MKR is a proudly independent agency based in the American Midwest.
Around here, we know that nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Ours is a team committed to showing up every day, ready to put in the hard work. Because that’s what it takes to become the boldest champions for your brand and the fiercest advocates for your audience. MKR is driven by an insistence to do meaningful, results-focused work. We bring grit, innovation and creativity to challenger brands with the courage and determination to reach higher.
Chris Mortenson
Chief Executive Officer
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Chicago Transit Authority at Summerfest. My parents never knew my friends and I hitchhiked downtown and attended this forbidden event; they thought I was at a YMCA dance several blocks from our home in Wauwatosa.
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Repairing vintage tube radios from the 1930's and 40's, primarily Zenith and Philco brands.
Advice for someone new to the business?
Identify a mentor who can advise you throughout your career; cherish the relationship and make every effort to stay in contact on a frequent basis. And, never lose contact!
Peter Kim
President, CCO
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
Parasite. So unsettling. So masterful. This South Korean film won Oscars for Best Screenplay, Best Director and Best Picture, the first non-English movie to win the top prize (대한민국 만세!). So, yeah, It's probably an obvious pick. If you haven't had the pleasure of seeing it, do yourself a favor and check it out right now. I'll wait.
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
It was either New Order or The Cure. I’m quite sure it was at Alpine Valley and I’m almost certain it was 1990. Or, maybe 1989. Those brain cells are mostly gone now, so you’ll have to give me a pass on the deets.
Advice for someone new to the business?
Learn how to present your work. If you want to be a successful creative, this is 50% of the job. You can come up with the most brilliant campaign in the world, but if you stumble through the preso, it may never see the light of day. Watch people who are really good at presenting in action. Deconstruct what they do. Did you see how they set up the concept? Did you notice how the room was nodding their heads before any of the work was even shown? When you finally get a chance to do it yourself, know that it’s okay to be nervous. Practice at home. A lot. There will come a day when you no longer have to, but it’s going to take time.
Kayla Carmichael
Chief Relationship Officer
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
My dad played in a band, so I was at one of his gigs at just a couple weeks old
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Packing on the pounds.
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
Certified health coach — oh wait, I am! I'd spend all of my time focused on inspiring healthy living — helping families grow their own food and teaching children about the power of nutrition through playful experimentation.
Tina Bethhauser
Chief Financial Officer
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Baking
Tell us about any pets you have at home
No pets! Used to have a cockatiel though
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
Accountant… I was always meant to be an accountant
Breah Mortenson
Chief Legal Officer
Tell us about any pets you have at home
I have a rescue cat, Oliver, who is pretty cool. Sweet and cuddly and an excellent COVID co-worker.
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Eric Clapton at Royal Albert Hall
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
Civil rights attorney
Kristine Warski
Chief Marketing Officer
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Painting
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Bruce Springsteen
Where do you get creative inspiration?
I get creative inspiration when I am in nature: in the mountains, on the beach overlooking the ocean, on a hike in the forest, etc.
Annie Melbert
Associate Producer
Tell us about any pets you have at home
They're really my parents' dogs, but I like to pretend they're mine. Their names are Luna and Millie. They're huge, sweet, and very needy, and they are my pride and joy!
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
High School Musical
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
Bookshop owner
Bridgette Wells
Accounting Manager
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“Julio y Su Angel”
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Bird watching/identification
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
Anthropologist
Carsen McCune
Account Executive
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Puzzles! I'm always on the look out for new ones — only 300 pieces though, that's as big as will fit on my coffee table. 🙂
Tell us about any pets you have at home
I have a tabby cat named Millie! She has quickly become the queen of my apartment and, very graciously, lets me live there.
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
High school English teacher. I'm a grammar nerd and own A LOT of cardigans.
Chris Davis
Senior Copywriter
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“The Raid: Redemption”
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Back Street Boys. I won a raffle I didn't know I entered with canned food for charity at school.
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
Doctor. My pops is a doctor, and I always had a passion for helping people. Instead, I just help brands reach their audience.
