Chris Mortenson

Chief Executive Officer

After 30 years as a marketing executive with leading brands like Oscar Mayer, ConAgra, and American Greetings, Chris returned to Milwaukee to join MKR in 2007. He blends hands-on management with a deep understanding of consumer behavior to help clients achieve ROI and grow their businesses. Chris offers broad experience, deep knowledge, and valuable insight across a range of marketing disciplines — along with thoughtful leadership to the agency.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I enjoy golf, watching most sports (I’m a huge Packers and Badgers fan), collecting sports, presidential, and celebrity memorabilia, silver coins, and Lionel trains.

What is your favorite travel experience?

My trip to South America. I was asked to conduct research for Mobil Oil in São Paulo, Santiago, and Bueno Aires. It was an incredible experience observing different cultures and customs and meeting so many wonderful people.

What is your favorite ad campaign?

The original Lite Beer from Miller commercial, "Tastes great, less filling," featured hilarious characters, including Bob Uecker, Paul Hornung, Rodney Dangerfield, John Madden, Mickey Spillane, Bubba Smith, and Ray Nitschke.

Peter Kim

President and Chief Creative Officer

A copywriter by trade, Peter has created meaningful connections between audiences and brands such as Anheuser-Busch, Altoids, Chrysler, and more. His work has been recognized by many in the industry, earning awards from organizations such as The Webbys, The American Advertising Federation, and The One Show. He also recently received the AAF silver medal for excellence and responsibility in areas of social concern. Peter’s experience and expertise are integral to MKR, as is his ability to lead the team toward the best results possible for our clients.

What is your favorite travel experience?

The one where I don't think about anything other than just living in the moment.

What is your guilty pleasure movie?

Pulp Fiction.

What other fun facts do you want people to know about you?

I once received a death threat from a sitting US Senator. It was during a creative presentation. (Yes, I sold the campaign.)

Kayla Carmichael

Chief Relationship Officer

Kayla is a Texas native who took a chance on Indiana for a Public Relations internship that has since turned into a nearly two-decade career in communications and advertising. She’s passionate about telling brand stories that matter most to our clients and their audiences. Building genuine human connections and relationships, personal growth and leadership, and an entrepreneurial spirit are all key components to her success in her role. Kayla leverages all of her tools to aid businesses in achieving their goals by solving problems or preventing them in the first place.

What do you like to geek out about?

Plants and flowers. I learned how to make room for more, how to create variety, and how to have flowers (almost) all year long in my landscaping. Plants, plants, and more plants.

What’s the hidden gem in your city you want everyone to know about?

Newfields. Not only the museum, but the property itself. It's so beautiful and peaceful and has something to offer every season.

What brings you joy?

Human connection. Making memories with my family and friends. Walks, talks, and snuggles with my little loves. Pouring into people but also being around joyful people.

Tina Bethhauser

Chief Financial Officer

Tina brings nearly three decades of financial expertise and experience to MKR. Having led financial departments at TAI Diagnostics, WLCFS, and Hologic, she provides strategic management in areas ranging from accounting and finance to human resources and employee benefits. By assessing risks and identifying new opportunities, Tina ensures both the success of MKR and our clients. As a board member for the Milwaukee Homeless Veterans Initiative, she works with the Veterans Administration, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, and other nonprofit organizations to assist at-risk veterans.

What is your favorite travel experience?

Italian Riviera. The views, the food, and the experience!

What’s the hidden gem in your city you want everyone to know about?

Miller Brewery Beer Caves.

What superpower do you wish you had?

Grant wishes. Why not make people happy if you can do so?

Kristine Warski

Chief Marketing Officer

With 30 years of experience, Kristine is a consummate media expert, whether on B2B or B2C, local or national, or traditional or digital platforms. Kristine is passionate about connecting with people, hearing their stories, and encouraging each other on this journey called life. As an avid runner who has completed six marathons, Kristine knows the importance of planning, pacing, executing the plan, and achieving the win.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

Running. I run most days, year-round. It is a social outlet when I run with friends, or it can be meditative when I run by myself. It allows me to challenge myself on some days and go with the flow on other days. I have met some of my closest friends through the sport of running.

