Movers & Shakers

Welcome back, fellow readers, to the highly-anticipated fifth edition of our "Movers and Shakers" series starring the latest crop of superstars to join thunder::tech, plus an intrepid individual who's soared to new heights within our team. The magic and wonder that unfolds when fresh faces blend with our seasoned pros is truly a site to be seen, and we can’t wait to share it all with you. So, it’s time to throw that virtual confetti and introduce you to the creative minds of our ever-evolving workplace saga. 

Dana McFadden – Account Manager 

Tell us about yourself! What brought you to thunder::tech, and what does your new role entail?  

As a new account manager joining the Client Service Department here at thunder::tech, I’ll be responsible for building and fostering relationships with our clients while overseeing their projects from start to finish.   

Prior to joining the team, I was with my previous employer for about nine years. The office was out of New York City, so I was fully remote. The company was incredible (nine years speaks for itself); however, I felt I was ready to explore the next chapter of my career here in Cleveland, which led me to thunder::tech. With the full range of services offered and impressive list of clients, I knew this would be an amazing opportunity for me to really learn and grow. Pair that with the company culture and people; it was exactly what I was looking for. 

What are you looking forward to in your new position?  

It may sound cliché as an account manager, but I’m really looking forward to getting to know my clients (both personally and professionally) and helping them achieve their goals by utilizing our services. 

What was your first job?  

I was a sales associate at Abercrombie at the local mall. The music in the store was entirely too loud, we wore polos and tanks with layers (so many layers), and don’t get me started on the cologne/perfume…. shout out to my fellow millennials who understand!  

What wakes you up in the morning?  

I’m not really a coffee or tea drinker, but my dog never fails to wake me up at 6:00am on the dot. 

What’s your best dad joke?  

How did Harry Potter get down the hill?  

By walking. JK, Rowling. 

What is your learning style?  

I am a visual and hands-on learner. I found it’s the best way for me to really absorb and retain information. Plus, notetaking. 

What is your favorite mid-afternoon snack?  

There are so many options in the office. It’s a slippery slope, but I find myself going for the Kind bars or a Diet Coke. 

Do you have a go-to work playlist of do you prefer the quiet?  

I’m a Swiftie, so Taylor Swift is my go-to. I also listen to podcasts… it can be anything from The Toast to Joe Rogan. 

What are some of your talents?  

I have a small but mighty garden with cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, bell papers and jalapenos. I’m currently on my cooking journey and hope to add that as a talent – TBD. 

Do you have any pets?  

I have a Bernese Mountain Dog named Heidi. She is turning 7 in July and is the laziest, sweetest, dopiest dog you’ll ever meet.
She loves Cleveland winters, belly rubs and naps and dislikes Cleveland summers, the groomer and provolone cheese (all other cheese is fine). 

So far, what has been your favorite t::t moment?  

My first client meeting with Benesch Law. We’re working on a 75ft. video wall for their new office, and the first meeting couldn’t have gone better, thanks to the incredible team working with me on the account -- JP, Joe, William and Matt. 

 

Kelly Rienzi – Director of Market Development 

Tell us about yourself! How have you enjoyed your time here at thunder::tech and what does your new role entail?  

I’m absolutely loving my time here at thunder::tech! I started as an Account Coordinator back in 2012, managing client accounts while also vetting new business opportunities. I became intrigued with the sales process, and soon enough, I was leading the Business Development team. That's when I began to delve into our customer journeys and analyze the data at hand to gain more insight into where we want to take our business.  

Following my successful stint, I continued on that journey for a few years and eventually was promoted to Market Development Manager. With a laser focus on expansion, I embarked on an exciting new chapter, exploring untapped opportunities and propelling our organization to even greater heights. 

Now as the Director of Market Development, I will be adding full funnel management to our brand awareness and lead generation efforts. Luckily, I get to continue with the fun stuff that I love so much; meeting new prospects and diving deep into their business objectives and growth targets. Armed with these valuable insights, I can then tailor a targeted marketing strategy to help them achieve their desired outcomes. 

What are you looking forward to in your new position?  

In starting this new role, I feel I can focus my efforts on truly tailoring the experience of prospective clients from start to finish while they vet agency partners. With the support of amazing team members, I can pay attention to the finer details. 
 

What was your first job?   

Not an “official” job, but I babysat every weekend, holiday and even over summer vacations. My aunts and uncles would negotiate over whose kids I would watch regularly.  

