Why do so many organizations choose McDaniels Marketing? While we foster a fun atmosphere peppered with pet visits (both cats and dogs, we don’t play favorites) and the occasional chili cookoff, the truth is our work speaks for itself — and it’s made possible by a close-knit, strategically smart, highly creative team working together for you. We meet your challenges head-on with brand authenticity, strong creativity, and a mix of digital and traditional media along with amazing website development, SEO, content marketing and more.
Eugene W. McDaniels first opened our doors in 1966. A carpenter’s son and naval veteran of WWII, Gene’s design and creative skills set into motion the hands-on approach and work ethic that still makes McDaniels Marketing a great place to work and do business with today.
Our years of experience in tourism, healthcare, agriculture, financial services, B2B, and nonprofits gives us the unique knowledge and expertise to craft the right message at the right time for your organization. We obviously love to travel, so let’s talk about your challenges and opportunities no matter where you are!
That’s because your vision is our vision. Your success is our success.
We believe in top notch client service. So you’ll always have a direct line to your account manager. We also love to hear the ideas and insight you have about your brand. That means you’ll have plenty of chances to brainstorm with our creatives and get excited about the impact your marketing will have. Here’s a quick overview of our process and how we craft a story that’s authentic to your business to help you reach your marketing goals:
Step 1: Collect & Review
We’ll talk to your team, gather existing plans and information, do our research and evaluate the environment and trends related to your specific industry and competitors. Then we’ll package our findings in a situational/SWOT analysis to give you a bird’s-eye view of your brand’s current impact.
Step 2: Research & Strategy
McDaniels Marketing also helps you identify niche market opportunities. This includes quantitative and qualitative research studies superbly executed by our team.
Step 3: Develop a Plan
Your master marketing plan will include measurable objectives, strategies, creative direction, tactics, budgets and timelines. Having a road map of defined campaign tactics, initiatives and assessment metrics is key to marketing success.
Step 4: Craft & Execute Your Creative Strategy
It all starts with your brand and how we can express it through a creative strategy that is truly remarkably uncommon. You need to stand out in the crowded field of choices. Becoming memorable is the pathway to greatness and we will lead you there.
Step 5: Assess Outcomes
Every marketing piece works together to tell your whole story. So, we’ll look at various benchmarks to give you a complete picture of how our combined marketing efforts have made an impact. This includes website traffic, social media engagement, inquiries, customer/visitor volume and market share growth.
Strategists, writers, designers, videographers, media buyers, programmers, project managers, animators… McDaniels Marketing is a fun-loving team of creative thinkers. So, if you like working with a partner that can keep delivering integrated campaigns that stand out and make an impact, you’ve just found your match. We listen, do our homework, apply our industry expertise, craft messages that are authentic and put together plans that get people talking about your brand.
President
Randy has been immersed in all things marketing his entire life — his dad built this agency from the ground up. But taking over the family business didn’t come easy. Randy worked his way through the agency wearing the hat of copywriter, producer, media buyer and account executive before becoming President. His keen sense of industry trends helps him lead his team in creating innovative, well-crafted messages that get results. But the end-product isn’t the only thing that’s important to him. Don’t be surprised if he calls you for lunch or simply checks to see how things are going — and if you caught last’s night game — because at the end of the day, it’s relationships that count.
Chief Operating Officer
Armed with decades of marketing planning, media buying, script writing, blogging, event coordination and more, Beth is the right person to jump in anywhere our clients need, whether they’re a global manufacturer or the cutest little river town you ever did see! Of course, she’ll always make time to chase down a desert sunset, meticulously planning the best spots and times to watch the sun fade beneath the sands of the American Southwest. That just shows off her ability to create a plan and execute it — plus a healthy mix of tenacity. She’s got her thumb on what is trending and works in the current market and will go out of her way to deliver the goods for our clients — even if it means painstakingly scoping out the desert horizon.
Vice President of Account Services
Marketing is a lot like softball — to win, it takes a team of individuals with varying talents and abilities working together. And like a catcher calling pitches and organizing defenders from behind the plate, MacKenzie relishes the freedom inherent in her career to manage and lead a team to victory (as well as classic footwear and a generous scoop of coffee ice cream with fudge swirls). Every client presents an opportunity for her to use (Barbie-worthy) styles and techniques gained from the experience of working with many different industries like agriculture, tourism, and nonprofits. MacKenzie’s passion and outgoing demeanor enables her to seemingly teleport between each client to develop tailored, immersive marketing strategies that transform and elevate their brands to a new stratosphere.