What is your favorite travel experience?

After I graduated from college, I took a month off and traveled the West Coast. It was my favorite because it was relaxed, and every day was a new adventure. California has so much to offer, from big cities to beaches, mountains, redwood trees, surfing, national parks, wine country, and more.

What’s the hidden gem in your city you want everyone to know about?

Fishers AgriPark.

Kelly Ryan

SVP of Business Development

With 25 years of professional expertise and a proven record of success, Kelly is a collaborative, motivated, and results-generating leader. Her experience ranges from publicity and traditional advertising to content creation and other emerging marketing technologies. Kelly supports clients by effectively communicating solutions designed to meet and surpass needs while providing an exceptional experience. As a strong, natural networker and communicator, Kelly excels at facilitating early-stage discussions and turning prospects into fulfilling, long-lasting client relationships.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

Traveling, reading, volunteering, and, of course, shopping!

What is your guilty pleasure movie?

Planes, Trains and Automobiles! You can never go wrong with a John Hughes film.

What’s the hidden gem in your city you want everyone to know about?

Dave's Rock Shop is in Evanston, Illinois. This is truly a hidden "gem." The shop has an amazing selection of rocks, crystals, and fossils, as well as a small fossil museum in the basement.

Maria J. Guirados

Creative Director

What hobbies do you enjoy?

Metalsmithing for jewelry-making, t-shirt design (for my kids), and crafting.

What is your favorite ad campaign?

Mac vs. PC. This is the first tastefully executed direct-comparison ad campaign I have seen. They created 66 ads under this campaign!

What superpower do you wish you had?

I would love to time travel and relive moments in my life firsthand, and see into the future!

Michael Griffith

Creative Director

What hobbies do you enjoy?

Lifting things up and putting them down. Cooking. Cycling. Gaming.

What is your favorite travel experience?

I once spent a month traveling through Europe. But it was the ten days I spent in Italy. Hiking the coastline. The Renaissance Art. The Tuscan hills. The farmhouse gelato. It was such a dream.

Who is your favorite fictional character?

Batman, of course. Because he's Batman.

Julie Rasmussen

VP Media

What is your favorite travel experience?

I went to London and Barcelona, and then on a Mediterranean cruise. It was my favorite because my adult children were with me.

What is your guilty pleasure movie?

Clueless. Classic feel-good movie. It’s so cute.

Describe your ‘death row meal.’

Lasagna and garlic bread. Why? Because it's the best comfort food ever.

Maggie Branson

Account Director

What is your favorite travel experience?

Ireland in 1997. I experienced my first trip out of the country with about 30 family members, including my beloved grandma and grandpa, cousins, aunts, and uncles. We traveled around Ireland and visited our family there.

What’s the hidden gem in your city you want everyone to know about?

The Golden Ace Inn — is one of the oldest family-owned pubs in the United States and the oldest Irish pub in Indianapolis. It was voted a top 10 Saint Patrick's Day party worldwide!

What superpower do you wish you had?

Invisibility, then I could be a fly on the wall and know everything.

Bridgette Wells

Accounting Manager

What do you like to geek out about?

Sharks, Hawaiian history/culture, studying ancestry, tide pools, Neanderthals

What is your guilty pleasure movie?

Anything from the Fast and Furious franchise.

What’s the hidden gem in your city you want everyone to know about?

It's not really hidden, but Lakeshore State Park is quite a gem. It's a beautiful spot on the lakefront with habitat for so many animals, yet it's right next to downtown. And just north of the city is my favorite spot, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center.

Graham Chaney

Associate Creative Director Copy

What is your favorite travel experience?

