We are a passionate group of entrepreneurs, writers, and content junkies who love what we do. With backgrounds ranging from journalism to tech startups to Fortune 500 companies, we tackle the world of thought leadership and content marketing from all angles.
I love reading, learning, golf, orange Gatorade, and, most importantly, our amazing Influence & Co. team.
Kelsey Raymond
Co-founder, CEO
I have a passion for building the credibility of companies and individuals. I love what I do, mostly because of the talented group on this page.
John Hall
Co-founder, Advisor
My goal is to create an amazing experience for our clients from their very first interaction with our brand. My happy place is anywhere with good wine and cheese.
Alyssa Patzius
Vice President of Client Experience
I love the diversity of my career. Each day brings new challenges and opportunities, which enable me to constantly learn and grow as a professional.
Courtney Mudd
Director of Human Resources
I'm creatively passionate about making every day the greatest day of my life. I'm a lover of trying new things, telling stories, and, of course, singing along to my favorite song, "Call Me Maybe."
Taylor Oster
Director of Marketing
Account & Content Strategy
Your account strategist is the lead on your account; he or she is in charge of creating and implementing your content strategy and is your dedicated point of contact throughout our process (as well as your new best friend). Your content strategist is the master of your content. He or she works to ensure that your content is engaging and effective.
I'm a hopeless bookworm seeking to satisfy my inquisitive nature. I adore my family, coffee, and watching a thunderstorm roll in.
Jennifer Faddis
Director of Account Services
I'm a nerd at heart with a background in biochemistry and an adoration for articles. I enjoy getting lost in the woods, old record players, exploring new places, and attempting to paint (heavy on the word “attempting”).
Sara Koller
Director of Account Services
I gain energy by helping people reach their goals. I believe when people are aligned with their passions, the world is brighter. I am passionate about social enterprises, seizing the day, and being a sunshine kid.
Heidi Sharp
Director of Account Services
I find joy in leaving things better than I found them. Navy-striped apparel, chocolate-covered pretzels, and the perfect happy hour make me smile.
Joanie Zinser
Director of Account Services
I’m a travel nerd at heart and love talking about health, the nonprofit world, CSR, and entrepreneurship. When I’m not at ICo, you’ll find me drinking copious amounts of coffee, eating chocolate, restoring furniture, and watching made-for-TV movies.
Frances Gordon
Senior Content Strategist
I enjoy crafting content to be the best it can be. I also enjoy spending time with my family, songwriting, recording, and hiking.
Kyle Kelley
Senior Content Strategist
I really enjoy working with our clients to see their knowledge and passion come to life in articles. I am a lover of good books, delicious food, perfectly aged bourbon, Kentucky basketball, and Ryan Gosling.
Lindsey Poenie
Senior Account Strategist
I'm constantly fascinated by the written word in all its forms. Outside of crafting content at Influence & Co., I enjoy guitars, vintage Polaroids, camping with my family, and a good pair of boots.
Robert Watson
Senior Content Strategist
I love great people, products, and ideas, but I love compelling content that effectively communicates those things even more. I pretend I'm not a content marketing nerd by riding my motorcycle, grilling, and cheering on the Green Bay Packers.
Sarah Czirr
Account Strategist
You will never find a more devoted foe of imprecise, drab writing. I devour caffeine, news blogs and heavy metal.
Jeremy Doherty
Content Strategist
My favorite part of creating content at ICo. is learning about our clients. When I'm not working, you can find me kayaking on a local lake, working out at the gym, or living my life to the fullest with my family and friends. Proud dog dad of a 5-year-old black Lab named Daisy.
Eric Dunn
Account Strategist
I'm a marketer by trade and storyteller at heart. Some of my favorite stories include a janitor at Harvard who is wicked smart and a Martian trying to return home. Oh, and all my favorite stories include Matt Damon.
Elliot Glass
Account Strategist
Charlie Chaplin said it best: “A day without laughter is a day wasted,” which is why I love sitcoms. I also love reading and spending time with my family. A total foodie, I am always on the lookout for the next great restaurant.
