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

Chris

Chief Executive Officer

Chris Mortenson - Chief Executive Officer

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

Peter

President, CCO

Peter Kim - President, CCO

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 - Partner/Chief Development Officer

Bob

Partner/Chief Development Officer

Bob Bourgeois - Partner/Chief Development Officer

Bob Bourgeois

Partner/Chief Development 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 I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …

College professor

Kayla Carmichael - Chief Relationship Officer

Kayla

Chief Relationship Officer

Kayla Carmichael - Chief Relationship Officer

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

Tina

Chief Financial Officer

Tina Bethhauser - Chief Financial Officer

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

Breah

Chief Legal Officer

Breah Mortenson - Chief Legal Officer

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

Kristine

Chief Marketing Officer

Kristine Warski - Chief Marketing Officer

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

Annie

Associate Producer

Annie Melbert - Associate Producer

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

Bridgette

Accounting Manager

Bridgette Wells - Accounting Manager

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

Carsen

Account Executive

Carsen McCune - Account Executive

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.

Claire Shih - Digital Media Specialist

Claire

Digital Media Specialist

Claire Shih - Digital Media Specialist

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

Clara

Senior Art Director

Clara Leslie - Senior Art Director

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

Dan Gronitz - Digital Developer

Dan

Digital Developer

Dan Gronitz - Digital Developer

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 Supervisor

Eddie

Account Supervisor

Eddie Metzger - Account Supervisor

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

Elijah

Graphic Designer

Elijah VanDine - Graphic Designer

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

Eric

Account Executive

Eric Sandoval - Account Executive

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.

Ethan Bremer - Senior Graphic Designer

Ethan

Senior Graphic Designer

Ethan Bremer - Senior Graphic Designer

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 Black Lab/Belgian Malinois mix

If I weren’t in advertising, I’d be a(n) …

Architect

Genevieve Huntington - Project Manager

Genevieve

Project Manager

Genevieve Huntington - Project Manager

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

Grace

Junior Graphic Designer

Grace Cotton - Junior Graphic Designer

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

Graceson

Office Manager

Graceson Walker - Office Manager

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

Graham

Senior Copywriter

Graham Chaney - Senior Copywriter

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

Gretchen

Office Manager

Gretchen Kollman - Office Manager

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

Hailey

Content Writer/QC Lead

Hailey Schulte - Content Writer/QC Lead

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.

Jeanine Boudreau - Account Director

Jeanine

Account Director

Jeanine Boudreau - Account Director

Jeanine Boudreau

Account Director

Tell us about any pets you have at home

So many pets and all rescues! Ruby is our mixed-breed dog, Mumford is our Great Dane, Mac is our orange tabby cat, Punky is our black cat, Peanut is our tortoiseshell cat, and Bunny is our Siamese mix cat.

What’s the first concert you ever attended?

Spin Doctors

Most rewarding part of the job?

Immersing myself in my clients' industries/verticals and seeing great creative come to life.

Jake Mosher - Motion Graphics Editor

Jake

Motion Graphics Editor

Jake Mosher - Motion Graphics Editor

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 - Digital Media Director

Jason

Digital Media Director

Jason Brewer - Digital Media Director

Jason Brewer

Digital Media Director

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 Love Simpson - Marketing Analyst

Jenn

Marketing Analyst

Jenn Love Simpson - Marketing Analyst

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

Jordan

Owned Media Supervisor

Jordan Fiedler - Owned Media Supervisor

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

Julie

VP Media

Julie Rasmussen - VP Media

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

Kiyoka

Media & MarTech Manager

Kiyoka Yahaba - Media & MarTech Manager

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.

Lynda Jackson - Director, Project Management

Lynda

Director, Project Management

Lynda Jackson - Director, Project Management

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

Maggie

Account Director

Maggie Branson - Account Director

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

Mark

Associate Creative Director, Copywriter

Mark Henderson - Associate Creative Director, Copywriter

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 Krieger - Director, Marketing Analytics & Operations

Michael

Director, Marketing Analytics & Operations

Michael Krieger - Director, Marketing Analytics & Operations

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.

Michael Vojvodich - VP, Creative Director

Michael

VP, Creative Director

Michael Vojvodich - VP, Creative Director

Michael Vojvodich

VP, 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(n) …

Something in astrology or geology

Ryan Kenny - Project Manager

Ryan

Project Manager

Ryan Kenny - Project Manager

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

Sam

Director of Production

Sam Hanover - Director of Production

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

Scott

Design Director

Scott Arvin - Design Director

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

Stephanie

Senior Media Supervisor

Stephanie Winter - Senior Media Supervisor

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

Tom

Account Coordinator

Tom Schwartz - Account Coordinator

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

Topher

VP Marketing Strategy

Topher Howden - VP Marketing Strategy

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.

60%

of companies have metrics in place to measure the success of their diversity and inclusion efforts.

87%

Diverse teams are 87% better at making decisions.

1.7x

Inclusive companies are 1.7x more innovative.

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.