During our honeymoon in France, my wife and I had the privilege of dining at Le Cinq, a three-Michelin-star restaurant in the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris. I doubt I'll ever eat that good again.

Describe your ‘death row meal.’

Hook's Fifteen-Year Cheddar. Caesar salad from Goodkind in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Kebab with Sauce Algérienne and fries from Le Cheese Nan in Grenoble, France. A bottle of Chenin blanc. Lemon Chiffon ice cream from Mitchell's in San Francisco. A glass of sauternes, an espresso, and perhaps a menthol cigarette since I'm going to die anyway.

What’s the hidden gem in your city you want everyone to know about?

Blue Star Café on Farwell. Great East African food. Get the goat platter.

Gretchen Kollman

Office Manager

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I like gardening, playing board games and cards, hiking, seeing live bands, and talking to my two cats.

What do you like to geek out about?

I enjoy gardening and have incorporated flowers and plants that pollinators love in my yard. It's a bonus if they are native, drought-resistant, and don't require division.

What superpower do you wish you had?

Around the office I'm frequently referred to as "Super G." Having the power of flight would be on brand.

Scott Arvin

Design Director

What hobbies do you enjoy?

Birding, photography, and travel.

What is your favorite travel experience?

I've been to Costa Rica twice. The first time was for spring break in college with two of my brothers. We saw well over 100 species of birds. The second time was in 2014, and I took over 12,000 photos that week. I had lots of stories to tell, and the food and people were great.

Who is your favorite fictional character?

Darth Vader. Because he's Darth Vader.

Topher Howden

VP Marketing Strategy

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I enjoy cooking, collecting vinyl records, and playing video games.

What is your guilty pleasure movie?

There is no such thing as a guilty pleasure! Life is fleeting. Derive unironic enjoyment from the things you like. Also, Batman Returns.

What is your favorite ad campaign?

“It's Gotta Be the Shoes.” For a brief time in 1989, I wanted to be Mars Blackmon more than Michael Jordan.

Alexa Hornak

Associate Account Director

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I love trying new restaurants, gardening, cooking, spending time outside, decorating my home, and traveling.

What do you like to geek out about?

Reality TV. Anything on Bravo. Real Housewives, specifically.

Describe your ‘death row meal.’

Chips and queso is my go-to meal when I am happy or sad, so why not have them as my last meal?

Genevieve Huntington

Project Manager

What is your favorite travel experience?

My favorite travel experience was a cross-country road trip, during which I visited seven new national parks around Colorado and Utah. National parks remind me there is much to explore and nature to appreciate. I also got engaged on that trip, which is a plus!

What is your guilty pleasure movie?

The Devil Wears Prada. My family always watched this movie when I was younger, and it's comforting whenever I hear the opening song.

Describe your ‘death row meal.’

My death row meal would be a big homemade Italian dinner — tomato mozzarella basil caprese with balsamic vinaigrette, homemade pasta with bolognese sauce, garlic bread, and red wine. Then, a nice big slice of tiramisu to finish it off.

Clara Leslie

Senior Art Director

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I take care of my houseplants, go to concerts, and cook.

What is your guilty pleasure movie?

When Harry Met Sally, it does the heart good.

Describe your ‘death row meal.’

My mom's sausage biscuits and gravy. Heavy on the meat and spice.

Elijah VanDine

Graphic Designer

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I enjoy watching live music, watching movies, doing outdoor activities, traveling, cooking, and shrinking my clothes in the dryer. My wife told me to write that last part.

What is your guilty pleasure movie?

I don't have a guilty pleasure movie because I love what I love. I couldn't be a bigger superhero movie fanatic, so I suppose that would be it. I'm not ashamed, though.

What other fun facts do you want people to know about you?

I have synesthesia, a neurological condition that causes sensory crossovers. My numbers have color and personality type associations, time and dates feel like physical distances, sound can have shape, etc.

Carsen McCune

Account Executive

What hobbies do you enjoy?

