, I like spending time with my friends and family, watching and playing sports (especially hockey) and heading up to Northern Minnesota to spend weekends at my family’s cabin. I also love exploring the Twin Cities and finding exciting things to do with my long-term girlfriend Harleigh.

Angel Rowell

Project Manager

Angel knows the value of excellent communication and strategic planning. Her background as a project manager, photographer, film producer and content creator brings a unique understanding of project needs to the DKY team. From building websites to launching businesses and initiating marketing campaigns, Angel is no stranger to knowing what it takes to bring projects to the finish line.

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!

Lori Sjoquist

Production Manager

Lori skillfully leads DKY’s production services to ensure that top-quality, production-ready files are delivered with care and time to spare. She gracefully manages staff, interns and contractors to meet agency workflow requirements. Lori earned an A.A. from the University of South Dakota – Springfield, and a bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State University.

Interests:

When I am not at work, I enjoy spending my time with my awesome husband and kids. When I do get a few minutes to myself, I like to make hand-stamped cards and jewelry, and I’ve been known to decorate a cake or two. Learn more in our Ring True Spotlight on Lori.

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

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.

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.

Craig Wanous

Vice President, DKY Outdoor

Craig brings extensive client-side experience in senior marketing and innovation leadership roles spanning sporting goods, personal care, food, and pest control, with start-up to fortune 500 brands. He leads DKY Outdoor, helping clients with a full range of brand building from strategy to omni-channel communications. He holds a BA in Business Administration and Marketing from the University of St. Thomas.

Interests:

I have a huge passion for active outdoor adventures. I love “playing” with my family and friends including skateboarding, skiing/snowboarding/wakeboarding, mountain biking, paddle boarding, camping, etc…

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.