Agency with Strong Marketing Strategy, Branding, Design

OVERVIEW

We take brands higher

Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Elevation is an integrated marketing firm dedicated to elevating the brands of our clients through creative and strategic excellence. Founded in 2001 by principals Aaron Dotson and Frank Gilliam, Elevation delivers a higher level of thinking and a higher level of service—helping our clients achieve a higher level of success.

Elevation has built a national reputation for excellence based on five core strengths:

We ask good questions
We understand the delicate balance between “brand” and “promotion”
We get it—and get it fast
We believe in the power of simplicity
We are design-centric

CAPABILITIES

Elevation delivers insight and integration throughout all levels of advertising. From broadcast to digital and print, our team of strategic planners and content creators seek new solutions to advertising’s age old problem: how can we deliver a compelling story to the right audience at the right time.

Brand identity goes far beyond logos, fonts and colors. Elevation excels at uncovering the unique messaging and core values at the heart of companies and organizations. Then our strategic creative team brings that brand to life in ways that bring consistency and connectivity to customers across all channels.

When the world is a blank canvas, creativity becomes your friend, not your foe. A compelling visual experience elevates customer perceptions and enhances the chances of success. Elevation emphasizes a clean and sophisticated design style that is consistent throughout our client roster yet distinctly different from brand to brand.

Content marketing delivers the ability to attract and convert—making it a powerful tool in a search intensive world. Elevation develops content with a clear purpose, drawing buyers in by helping them solve a challenge, then demonstrating our clients’ knowledge and expertise to convert visits to conversations.

Engage-ability. Track-ability. Scale-ability. We love the ability of digital to deliver the right audience at the right time with the content that drives action. We combine our digital team’s strategic capabilities with our creative team’s expertise to deliver the art and science of digital—whether that’s for search, social, display or site development.

In the new world of media, every communication becomes more targeted. Our one-on-one marketing experience ranges from traditional mail and email programs to complex lead generation and nurture programs that build relationships with potential customers before, during and after the sale.

Analytics tools provide a wealth of information. The challenge is selecting which data will best move the needle. Our team combines both online and offline programs to provide a holistic view of results and opportunities—from site assessments and competitive reviews to analytics dashboards and ROI analysis.

A company’s people are the heart of every product and every service. They are not just brand ambassadors—they are the brand itself. We build brands from the inside out, which means we develop integrated employee communications efforts into each and every marketing program.

When you get a better handle on the customer’s path to purchase, you get a better handle on closing the sale. With our insights into shopper behavior and marketing analytics, we can give you leverage on the shelf—and at every point prior.

Great products and services are only successful if you can convince customers to purchase them. Elevation creates careful promotional strategies that work together with your marketing campaign to get your brand in more customer’s hands—over and over and over again.

CLIENTS

Capital One
Carando Foods
Cerillo
Donate Life® Virginia
Evergreen™ Enterprises
Farmer John Foods
Farmland Foods
James River Association
LaDiff Modern Living
National D-Day Memorial
OrthoVirginia
Pairwise™
Propane (Propane Education & Research Council)
Silgan Dispensing
Smithfield® Foods
Swedish Match®
The Valentine
Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest
Virginia ABC
Virago Spirits
Virginia529™
Virginia Credit Union®
Virginia Tourism Corporation

PEOPLE

Aaron Dotson

Co-Founder, Executive Creative Director

He creates, builds and sells, sells, sells brands. A strategist and professor with a passion for storytelling who still loves the title “copywriter.” Recipient of the Richmond Ad Club’s highest honor: Advertising Person of the Year.

Frank Gilliam

Co-Founder

Carol Gregory

Director of Account Planning

When Carol enters the room, you know you’re going to be asked questions. Big, serious, thought-provoking questions. The kind that will allow her to develop the insights she uses to craft integrated marketing plans that deliver on both brand and sales drivers.