Claire Shih
Digital Media Specialist
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
My favorite non-English movie would be a Taiwanese film called “Secret.” It is a beautiful, mysterious, piano-focused movie; highly, highly recommended to add it to your movie list!
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
My first ever concert in the US was Sob Rock by John Mayer, and it was amazing!
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
I would love to be an illustrator and draw picture books for children to read. I love painting!
Clara Leslie
Senior Art Director
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“Parasite”
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Gardening and cooking
Where do you get creative inspiration?
Screen printed concert posters, music, textures, vintage advertisements, fine art
Eddie Metzger
Account Supervisor
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“Parasite”
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
I started playing Dungeons & Dragons with friends across the country!
Most rewarding part of the job?
Working with extremely talented people to positively affect other businesses and organizations.
Elijah VanDine
Graphic Designer
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire.” It's a masterpiece.
Tell us about any pets you have at home
I have a dog, Simon, who is a super-mutt with dwarfism. He looks like a cross between a German shepherd, a corgi and a dachshund. He's long, fluffy, and short.
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
I would probably own and run a small artisan pizza restaurant. That's my retirement plan.
Eric Sandoval
Account Executive
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
The Spanish version of Disney's “Coco” is probably one of my favorites. It's arguably one of the best animated movies and the fact that it featured an all-Latino cast just made it amazing. I felt seen after watching this movie. The music, the characters, the cultural stories… 10/10 would recommend.
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
When I was 13, I got invited to go see Kelly Clarkson at SummerFest. She's an amazing vocalist and her shows are so much fun. Even at 13, I had a blast. KC will always have a special place in this guy’s heart.
Advice for someone new to the business?
Ask questions… lots of questions. The best way to learn is to ask. Curiosity is one of the most amazing attributes a person can have. You'll find that everyone has a story and people are usually pretty okay with sharing it, so long as you ask.
Genevieve Huntington
Project Manager
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
I've gotten more into painting, hiking, and making playlists on Spotify!
Tell us about any pets you have at home
I have two Golden Doodles — one named Riley and one named Belle. They are the most wonderful furry creatures who I loved cuddling with!
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
Photographer! As I was growing up, my dream job was always to be a professional photographer who got to travel around the world and capture beautiful images.
Grace Cotton
Junior Graphic Designer
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“Alive”
Tell us about any pets you have at home
I have two dogs, Abby (bichon poodle mix) and Teddy (mini Australian shepherd poodle mix)!
Where do you get creative inspiration?
I am always looking for typography, color, layout, and illustration inspiration from Pinterest, Instagram, or out and about in the world.
Graceson Walker
Office Manager
Tell us about any pets you have at home
I have a Cockapoo named Yogi. He loves to collect socks. He is essentially my child and the coolest thing about me.
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
My first concert was Big Time Rush at Klipsch (or whatever its called these days). I went with my mom and sisters. I thought for sure they were going to come out to the crowd and see us.
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
I love the idea of owning a cute little coffee shop. I am sort of a coffee snob and love to bake, so I think it would just be fun to make treats for everyone and have delicious coffee. I also would like to think I wouldn’t charge $7 for a latte.
Graham Chaney
Senior Copywriter
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“Akira”
Tell us about any pets you have at home
One black cat named Bones.
Most rewarding part of the job?
Working together with a team of smart, funny people to turn an idea into reality.
Gretchen Kollman
Office Manager
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
I'm cheating and doing a TV series, “Dark.”
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Stone Temple Pilots
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
Landscape Designer
Hailey Schulte
Content Writer/QC Lead
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“La Vita è Bella”
Tell us about any pets you have at home
I have three very needy kitties at home. A tuxedo named Ferret, a diluted calico named Mallory, and a calico named Spoof. They're very sweet, but they will scream at you when they want attention (or lick your eyebrows).
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
Poet. Writing is in my blood, and I love using my words to help others, spread meaningful messages, and to express myself. I am a writer to the core, and I write poetry in my spare time. Even without advertising, I'd be lost in the world of the English written language.
Jake Mosher
Motion Graphics Editor
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“Howl's Moving Castle”
Tell us about any pets you have at home
We have a Shiba Inu at home named Teddy. He's very active and loves the outdoors!
