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.
Bob Bourgeois
Chief Strategy Officer
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
Anything by Jacques Tati (“Mr. Hulot's Holiday” is a favorite)
Tell us about any pets you have at home?
Lambeau is our 50-lb goldendoodle. A kindhearted, people-focused canine knucklehead who likes to join us on walks and runs.
If you weren’t in advertising you’d be a...
College professor
Kelley Briggs
Chief Operating Officer
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Gardening and house plant collecting. Did you know there’s a subscription box for live plants?
Tell us about any pets you have at home?
Lucy is a 6-year-old Jack Russell beagle mix who likes showing off her vocals. Harry is a 7-year-old cat who is the color of smoke and looks more like the alien from "Attack the Block". Clark is a 12-year-old black cat who is basically my familiar. If he starts talking all of my secrets get out.
If I weren’t in advertising I’d be a...
Florist
Breah Mortenson
Chief Legal & Business Strategy 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 ...
Civil rights attorney
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 ...
an accountant...I was always meant to be an accountant
Anna Kranz
Project Manager
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
WALL-E (I've got 6 kids.)
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Yoga and floor plan creation
Advice for someone new to the business?
Stay curious, keep learning, try your best, have good intentions and trust yourself and your team.
Brian Gray
Design Director
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Rebuilding a 1969 VW Beetle
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Skid Row and Bon Jovi
Most rewarding part of the job?
Helping creatives get better, push harder and find joy in the creative process.
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 ...
Anthropologist
Carsen McCune
Account Coordinator
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 5-year-old 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 ...
I would be a high school English teacher. I'm a grammar nerd and own A LOT of cardigans.
Chris Summers
SVP Media & Insights
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“Accident”
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Neil Diamond
Advice for someone new to the business?
Failure is just learning something new. Be willing to dig in and try something new to reach your audience.
Clara Leslie
Graphic Designer
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“Parasite”
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Gardening & cooking
Where do you get creative inspiration?
Screen printed concert posters, music, textures, vintage advertisements, fine art
Dan Gronitz
Digital Developer
What’s your favorite non-English movie?
“7 Samurai”
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Calligraphy
Advice for someone new to the business?
Be well rounded. Always continue to learn and grow — even outside of your role. The more you know about what other people do the better you'll be at your own job.
Eddie Metzger
Account Executive
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.
Ethan Bremer
Senior Graphic Designer
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Woodworking
Tell us about any pets you have at home?
Rosie, a two-year-old Black Lab/Belgian Malinois mix
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a ...
Architect
Genevieve Huntington
Account Coordinator
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
I've gotten more into painting, hiking, 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...
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.
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.
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.
Jason Brewer
Media Supervisor
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
I'm quite the at home barista now. Espresso, lattes, iced lattes, and even the occasional (very bad) latte art.
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
The very first concert I ever attended was M.C. Hammer on the 2 Legit 2 Quit tour. (Yes, the parachute pants were as bad as you remember)
Advice for someone new to the business
Don't be afraid to fail. When you do fail, and you will, fail quickly.
Jenn Simpson
Data 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...
I believe I'd be working for the school system in some way.
Jordan Axel
Social Media Manager
Tell us about any pets you have at home?
Lucy is our 1-year-old 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 your 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 Brother lover, but it was a dream to see Gwen perform her Sweet Escape album.
If I weren’t in advertising I’d be a...
Singer! Just kidding, I cannot sing to save my life.
Julie Rasmussen
Media Director
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...
Kayak guide in a mountain somewhere
Kayla Carmichael
SVP, Account Management
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
My Dad played in a band so I was at one of his "gigs" just a couple of 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 ...
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.
Kiyoka Yahaba
Media Coordinator
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 ...
motivational speaker! I love public speaking.
Kristine Warski
VP, Media
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.
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 ...
Pastry chef. Baking gives me life...(and it's an epic stress reliever)
Maggie Branson
Account Supervisor
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 ...
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.
Matt Dougherty
Account Director
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Amateur video editing... (Nothing of quality but better than those TikTok people)
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Panic at the Disco! (stereotypical millennial angst time frame)
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a ...
Obviously a professional SAG hand model!
Michael Vojvodich
Creative Director
Tell us about any pets you have at home?
Ginger, our lovely Plott Hound
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Queen
If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a ...
Something in astrology or geology
Sam Hanover
Senior Producer
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 ...
Ping pong champion
Sarah Pittner
VP, Planning
Tell us about any pets you have at home?
Barkley: Rat Terrier Beagle Mix from Tennessee, and was adopted from the Wisconsin Humane Society
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Reba McEntire with my mom circa 1996
Most rewarding part of the job?
The most rewarding part of my role is helping MKR clients exceed their business objectives and make a positive impact with their audiences.
Stephanie Winter
Senior Media Supervisor
Tell us about any pets you have at home?
2 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 ...
Teacher
Taylor French
Digital Content Designer
What hobbies did you pick up during the pandemic?
Photography and weightlifting
What’s the first concert you ever attended?
Cheetah Girls
Most rewarding part of the job?
Seeing my work out in the world
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 welcome, meaningful and successful.
See the results for yourself on our WORK page.
Egomaniacs, half-assers and solo artists need not apply.
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 a resume, a portfolio link or a picture of your pet to jobs@mkragency.com. We’ll find you if something comes up.