Improv! I started this year and absolutely love it. Come see a show at ComedySportz Indy.

What is your favorite travel experience?

I recently went to NYC for the first time on a solo trip! There is so much to do in NYC, from the typical tourist attractions to the food and culture. You'll never get bored.

What brings you joy?

Being with people. And my two cats, Millie and Griffey.

Eddie Metzger

Strategist

What do you like to geek out about?

Computer networking. I love learning about how information is processed and communicated worldwide — from fiber internet innovations to the next generation of Wi-Fi. The impact of AI on this and other technologies is also fascinating.

What is your favorite ad campaign?

"Did You Mean MailChimp?" After MailChimp was mispronounced on a famous podcast, Droga5 leaned into our natural curiosity. Creating random campaigns like "KaleLimp," "MailShrimp," or "JailBlimp" generated tons of buzz. Still, when people searched for the topic online, search engines corrected them and directed them to the right place: Did you mean MailChimp?

What’s the hidden gem in your city you want everyone to know about?

Fountain Square Clay Center offers regular pottery classes, including wheel throwing, for all kinds of different levels.

Ryan Kenny

Project Manager

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I enjoy Dungeons and Dragons, aquarium keeping, and crafting good cocktails.

Describe your ‘death row meal.’

Mac and Cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food; there's no hidden answer.

If you were a color, what would you be?

PMS 19-4052, Pantone color of the year in 2020.

Claire Shih

Digital Media Specialist

What hobbies do you enjoy?

When I'm not working, I’m either on the tennis court channeling my inner Serena Williams or getting creative with a paintbrush. Tennis and painting keep me busy and inspired!

What is your favorite travel experience?

I love traveling, and my favorite city has to be Amsterdam! The environment is vibrant, the people are friendly, and the food is fantastic. Something about biking along the canals and exploring the city's unique charm keeps me wanting to return.

What brings you joy?

Sunshine and the ocean. There's nothing like the feeling of the sun on my face and the sound of waves crashing — it instantly brings me peace and happiness.

Grace Cotton

Graphic Designer

What do you like to geek out about?

Dogs. I absolutely love dogs. If I could, I'd be a professional dog petter.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I love crafting! Learning new ways to express my creativity brings me so much joy. Some of my favorite crafts are making small clay food figurines, needle felting, and designing paper stars.

What brings you joy?

I recently have been getting into collecting cute things. I collect Sonny Angels, vintage Polly Pockets, Calico Critters, Jellycats, and anything Grogu themed! It's healing my inner child. 🙂

Graceson Walker

Office Manager

What is your favorite travel experience?

I loved going to Aruba with my husband. It was our first time traveling alone together, and it was beautiful there.

What do you like to geek out about?

Coffee. I love making little espresso drinks and experimenting with pour-over coffee.

Describe your ‘death row meal.’

My "death row meal" would probably start with parmesan garlic bread from Maialina. The second course would be a filet and truffle fries, but not the thick wedges. To finish out the meal, I would get a hot fudge brownie sundae.

Sam Hanover

Director of Production

Who is your favorite fictional character?

James Bond. I grew up watching all of the James Bond movies, especially the Sean Connery and Roger Moore era.

What is your favorite ad campaign?

At MKR, "This Is May" has been my favorite campaign. It was truly unique how three words could resonate with an entire fan base and city. Those words still live on five years after the original campaign.

What brings you joy?

As a dad of two young children — getting a full night of sleep.

Tom Schwartz

Account Executive

What hobbies do you enjoy?

Cycling and collecting vintage memorabilia (either Milwaukee Bucks gear or old beer advertisements).

What is your guilty pleasure movie?

It has to be Major League. Love me some Wesley Snipes and Bob Uecker.

Who is your favorite fictional character?

Ben Quadinaros from Star Wars Episode 1. He only gets about 20 seconds of screen time, but he has such an all-time great name.

Eric Sandoval

Account Executive

What is your favorite travel experience?