Where do you get creative inspiration?
Outdoor scenery and adventure films.
Jenn Love Simpson
Marketing Analyst
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
I had a baby during the pandemic. No hobbies were “picked up.” I learned how to be a working SAHM and speech therapist — but that's 100% NOT a hobby.
Tell us about any pets you have at home
My smelly belly AKA Bella Blue. She's a pitbull husky mix with one brown eye and one blue eye. She's a rescue and the BEST big sister to her human brothers. She also enjoys getting skunked (eye roll).
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
I believe I'd be working for the school system in some way.
Jordan Fiedler
Owned Media Supervisor
Tell us about any pets you have at home
Lucy is our Goldendoodle who loves ice cubes and choosing her loudest toys when we want to watch TV. She is very much in her "puppy stage" and always puts her paw on you when she gets nervous — it is precious.
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Gwen Stefani and Akon when I was 7 years old. It was so off-brand for this One Direction and Jonas Brothers lover, but it was a dream to see Gwen perform her Sweet Escape album.
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
Singer! Just kidding, I cannot sing to save my life.
Julie Rasmussen
VP Media
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Puzzles
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Kool and the Gang
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
Kayak guide in a mountain somewhere.
Kiyoka Yahaba
Media & MarTech Manager
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“Thermae Romae” (A Japanese comedy about a Roman interested in public baths)
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
I learned how to cook more vegetarian dishes!
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
Motivational speaker! I love public speaking.
Lee Banov
Associate Director of Strategy
Tell us about any pets you have at home
Vera the greyhound is the queen of my apartment. A retired racer who only ran a few races because, according to the adoption group, "she was more interested in sniffing around the gate area than running around the track," Vera spends most of her average day alternating napping spots between her four beds, the couch, and my bed.
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Jay Z at Phillips Arena in Atlanta
Where do you get creative inspiration?
Reading! I'm not picky, either; I get inspiration from fiction, nonfiction, long-form articles, shorter-form articles and blogs, and even things like product write-ups. If you've ever read the descriptive copy for something like cologne or fancy chocolate, it's immediately clear that the writers were probably having some fun.
Framing familiar ideas in compelling ways is a big part of strategy, so I always appreciate great non-advertising writing that does the same thing. Reading is also obviously a big part of staying up to date with trends and culture, which is another key part of my job. On top of everything else, I just really enjoy a good turn of phrase.
Leslie Raatz
Director of Digital & Social Media
Tell us about any pets you have at home
I have two dogs and two cats. My dogs are Eddie, a 105-pound Labrador Retriever, and Frankie, a rescue from Tennessee. My cats are Scout and Carlos, who both act more like dogs than cats.
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Hole with Courtney Love
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
Lawyer
Lynda Jackson
Director, Project Management
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“Amelie”
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Boyz II Men, Mary J Blige and Montell Jordan! (the II album) — yes, I may have totally dated myself.
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
Pastry chef. Baking gives me life… (and it's an epic stress reliever.)
Maggie Branson
Account Director
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Online shopping
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Alanis Morissette
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
Detective
Mark Henderson
Associate Creative Director, Copywriter
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“Ran”
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Exploring state parks
Most rewarding part of the job?
Working with so many other smart, creative people every day.
Michael Griffith
Creative Director
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“City of God” (2002) — such a raw, authentic story of life in the slums during the '80s. A story of love and survival.
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Blink 182 — What's My Age Again? Old enough to know this band got me through some tough times, but were the catalyst to some pretty rad times, Dammit.
Advice for someone new to the business?
A few thoughts: Take it slow. Be eager to learn and ask questions, but pace yourself to avoid burnout or an unhealthy lifestyle. Don't chase awards. Work on finessing your craft and the awards will come in due time. Build bridges, don't break them. Rely on your team to help elevate your success. Advertising isn't "ME," it's "WE."
Michael Krieger
Director, Marketing Analytics & Operations
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
This is a toss-up between “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” and “Amelie.”