Account Manager, Media & PR Director
A strong background in public relations, psychology and ballet helps Bridget navigate even the toughest challenges with grace. Yes, her plié is perfect, but what really stands out is Bridget’s ability to not only identify what your target market is thinking, but also how to relay the stories you want them to hear. Throw in her love for spontaneity, TikTok and visiting new places and it’s not too hard to figure out how Bridget keeps up with the trends. So, give us the deets on your next big scoop and let Bridget help you lay out the best plan for success. (Disclaimer: Kardashian memes may be included free of charge.)
Marketing Consultant
jferrell@mcdmarketing.com
With a desire to see sustainable organizations and businesses succeed — and lots and lots of coffee — Jenna is driven to take your marketing to all-new heights, from SEO to PPC to social media to traditional media and everything in between. She can look at your online presence and with a keen, analytical mind, determine the best course of action for your organization to reach its full online potential. But she doesn’t stop there — Jenna will carefully tend to your online presence, constantly looking for new, exciting ways to make it bigger and better than before. After all, evolution is the nature of the internet and Jenna is always ready to help your marketing strategy evolve and align with the trends.
Account Manager
The most fundamental element of any good book — or sappy Hallmark movie, for that matter — is the excitement of wondering what comes next. In this latest and, dare we say, most exciting chapter of her own story, Hilary leaves clients on the edge of their seat, eagerly anticipating the next page in their marketing strategy. And believe us, we’ve skipped ahead — you’re going to love it. With a kindhearted and adventurous spirit, Hilary relishes the chance to craft a marketing strategy for your brand and make you the main character of your own hero’s journey.
Account Manager/Print Buyer
msetti@mcdmarketing.com
Getting ahead of a crowded field of competitors takes speed, intelligence and determination. Out of the gate, Maddy displays all those characteristics along with an inquisitive nature that leads her to discovering all-new ways to maximize workplace efficiencies. Maddy understands organization is the key to ensuring the most intricate machinations operate smoothly and efficiently. With a knack for bridging relationships between people, Maddy makes sure the finer details of each project aren’t just left in the dust but remain firmly in focus through the finish line. It may not be as easy as kicking back with a generous slice of dark chocolate cake amid the pastel palette of Portofino, but hey, the path to the winner’s circle, world domination and/or amassing a Tommy Wiseau-like following is rarely a cakewalk.
*Reigning Chili Cookoff Champion
Client Growth Strategist
Life moves pretty fast — but thankfully for Jacob, he’s taken a certain Mr. Bueller’s advice, stopped and looked around once in a while. Engaging with the people and places around him has led Jacob to a true passion for building up communities with volunteerism and authentic interactions. Whether he’s consuming enough coffee to fuel a joyride in a ’61 Ferrari or reminiscing on those halcyon days of the ’90s spent poolside with a grape popsicle, Jacob’s creativity and authenticity deliver the positive, impactful results that help clients achieve more than they ever dreamed, making them want to spontaneously Twist and Shout.
Art Director
Maybe she was born with it, or maybe she’s simply developed some mad design skills from years of hanging around the agency (and/or her degree from ISU). Whatever the reason, there’s one thing we know for certain: Morgan kicks out some seriously awesome designs for our clients. She’s not just in it to make things look pretty, either (although we know she means business when she shows up in her black, pointed-toe boot heels). Every design choice she makes — even down to a simple line — helps grab attention and connect with your target market. And if her inspiration boards on Pinterest and Instagram say anything about what is to come… well, let’s just say you should be excited she’s on our team.
Art Director
From tabletop gaming miniatures to space westerns to stacks of coffee table books, Jeff draws creative inspiration from a myriad of sources. This incredibly wide range is reflected in the award-winning designs and illustrations Jeff provides for his clients. Logo design, animation, layout… There’s no graphical component Jeff can’t tackle to help visualize your organization’s mission and message, taking your marketing strategy into hyperspace. So, whether you’re a multinational company or just a small startup making your way across the galaxy, you can trust Jeff to craft your organization’s image with the expertise, convenience and care he puts into all his hobbies.
Graphic Designer
A love for horticulture has made Avery patient and meticulous in her work. After all, a good design takes plenty of care and attention to finer details and a keen eye is needed when nurturing an idea into a blossoming work of art. With an open, adventurous attitude, Avery sees the world as a constant learning experience. And while graphic design may not come with the daredevil excitement of, oh say, jumping out of an airplane, Avery sees the opportunity to constantly research new methods and approaches to graphic design as a thrill in its own right.