C.J. Hawn

Creative Director

A client’s dream and our ultimate triple threat: writer, art director and designer. Quick witted. Wickedly smart. Leads broadcast and video efforts around the nation and demands the best from others because she does from herself.

Kim Moore

Account Director

Strategically minded. Killer instincts. Always on top of everything (and yes, we mean everything). Kim always knows the right questions to ask to keep everyone on our team and yours moving toward the same goal.

Stacie Elliott

Chief Operating Officer

Imagine a CPA who actually “gets” marketing strategy—and tirelessly supports creatives and account teams in their drive for greatness. Meet Stacie. She helps our clients move their businesses forward. And that’s how she keeps moving ours forward, too.

Stephanie Lewis

Senior Account Manager

Have a project that demands an intense focus and absolutely zero chance for failure? Our clients often do, and that’s why so many of them get assigned to Stephanie. She is reliability and dependability personified, and always gets it done.

Daniel Uhorchuk

Senior Print Production Manager

When you jump out of airplanes for the United States Army, you learn that details matter. Daniel has an eye for detail like your life (or the life of your project) depends on it. That’s why we trust him with so many of our most important projects.

Heath Flohre

Senior Manager, Digital Design & Process

Heath is a rare combination of creative talent and organization who prides himself on staying ahead of the curve with creative technology. He supports our digital efforts and brings a critical eye to optimizing best-practices.

Emily Hutter

Senior Account Manager

You know that instinctive, super-sharp marketer you always wanted who was not only strategically minded but also a killer tactician? The multi-tasker extraordinaire who can think big yet never miss a single detail? That’s our Emily.

Scott Vadas

Senior Art Director

With a background that includes both Design Army and in-house corporate design departments, Scott not only knows how to push for the very best creative, but also understands that the work needs to, well, work. He delivers on both accounts.

Logan Graham

Senior Account Manager

Logan is a versatile marketer with a background in start-ups, media and non-profits. But it’s her experience integrating traditional and digital to create effective and engaging marketing campaigns that makes all the difference.

Simone Hunter

Social Media Manager

As a kid, Simone dreamed of being a fashion designer. So it’s not surprising as social media manager, she’s great at sketching out effective social media platforms. From increasing followers to executing trends that connect with relevant cultural moments, Simone knows how to work the social media runway, which is why she’s the perfect fit!

Hunter Knierim

Account Director

Cool. Calm. Collected. And above all else, incredibly insightful. With over 15 years experience as both a marketing leader and entrepreneur, Hunter brings a quiet thoughtfulness that his clients and colleagues find both assuring and inspiring.

Pam Tucker

Accounting Assistant

Your company's accounting department will appreciate Pam. And that means you will, too. With over a decade of agency finance experience at The Martin Agency, Pam keeps our billing and other financial matters buttoned up—and reminds us to get our time sheets in on time, too.

Ryan Muldoon

Senior Copywriter

With a career that has spanned music journalism and nonprofit communications—in addition to traditional agency work—Ryan brings significant writing experience to our clients. And his insight is matched by a level-headedness that makes Ryan the calm of the creative storm.

Matt Brown

Senior Graphic Designer

With specialties in illustration, package design and motion design, Matt brings over 20 years of experience to our clients—and does it with a smile and energy that makes him a favorite of everyone with whom he works.

Corey Lane

Senior Vice President

With a reputation as a serial “intrapreneur,” Corey challenges clients and agency partners alike to tap into innovative opportunities to grow their business with applied strategy and disciplined execution.

Beth Borum

Creative Director

With an artist’s eye, next-level design skills and a calm, clear focus, Beth elevates creative across the agency without breaking a sweat. After spending time in Chicago, she returned back east to her hometown to play a staring role at Elevation. Beth raises the bar for our team through thoughtful, high-impact creative that’s strategic—and stunning.

Kim Peters

Art Director

Kim’s like a can of soda—small, bubbly and packed with energy. Her detail-oriented eye can handle the nitty gritty nuances of an effective design, while never losing sight of the big picture. Currently based in Chicago, Kim’s free time consists of trying new restaurants, hiking in nearby parks, and soaking up all the creativity the city has to offer.