Tell us about any pets you have at home
Dog named Oscar, cat named Periwinkle Bubbles and a fish named … actually, I don't think the fish has a name.
Advice for someone new to the business?
The digital advertising space is ever-changing and nobody knows it all. Find a niche where you enjoy learning and testing new tactics.
Ryan Kenny
Project Manager
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“Oldboy”
Tell us about any pets you have at home
Two cats and a lizard. Binx the fat, Olive the fair, and Dexter the coldblooded (thing that sits under a heat lamp all day).
Most rewarding part of the job?
I love it when a plan comes together.
Sam Hanover
Director of Production
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“[REC]”
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Home improvement projects
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
Ping pong champion
Scott Arvin
Design Director
Tell us about any pets you have at home
I have a rose hair tarantula named Shelob.
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Tom Petty, and Lenny Kravitz opened for him.
Where do you get creative inspiration?
Everywhere. Creative inspiration is like the force, it's all around us.
Stephanie Winter
Senior Media Supervisor
Tell us about any pets you have at home
Two black cats and a Boxer puppy
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Bon Jovi and Cinderella
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …
Teacher
Tom Schwartz
Account Coordinator
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“The Worst Person in the World”
Tell us about any pets you have at home
I have a sweet pup named Florence. She's cute, dumb, and loves people. She's on the trading block if anyone wants her (kidding, but not kidding, but sort of kidding).
Where do you get creative inspiration?
Recently been getting into logo/design books which has sparked a lot of inspiration as of late!
Topher Howden
VP Marketing Strategy
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“Cidade de Deus,” you can tell I’m old because I didn’t answer “Parasite”.
Tell us about any pets you have at home
I have a small-horse-slash-Greyhound named Hazel, and a Maltese named Bentley. Both are for sale. OBO.
Advice for someone new to the business?
Be willing to try. Try new job functions. Try new strategies and tactics. Try something weird. Failure is a pretty quick teacher.
Pro DEI. Anti-racist.
And proud of it.
Let’s be honest; the advertising industry isn’t known for its diversity. But that’s changing.
At MKR, we’re proud of our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion within our walls. It informs the work we do and the daily conversations we have. As a founding member of the Indy Accompliceship Program, we join proactive organizations like Black Businesses Matter, Greater Together and 600 & Rising in continuing the mission to create meaningful, lasting change.
DEI is a journey, and MKR is beyond thankful for the ongoing guidance provided by Black Onyx Management as well as our monthly sessions with Dr. Gina Forrest. Learn more about our DEI path, including internship opportunities geared toward college students in our BIPOC communities, by contacting us at info@mkragency.com.
Our Values
Curiosity
Foster and grow a culture of questioning and learning around our clients, their audiences and ourselves.
Leadership
Own the responsibility that comes with leading our clients, our teams and our industry.
Excellence
Promote a culture of excellence in everything we do.
Every KPI in the business comes from the same place: Your Audience
Whether it’s a demographic, a persona, an entire industry or a lone CEO, the work begins by learning anything and everything there is to know about them. It’s part of what we call A1A, our Audience First Approach, and it’s how we unlock the Audience Truth. Because understanding their functional and emotional drivers is how we help brands have conversations that are welcoming, meaningful and successful.
See the results for yourself on our WORK page.
Egomaniacs, half-assers and solo artists need not apply.
We strive to create a working environment that empowers you to do the very best work of your career during your time with us. MKR is fully committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in our hiring practices, ongoing staff education and community partnership. Ours is a culture of creativity, flexibility and fur babies. And sometimes foosball. Also, gifs. Lots of gifs.
MKR offers competitive benefits that include:
- Unlimited vacation days – we insist employees “take a break” a minimum of 10 days/year
- Strategic Flexibility – work where you are most productive
- Health and dental insurance
- Vision, life and disability insurance covered 100% by MKR
- 401k with employer matching
We can’t promise it’ll be easy (it won’t). But we can promise it’ll be rewarding. If you’re curious, creative and hardwired for agency life, check out our open positions below.
Looking for a gig that doesn’t match what’s here? Send us your resume or portfolio and we’ll contact you if a new opportunity comes up.