Susan Goedde
Content Strategist
I love traveling to new places and buying new shoes. I also love meeting new people — if you do, too, let's grab a time to connect and chat about content!
Alexa Hartwig
Account Strategist
I'm a singing and bicycling writer-of-all-trades who loves nothing more than polishing a clunky sentence until it gleams and moves the narrative forward.
Bridget Healy
Content Strategist
Getting to know the clients and learning more about them is my favorite thing about Influence & Co.! Outside of work, I am at the gym, binge-watching a Netflix series, or talking your ear off about Chiefs football!
Aaron Heathman
Account Strategist
I'm a travel-loving yoga fanatic with an appetite for great storytelling. I'll never turn down Asian cuisine, live music, or any opportunity for an adrenaline rush.
Alyssa Johnson
Content Strategist
I wrote my first "book" at age six, and that same love for creating compelling content has followed me into my adult life. When I'm not working with clients, you can find me hitting the trails for a run or asking people if I can pet their dog.
Michelle King
Content Strategist
I enjoy learning new things, meeting new people, and talking about sports. I’m a devoted New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Missouri Tigers fan, and I love watching tennis and women’s basketball. I’m always eager to swap podcast recommendations, and I’ll never turn down Thai food or a good book.
Jacqueline LeBlanc
Account Strategist
Strategic communication is at the core of who I am. Building meaningful relationships, crafting content, and outlining the foundation for our clients' marketing strategy are what get me excited to come to work every day. I'm a swammer, photographer, and LGBTQ+ advocate, and I definitely consume too much social media.
Matthias McManus
Content Strategist
I'm passionate about digital marketing, particularly SEO. I enjoy sports, traveling, Lake of the Ozarks, spending time with family and friends, and whatever else life throws my way.
Tony Patrick
Director of Digitial Marketing
Like everyone else here, I love to read, but I also love to watch bad horror movies and tweet about Colorado Rockies baseball. Proud wiener dog owner.
Matt Patston
Content Strategist
I'm an extroverted introvert with a relentless pursuit of perfection and a fierce passion for strong coffee, craft beer, live music, Mexican food, and the written word.
Kara Shobe
Account Strategist
Slightly (completely) obsessed with dark chocolate, coffee, running, and being surrounded with my passionate ICo family!
Morgan Salmons
Account Strategist
I enjoy partnering with our clients and becoming their personal content consultant, creating timeless and thought-provoking articles. I enjoy a good book, passionate and inspiring conversations, family outings, exquisite BBQ, and all things Columbia College.
D'Markus Thomas-Brown
Account Strategist
I'm passionate about making good ideas better and finding the ideal music to complement a mood. After work, you can catch me between the record store and the gym.
Scott Trausch
Content Strategist
Business Development & Marketing
Our business development/marketing team is all about getting our name out there. This team of extroverts loves starting your journey with Influence & Co. out on the right foot.
Like the true Texan that I am, nothing can brighten my day like some chips and salsa paired with a fresh margarita. When I’m not creating content, you can find me learning a new baking technique, watching The Office for the 8th time, or perusing the aisles of Target.
Chelsea Branscum
Creative Strategist
I love the St. Louis Cardinals, Mr. Pibb, and Reese's. My favorite things to do are spend time with my family, play outside, and wrestle with my Great Dane.
Cherish Grimm
Vice President
I am a lover of entrepreneurship, learning, and making a difference. The "St. Louis" Rams will always have a special place in my heart.
Matt Kamp
SVP
Newsrooms don’t have craft beer, chalkboard walls, and ping-pong tables, so I switched from journalism to marketing. I stayed because I truly believe that every company has a unique story and that content marketing is the most authentic way to use it for good.
Lauren Morrow
Content Marketing Specialist
I like my coffee black, my whiskey straight, and travel when I can afford it. I think most people just want to feel heard, and I’m happy to comply. I've also taken a sworn oath to never eat sushi.