Graphic Designer
Cranking out Remarkably Uncommon designs is a constant learning experience — as far as Dimitra’s concerned, that’s A-OK. After all, when you have a passion for learning and draw inspiration from as many sources as she does — from her mother’s floral arrangements to the quirky elegance of her favorite actress, Audrey Hepburn — you’re bound to pick up a few new ideas along the way. A curious mind leads Dimitra down a rabbit hole of research, beginning with the big picture before filling in the finer details later and resulting in masterpieces as stylish and stunning as Ms. Hepburn.
Visual Communications Designer & Developer
For Yari, taking things like her very favorite cartoon Poriferan and transforming them into something fun, silly and downright wonderful is a chance for her vibrant personality to shine. Maybe it’s not jellyfishing or guarding the Krabby Patty secret formula with her life, but graphic design is nonetheless a passion for Yari. With an observant eye drawing inspiration from numerous sources — from the wonders of nature to jet-setting vacations to Rome — Yari conjures incredible work that truly captures the essence of your brand, even if you’re flipping burgers 20,000 leagues under the sea.
Videographer
The best part about shooting videos is meeting so many interesting people and immersing in fascinating destinations — for Brandi, that’s a part of the job that never gets old. Whether her camera is planted firmly on the ground or taking to the skies (she’s got a commercial drone license!), Brandi is passionate about exploring and telling powerful stories that evoke a wide range of emotions, fueled by a mild obsession with breakfast cereals. So, no matter where a client is at in the planning process — brainstorming or storyboarding — Brandi can take even the most abstract idea and pour her creative spirit into it until it’s a part of a balanced marketing strategy.
Website & Digital Media Developer
From designing fully responsive websites across desktop and mobile to creating jaw-dropping animations that masterfully tell the story of your organization — and even a Christmas-based video game here and there — this agency veteran is a multimedia master. With some seriously awesome illustration skills plus a wealth of experience in digital CMS platforms including Wordpress and Webflow, Dave lends his critical eye for detail to every project he does, focusing on the big picture and how everything works together.
Creative Strategist
One could agrue that reading Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to a toddler before their nap is a peculiar choice, but it instilled in a young Alyssa a deep sense of curiosity that has only grown stronger over the years. Since putting the proverbial pen to paper, Alyssa has written human interest pieces for UW-Whitewater Marketing and Media Relations, budgeting blogs for financial institutions, social media campaigns for Best Buy, and award-winning work for a pet food brand and the world's largest cold storage company. When she's not writing for B2B and B2C brands, she's building her own as a sci-fi/fantasy author. And on the rare occasion she's without any sort of writing tool, you can find her browsing indie bookstores in Minneapolis (her current home) and Milwaukee (her soon-to-be-home) or getting schooled by her dog in backyard soccer.
Senior Copywriter
Known for spinning a tale or two for the merriment of others, Kim brings her refreshing writing style, easy smile and magnetic personality to every account she works on at McDaniels. In fact, one of her main goals when taking on a new project is to tell your story — in as few words as possible — so she can draw readers in without overwhelming them. From out-there creative to professional reports, this veteran writes as if she’s talking to your customers rather than at them. She’s also one of our experts on SEO writing, matching her right-brained creativity with the left-brained science of getting more results.
Creative Copywriter
Since he was a kid, Dylan knew he wanted to be a writer. Starting with small-town papers and moving to more creative agency work, Dylan’s love has only grown for the profession. Calculated and creative, Dylan puts a little bit of his fun-loving, Simpsons-obsessed personality into elevating client work. Something he’ll claim is just his job, we say is downright magical. From blogs, SEO, SEM and social media management, he brings his wide range of experiences (and a mild coffee obsession) to help him write meaningful and creative copy for our clients.
Web Development Director
When it comes to building your website, you want to have someone on your side that loves to take hundreds of moving pieces, pull them all together and package it with a big, red bow. Lucky for you, that person is Jim. Some might say he’s been perfecting these skills for decades with his love of science, crossword puzzles, Super Mario worlds and nerd-level deck-building games. But no matter the source, he’s definitely able to tap into the Force. He’ll help you launch a website that has been expertly built, relentlessly tested and 100% delivers the very best user experience to help you reach your goals. He’s also got a few years of teaching high schoolers under his belt, so rest easy knowing you’ll have all the tools and training you need to effortlessly manage your new site.