I traveled to Belgium in 2019, and it was the best trip of my life. It was my first time in Europe, and I got to experience and appreciate a lot of rich history, fantastic food, and completely different languages. Plus, it was my first time biking from one country to another.

If you were a color, what would you be?

I choose royal blue. Unlike most shades of blue, which can convey sadness, royal blue has an electrifying quality that I love. It stands out in the best way without being too overbearing.

What brings you joy?

Music brings me joy. I listen to music daily, which is weird to think about, but it is an essential part of my life. My choice of music changes by the minute, but at the end of the day, some of my happiest moments have been while listening to music.

Stephanie Winter

Senior Media Supervisor

What do you like to geek out about?

True crime documentaries, books, and podcasts.

What’s the hidden gem in your city you want everyone to know about?

7 Bridges. It is a beautiful hike along Lake Michigan, and rumor is it is haunted, so don't go at night!

What superpower do you wish you had?

To fly! Then, I could travel anywhere quickly and often.

Jake Mosher

Motion Graphics Editor

What is your favorite travel experience?

In France and Italy, traveling, experiencing the culture, and seeing the historic sights were amazing!

Describe your ‘death row meal.’

Crispy pork belly, it's the best thing I can think of.

What superpower do you wish you had?

I'd stop time so I can do everything I want instantly.

Annie Melbert

Associate Producer

What is your favorite travel experience?

I feel fortunate to have spent almost three months in Mexico City and Oaxaca last summer (2023). Not only did I get to brush up on my Spanish skills, but I also met so many lovely people, ate delicious food, and went on some fantastic hikes. Mexico is endlessly beautiful and so culturally diverse. I'm already itching to go back.

What’s the hidden gem in your city you want everyone to know about?

My Sugar Pie is an adorable little pie shop in downtown Zionsville. Their sugar cream pie and Dutch apple are two of my absolute favorites.

What superpower do you wish you had?

I would love to be able to speak every language.

Lee Banov

Associate Director of Strategy

What do you like to geek out about?

Watches! Learning about them means learning about history, tradition, innovation, engineering, and the power of branding and positioning — all in a tiny package.

What is your favorite ad campaign?

MetRX’s “Monster” is a brilliantly written campaign that is built on the idea that inside any competitor is their pleasant daily persona, but there is also the beast that can be allowed to run wild.
Even as someone whose athletic career peaked around halfway decent pickup basketball player, I felt this on a personal level.

What other fun facts do you want people to know about you?

I once beat a food challenge that the host of Man v. Food couldn't.

Emily Wright

Account Supervisor

What do you like to geek out about?

Home decor and design, vintage anything, music, and food.

Who is your favorite fictional character?

Buffy Summers is the embodiment of strength and bravery. Her outfits are killer, and she's sarcastic and funny.

What brings you joy?

Nothing can't be solved by blasting my favorite music and dancing.

Jennifer Love Simpson

Marketing Analyst

What do you like to geek out about?

Friends (the TV show).

What is your favorite ad campaign?

McDonald's “I'm Lovin' It” because it's the first campaign I can remember (from when I was a little kid) — and it's one no one will ever forget.

What superpower do you wish you had?

Invisibility. I'm a mom to three little boys, and sometimes it would be nice for them to have to go to their dad instead of their mom (especially if they can't find Mom).

Jordan Fiedler

Owned Media Supervisor

What hobbies do you enjoy?

I enjoy cooking, serving in the kid's ministry at my church, visiting coffee shops, reading, planning trips, and watching Architectural Digest's Open Door series.

What is your favorite ad campaign?

I loved Dove's “Real Beauty” campaign. I loved the ads when someone sketched a portrait of how women describe themselves vs. how strangers describe them. It's moving and impactful. I also loved the Google spot with the word of the year/most searched words during the Super Bowl. It was really interesting.

If you were a color, what would you be?

Alabaster by Sherwin-Williams because it's currently all over my hands and all over my house.