Brittni Ratliff
Vice President
I'm an outgoing die-hard St. Louis Cardinals fan and sushi enthusiast. I get excited about creative writing and helping entrepreneurs present their accomplishments to the public.
Becky Ruyle
Client Engagement Specialist
I absolutely love meeting new people, and my drink of choice is champagne (I'm fancy). I prefer to spend my days outside, riding my bike or catching up on my favorite blogs. I enjoy telling stories about my cat, even though no one is listening.
Natalie Slyman
Director of Content & Social Media
I enjoy riding horses, helping entrepreneurs creatively achieve success, and eating chocolate (sometimes simultaneously). My love of coffee helps fuel my passions for continuing education and technology.
Natalie Stezovsky
Vice President
Editorial
This team of grammar gods and goddesses can’t wait to obsess over your content. This team loves to read, write, edit, and enhance your content to ensure that it's in tip-top shape.
I love books, yoga, ice cream, coffee, and British humor. When I’m not editing, I’m probably having a living room dance party.
Katie Doherty
Managing Editor
I’m a technology nerd and recovering newspaperman who values punctuality, creativity, and brevity. I also make a wicked Key lime pie.
Ryan Gauthier
Managing Editor
My life revolves around drinking coffee, reading new books, painting, and working with my editorial teammates, and that’s the way I like it.
Diane Kielhofner
Managing Editor
I love my menfolk, plying people with food and drink, traveling, music, and film. When I'm not buffing content to a shine, I wield a mean cocktail shaker, read books in threes, and do the NYT crossword puzzle (in pen, like my dad).
Karen Pasley
Managing Editor
I love reading, hanging out with my awesome husband, listening to live music, and vegging out with Netflix. Bad grammar makes me [sic].
Lauren Tellman
Managing Editor
I'm passionate about podcasts, donuts, board games, and working with words. I've loved reading and writing since childhood, and I'm excited to use my background in journalism and English to take on the content marketing world.
Emily Datz
Senior Editor
Words are cool. I like sports, TV, and breakfast food at any time of the day. Seriously, let’s go get an omelet.
Joshua Mosley
Senior Editor
A child who grew up reading the dictionary for fun turned into an adult-sized boy who obsesses over syllables, synonyms[,] and syntax. Devout Oxford comma detractor and Cardinals baseball radio listener.
Kevin Carlson
Editor
I have a passion for words and organizing, which landed me where I am today. When I'm not rearranging sentences or poring through style guides, you'll probably find me fermenting random things, trying new restaurants or recipes, hiking, gardening, or hanging out with my two beautiful cats (who also happen to have silly human names).
Marlee Ellison
Editor
I have always loved the inner workings of language and diving deep into the rules of grammar, style, and usage. My other passions include dogs (specifically my very large dog, Lucy), live music, and all things '90s.
Jenna Fear
Editor
I’m a dog person who ended up with two cats and a fish named Relish. After work, you can probably find me at the library or playing games with my partner, Cory, and little dude, Jude. I believe bookmarks are for quitters.
Laura Heck
Editor
I’m a little obsessive in most aspects of life, beginning with my cats and (not) ending with reading, music, spirits, horror movies, and cheese. Mmm, cheese.
Amanda Keefe
Editor
I'm a mix of the lexicon of sports, the mystery of word games, and the poetry of rock 'n' roll. When I'm not telling other people's stories, I enjoy traveling, cooking, and spending time with my family.
Matt Nestor
Editor
I am equal parts love of books, politics, coffee, '90s sitcoms, NPR, and Christmas music. And the Oxford comma. And, apparently, incomplete sentences for the sake of emphasis.
Taylor Price
Editor
I’m a recovering academic who literally wrote a book about telling stories on digital media. Professionally, I’m into folklore and writing. Outside of work, I spend my time with my husband and kids or watching stand-up comedy.
Jennifer Spitulnik
Editor
Media Relations
Our media relations team loves everything about online publications. This team works directly with the managing editors, reporters, and contributors at the hundreds of publications that we have relationships with to ensure our clients' articles are published and secure press mentions about the businesses.