Brian Burton

Senior Copywriter

Armed with a versatile skillset and a desire to innovate, Brian thinks beyond the conventional by crafting unique solutions that range from product design to stunts and activations. With a career path that spans from Richmond to the Middle East and back, his work combines international experience with local insights.

Lauren Edwards

Account Manager

Lauren’s energy and meticulousness as a project manager at Elevation made her a favorite of both her clients and her creative teams—which is a delicate balancing act, indeed! Now as an account manager, Lauren is bringing the same level of attention and clarity to her work, while letting her leadership and strategy skills shine even more brightly.

Jason Sullivan

Art Director

Whenever he tackles a project, Jason has a simple formula: Sit down & work hard. Because he knows his designs can do more than just look great—they can solve client problems, too. It’s an approach he perfected working at some of Virginia’s top publications, as well as agency and in-house roles. But don’t assume he’s always at a desk. After hours, this dad of two enjoys hiking, cycling & anything outdoors.

Chris Fullman

Senior Manager, Development

Chris thinks big picture. Like, really big. Because he’s responsible for ensuring entire online ecosystems foster meaningful experiences for our clients, their customers and the greater community. How does he manage it all? By constantly learning new things to help him achieve his ultimate goal: Making the world a better place.

Kristin Youngblood

Senior Project Manager

Extremely friendly. Super organized. Creatively savvy. Just three out of a billion reasons why Kristin is a Project Manager extraordinaire. She's also a self-described “movie & beer nerd”. No wonder she’s equally loved by creatives, clients and just about anyone who walks through our front door.

Karin Krafcisin

Senior Copywriter

If it feels like Karin’s words dance off the page, it’s no accident. Because in addition to being a talented copywriter, she’s also a classical ballet teacher. And whether she’s choreographing a routine or crafting copy, she loves to flex her creative muscles and make sure the work gets elevated. Or as she tells students, “Relevé.”

Puck Byrne

Studio Artist

Meet the only designer in Richmond whose talent and personality are big enough to have a music festival named after him in Austin, Texas. Puck’s how-can-I-help-you? attitude and creative spirit make him a hit wherever he goes.

Whitney Charboneau

Project Manager

For Whitney, it’s all about the details. Whether she’s managing a project, or crafting quilts and jewelry at home, she makes sure everything is in the right place. Was she born to work at Elevation? Maybe. Because her sister Logan works here too—and they’re both superstars. Nice work, Mom and Dad!

Anna Schaefer

Social Media Manager

Combine a Criminology & Psychology undergrad with a master’s degree in Marketing and you get Anna—a social media guru whose knowledge of human behavior helps her truly understand the consumer and create amazing campaigns. Oh, and she also plays polo. (The horse kind!)

Jenifer Reinhart

Client Services Manager

Jenifer is Stacie Elliott’s right-hand person, assisting her with everything from time reports and invoicing to training new employees and assuring that our clients are happy. She loves cooking homemade Italian meals and has a passion for fashion. So when she’s hounding you to turn in those time sheets, you know she’s doing it with style!

Matthew Charboneau

Account Manager

Personable, curious and resourceful, Matt will leave no stone unturned when asked to look into something, which is what makes him such a stellar account manager. When he’s not actively auditioning to be the next Batman, he likes to spread his wings with poetry, music, and working as a sound designer. Holy smokes, he’s talented!

Hugh Callahan

Creative Director

Hugh considers himself a musical triple threat because he’s equally bad at guitar, bass and drums. There’s no question, however, he’s a superstar creative director known for growing brands and businesses, leading and inspiring teams to deliver highly effective communication, and creating work that’s bold, fresh and fun. That’s music to Elevation’s ears!