SEO Specialist
zsingleton@mcdmarketing.com
Zach understands the importance of telling a good story. In fact, a story can be found anywhere — even something like a mix CD can transport a reader to another time and place. That’s why Zach puts so much time and energy into your website, ensuring your online presence is telling the story of your brand and is properly optimized so people can find it. Adaptable and committed, Zach immerses himself in every project with the same daring attitude that may prompt one to leap recklessly into the chilled waters beneath a bridge in Berlin — er, not that Zach would know anything about that, of course.
SEO & Web Support Specialist
Kaitlyn approaches her work as if a camera crew is watching her every move. To her, each new project is an opportunity to learn more about each client and fine tune their web content with such accuracy, you’d swear she could read minds. And unlike her favorite guilty pleasure, she doesn’t need a whole 90 days to decide on her next move. Ambitious and clever, Kaitlyn knows just how to leverage the creativity around her — from her co-workers to vintage magazine cut-outs — to optimize your web presence for results you’re sure to rave about in every confessional segment.
Digital Marketing Specialist
Ever had a band you followed from the very beginning and watched proudly as they hit the big time? That perfectly describes how we’ve watched Jalen’s professional development. Beginning his time at McD as a Bradley University intern and now as a full-time Digital Marketing Specialist, we’ve always admired how Jalen keeps his rhythm in a flexible and fast-paced environment. Like his favorite Italian plumber, Jalen is persistent and flexible, adapting to any situation and project the same way Super Mario himself can go from hero of the Mushroom Kingdom to Dale Earnhardt-caliber kart racer. And with a proven track record of high-quality, entertaining digital content, Jalen is passionate about leveling up the connections between you and your audience.
Digital Marketing Specialist
A good digital marketing campaign doesn’t take just a right- or left-brained approach. Rather, it takes a mix of both rationality and originality. That’s where Mally exceeds. With a double major — and a master’s in business analytics! — she boasts an unparalleled set of skills that harness both her creative and logical side, resulting in powerful and meaningful digital campaigns that put your brand in front of more relevant users. After all, it’s people that matter most to Mally, whether she’s kicking back with friends and family on a sunny Florida beach or in pursuit of the ice cream truck on foot (hey, those chocolate scoops aren’t gonna eat themselves).
Digital Marketing Specialist
Sometimes helping others takes an incredible amount of dedication — and occasionally, a whole lot of steps. Thankfully, Hannah’s strong sense of empathy and her strong communication skills grant her the remarkable ability to forge relationships with each client. Just as she’s determined to accomplish her goals — whether that means pushing herself to the limit as a St. Jude runner, rolling strike after strike at the bowling alley, or closing on her first home — Hannah is driven to work hand in hand with clients every step of the way to deliver digital results as gratifying as the happiest rom-com ending. Whether you cry happy tears is completely up to you.
Accounts Receivable & Facilities Manager
What does it take to reach the rank of seventh degree blackbelt? If you ask Kim, it takes hard work, patience and discipline. Kim applies those same principles to her kwoon right here in the office. Her calm, collected attitude ensures accurate invoices for our clients and keep our operations running smoothly at 11 Olt Ave. With a penchant for skydiving and riding motorcycles — or jumping them over pickup trucks — Kim brings an exciting, fun-loving attitude to the McDaniels team.
Office Assistant
A Remarkably Uncommon workplace like ours can seem hectic sometimes. A keen sense of organization and careful attention to details can make a huge difference, and that’s exactly what Payton brings to the McD team. Like a baker in a busy kitchen, Payton’s gift of multitasking and an easygoing attitude grant her the unique ability to organize each ingredient needed to keep operations running smoothly — mise en place style, of course — ensuring we deliver the same extraordinary results to our clients, a process just as sweet and fulfilling as her famous cinnamon rolls.
Graphic Design Intern
cowens@mcdmarketing.com
Carter has always been driven to succeed in graphic design. Even in high school, he made a name for himself through his own T-shirt printing business, for which he earned a business recognition award from his hometown. Adapting his skills to a wide range of print and digital materials, Carter brings his motivated and efficient mindset — along with a comical and slightly horror-movie-obsessed personality — to the McD Creative team, injecting styles and trends from throughout the years into each incredible work, from bombastic ‘80s dayglo to the throwback charm of a grindhouse movie poster.
Morale Booster
We're always looking for talented new people...
Our team is ready to get to work for you. Give us a challenge. We're up to the task. Contact us today.