I love finding new publications! I am a runner and wine enthusiast. I use entirely too many exclamation points!
Melanie Janisse
Senior Director of Media Relations
Like a good game of Tetris, I love connecting people and ideas. Exploring new places, new technologies, and well-crafted stories makes me a better person. I am on a crusade to bring back the handwritten thank-you note.
Carrie Watkins
Editorial Relations Director
I love eating popcorn and snuggling with my puppy, and I truly believe that happiness can be found in a good book. Chocolate makes my day even better.
Katherine Caraway
Senior Publication Strategist
My obsessions include my kitten, reading good books, and eating dark chocolate. I've made habits out of singing musicals in the shower, taking my kitten on short walks, and traveling whenever I can.
Meagan Nolte
Senior Publication Strategist
I'm a storyteller and coffee addict. I love my family, dogs, work, and waffles. A good day is a day I learned something new.
Megan Favignano
PR Content Strategist/Editor
I love my job because I love working with content. My perfect day involves mimosas, succulents, edits, and watching "The Great British Bake Off" with my husband.
Kayla FitzGerald
PR Content Strategist/Editor
I started my PR career writing press releases for my high school marching band to send to the local papers. Now, I'm excited to pitch our amazing clients to journalists and contributors at marquee publications. I'll always be a band geek at heart who loves breakfast foods, crafting with my friends, the Missouri Tigers, and my ICo family.
Maddie Hirsch
PR & Media Relations Strategist
I love connecting to the past, present, and future through great storytelling. I spend most of my time quoting movies, and I have been personally victimized by Regina George.
Craig Jaworski
Publication Strategist
Highly caffeinated Chicagoan (sorry-not-sorry, Cards fans), who is eternally curious — i.e., reading all types of content is my jam. Outside of work? Find me at a local coffee shop catching up on health and wellness podcasts, scrolling through fitness/lifestyle blogs, or running laps around STL (literally!) with my border pup. (I also love parentheses.)
Rachel Price
Publication Strategist
I spend my time looking for opportunities to play. You can usually find me dabbling in media, drafting a new design, or tossing a ball around. Regardless, I'm almost always running around and seeking some sort of stimulation.
Daniel Trivinos
Publication Strategist
Operations
From the software that we use every day to fun team-bonding activities, this group makes all of the magic happen behind the scenes to ensure that the Influence & Co. team has everything that we need to thrive in a happy and healthy work environment.
I am a lover of organization and number crunching. Throw in a chocolate chip cookie, a good slice of pizza, and some ‘90s country, and I'm in my happy place.
Kaity Baker
Bookkeeper
I am a devoted mother to one son and twin daughters. I am no stranger to challenges and welcome them, whether they’re at home or at work. I love my music loud and my coffee black.
Denise Grimm
Office Manager
I am a lover of all things KC, live music, and outdoor drinking (or any combination of the three). I'm always looking out for the best interests of my teammates, as well as opportunities to seamlessly slip a Michael Scott quote into conversations.
Erin Holm
Director of Talent Acquisition
I am a bilingual accountant and soccer fan who enjoys movies, Netflix, warm weather, running, black coffee, hanging out with friends, and being a family man!
Jose Rodriguez
Director of Financial Operations
Working in the hospitality industry for 20 years, I gained experience in managing employees and creating lasting relationships with them. The diverse array of individuals at ICo makes my job exciting, and it's great to be part of a team whose members care for one another. Outside of work, I am hanging out with friends or playing with my pup Rocco.
Jason Wehmeyer
HR Administration Assistant
I am passionate about working as a team to improve the world. I relax by experiencing my surroundings, preferably on foot or on bike with friends or family.
Richmond Wheeler
Product Manager
Let's Chat
Want to learn more about how our content marketing agency can provide a turnkey solution for your company’s content marketing efforts?
Tell us more about what you are looking for, and let’s start the conversation.
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