Hailey Shulte

Content Writer & QC Lead

What hobbies do you enjoy?

Outside of work, you can find me playing the video game "Dead By Daylight," listening to bands’ entire discographies, or writing poems in my journal while sitting at the park.

What do you like to geek out about?

Lyrics. I could analyze the meaning of songs all day long. Beware, if you ask me what a certain song means, you'll get an entire Ted-Talk-length explanation from me. I am especially fond of Noah Kahan, Twenty One Pilots, and Keaton Henson.

Who is your favorite fictional character?

If I had to pick a favorite fictional character, I would go with Charlie from The Perks of Being a Wallflower. I read that book for the first time at a pivotal point in my life, and Charlie was the first glimpse of "representation" I felt from literature. I adore how sweet, gentle, honest, and open he is.

Leslie Raatz

Digital and Social Media Director

What do you like to geek out about?

Antiques. Particularly 1800s Victorian furniture.

Describe your ‘death row meal.’

A cheeseburger and fries. I could eat that every day.

What hobbies do you enjoy?

DIY projects, thrifting/antique shopping, walking my dog, and spending time with family

Matt Mesa

Copywriter

What is your favorite travel experience?

When I went to Italy, an old woman came up to me speaking Italian. When she realized I only spoke English, she said "Ohhhh, American. It's okay, no one's perfect." I think about her a lot.

What is your favorite ad campaign?

"You're Not You When You're Hungry" by Snickers, because I, too, become the best version of myself when handed a sweet treat.

What do you like to geek out about?

Music. I'm always on the hunt for new bops, falling in love with older songs, and putting together playlists.

Mark Henderson

Associate Creative Director Copy

What is your guilty pleasure movie?

Big Trouble in Little China by John Carpenter is totally over the top in the best possible way. Honorable mention: The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension.

What’s the hidden gem in your city you want everyone to know about?

The Milwaukee River Greenway includes 800 acres of forest trails and green space right in the heart of the city.

What brings you joy?

Stretching my limits and learning something new.

Michael Krieger

Director, Marketing Analytics and Operations

What is your favorite travel experience?

Colombia is a magnificent country filled with lovely people, gorgeous landscapes, and delicious food.

What is your guilty pleasure movie?

The Matrix because, if you think about it, there really is no spoon. Or is there?

What’s the hidden gem in your city you want everyone to know about?

Wouldn't you like to know?

Lily Michal

Account Director

What is your favorite travel experience?

When I studied abroad in Milan, Italy, I took a sociology class that completely changed the way I travel and visit new places. The professor said if we only take one thing away from her class, she wanted it to be the value of getting lost on purpose.

What is your favorite ad campaign?

Coca-Cola's "Share the Derby" 2013/2014 spin-off of their "Share a Coke" campaign.

What other fun facts do you want people to know about you?

I learned to read and write in Spanish before English, but I am no longer fluent.

Bryan Padovano

Associate Creative Director

What hobbies do you enjoy?

Organic Farming. My wife and I have a six-acre USDA Certified Organic Veggie farm in Germantown, WI. I love being outside, working with my hands, and slinging veggies at a farmers market!

What is your favorite travel experience?

Five-day backpacking trip in Patagonia which will likely never be topped. Being on the other side of the world without phone service in arguably the most beautiful place on earth truly is unforgettable.

What’s the hidden gem in your city you want everyone to know about?

Old Germantown! There is no sign. You just have to know about it. They're a family owned and operated farmstead brewery and restaurant known for wood-fired pizzas and housemade sausages.

Justin Pyles

Senior Designer

What hobbies do you enjoy?

Sports photography, video games with friends, riding my bike, playing with my frenchie.

Who is your favorite fictional character?

Luffy from One Piece. He has infectious optimism and unwavering loyalty to his friends.

What other fun facts do you want people to know about you?

In 2nd grade, I was our class's bubble gum bubble-blowing champion.