Donna Thompson

Project Manager

A self-described military brat, Donna has moved 37 times. It’s no surprise she has the resilience and people skills to be a successful project manager. From understanding clients’ project goals and requirements to working with creatives, Donna loves putting the puzzle pieces together. She’s also a classically trained opera singer, which makes her the perfect karaoke partner!

Grisha Kramer

Marketing Analyst

A recovering ski instructor, Grisha spent his childhood in Europe as a U.S. State Department kid. His exposure to other cultures and customs broadened his perspective, which is why he’s a whiz at connecting with others. When he’s not using his high energy to research and report on digital marketing campaigns, he dabbles in music and biking. Good luck keeping up with him!

Lesley Bruno

Director of Talent & Culture

Lesley’s goal is simple but important—sustaining Elevation’s talent-driven culture by making sure every team member gets the support they need to be successful. Her ability to foster and maintain relationships is what makes her such an extraordinary talent director.

Marissa Behm

Account Manager

For 15 years, Marissa has worked all over the country in marketing, sales, and account management, leaping from one achievement to the next. Now back in her hometown of Richmond, she continues to dazzle boardrooms with her keen insights and snappy presentations. When she’s not crushing deadlines, she can be found savoring culinary delights or breaking a sweat on her trusty Peloton.

Ashley Campbell

Project Manager

Multi-tasker extraordinaire Ashley juggles projects like an advertising pro, masterfully balancing budgets, deadlines, and client expectations with flair and finesse. When the curtain falls on her workday, she loves crafting cookies, cakes, and cupcakes for friends and family. Speaking of sweet surprises, both of her kids share the same New Year’s Eve birthday!

Mariah Kumpe

Junior Art Director

Mariah is a creative powerhouse who studied in dual tracks as an art director and strategist at VCU. While in school, she received multiple awards in student competitions, served as president of the VCU Ad Club, and worked as a professional freelancer. A self-taught musician, she loves strumming on the guitar and playing music as heartfelt as her art!

Jin Cho

Designer

Seoul-born Jin moved to Richmond in 2017, earning a VCUarts honors degree in graphic design. While at VCU, he gained recognition by receiving the Outstanding Portfolio Award. His motto in life: to constantly develop and create a new future that makes the world a better place. Jin’s unyielding dedication to his craft and determination to use it for the greater good are why we’re so happy he’s joined our team!

Matt Klimas

Senior Graphic Designer

Foodie, tree steward, and synthesizer enthusiast, Matt uses his solid experience and curiosity to design thoughtful visual systems that create lively brand expressions. With a skill set that includes branding and identity, advertising campaigns, print, illustration and design, he’s known for creating visual narratives that resonate with consumers and clients.

Pat O'Keefe

Account Planner

Meet Pat, our extremely talented strategist with an impressive background in language and writing. When he’s not weaving marketing master plans, he’s a French professor on demand or using his avid swim skills with the Water Rescue Squad in Avon, North Carolina. Pat’s not just a planner, he’s a one-man rescue team for distressed swimmers and ad campaigns!

Tori Jarvis

Hospitality & Office Manager

Tori’s always one step ahead, ensuring that our clients and team have precisely what they need. No request is too big or small—she navigates them all with spirit and grace! When the office lights dim, Tori loves to kick back with her husband and rescue dog and watch movies from her staggering collection of over 1,500 DVDS. So if you need a movie rec, you know who to call!

Amy Venhuizen

Senior Media Buyer

For over 30 years, Amy has used her technical expertise and exceptional interpersonal skills to secure the best prices and placements in the media buying world. Her desire to get wrapped up in every part of the media buying process makes her a true force! Always on the move, Amy loves bungee fitness, boating, and traveling around the country on a Harley with her husband.

Colleen King

Account Manager

With an eye for detail and penchant for problem-solving, Colleen masterfully bridges client vision with creative execution. Her knack for organization and deep understanding of the advertising landscape makes her an indispensable asset to our team. Beyond work, Colleen loves restoring vintage furniture, taking walks with her golden retriever Willie, and soaking in nature at the beach.