"Officially,” I worked at The Gap in high school, cleaned houses (I still get too much joy out of house cleaning) and manned a hotel convenience store which was the worst job ever. 

What wakes you up in the morning? Coffee, tea, other?   

Definitely coffee. My husband and dog know not to talk to me until I have had at least half a cup! 
 

What’s your best dad joke?  

Why did Beyonce go on Google?  

Because she wanted to get in formation.   

What is your learning style?  

I am a hands-on and collaborative learner. Throw me in the fire over asking me to study out of a textbook.  

What is your favorite mid-afternoon snack?  

I am not a huge snacker but tend to lean into a cup of afternoon coffee and maybe a banana and string cheese if I need a little something-something.  
 

Do you have a go-to work playlist or do you prefer the quiet?  

Music is a must when I'm not on calls or in meetings. Focus time warrants Lord Huron , and the get-pumped-up playlists change daily. However, I am not a big country fan.  
 

What are some of your talents? Work or unrelated?  

I’m not sure I’d say I’m exceptional at them, but I am interested in cooking and gardening flowers. Oh, also lounging on a beach, that’s probably my greatest talent. 
 

Do you have any pets?  

I have a basset hound named Ruthie, she’s going to be 3 in November, and she is full of personality. I named her after a quote from the Book of Ruth I have on a Christmas ornament that caught my eye right before I picked her up to bring her home, and it couldn’t be more true. “Where you go, I will go. Where you stay, I will stay.” She follows me everywhere.  
While she sleeps about 18 hours a day, when she is awake, she is hysterical. She talks a lot, loves to be a little huntress, sniff out rabbits and squirrels, go for hikes or sunbathe in the backyard. 
 

So far, what has been your favorite t::t moment? 

I have had quite a few that pop into my mind right away, but overall, I’d have to say all the interesting site visits I’ve been on to learn about different businesses. One time I even rode in the back of a pickup truck for a tour of a farm field. So fun. 

I also can’t stress enough how much I appreciate the day-to-day interactions I have with all of my colleagues. We get to know each other, support each other, push each other and laugh together along the way. You all make my memories good ones. 

 

William Alford – UX Designer 

Tell us about yourself! What brought you to thunder::tech, and what does your new role entail? 

Joining thunder::tech has been a long time coming! After being introduced to the agency and chatting about the position and company, I immediately fell in love with the industrial nature and randomness of the office, so I was thrilled when I was offered a job. The collection of obscure items from past projects strewn throughout the studio keeps coming into the office fun and interesting! 

As for what I do at the office, I call myself a “design octopus,” where I can work on a variety of projects from UX design to graphics to helping with video work. I’m looking forward to jumping into different accounts and using my talents to benefit the client. 
 

What was your first job? 

I worked at an apartment complex in the maintenance department, prepping the units and getting all the technical items in order before new tenants would move in. 
 

What wakes you up in the morning? 

Coffee for sure. A dark roast. 

Plus, just being excited for the day gets me up. I get to spend my day doing what I’ve always wanted to do, so each morning is another day to live out my dream. 
 

What is your learning style? 

I’m a visual learner. I grasp concepts faster while watching someone do it or doing it myself. Developing the muscle memory or visualizing the task is how I learn. 
 

What is your favorite mid-afternoon snack? 

I’ll grab anything from a granola bar to pretzels to popcorn, whatever can get me to my finish line. 
 

Do you have a go-to work playlist or do you prefer the quiet? 

Definitely not complete silence. Besides that, it depends on what I’m working on. Lately, I’ve been working to Kaytranada, a house music mix, hip-hop or R&B, which is perfect throughout the day. If the day is particularly busy or I’m feeling anxious, I’ll turn on Paul Grant for some chill music or something purely instrumental. 
 

What’s your best dad joke? 

What can you find in an elephant’s trunk? 

Two six-foot boogers 

Bonus Joke:

Why did one train run into the other train? 

It had a loco-motive   

What are some of your talents? 

I’m a pretty good cook. During the past few years, I’ve started to cook more at home, and a subscription to Hello Fresh allowed me to get creative in the kitchen. My main go-to dish is tacos, but I also make great wings or an impromptu “chipotle” bowl. 
 

So far, what has been your favorite t::t moment? 

Spring Fling was pretty awesome. It was my first week at thunder::tech, so it was nice having everyone in the office with everyone interacting with each other. 

 

t::team 

While it's just the beginning for the two newest team members, we’re thrilled to already see the incredible impact these individuals have made on our agency, and we know that they’ll continue to bring innovative ideas and solutions to the table. 

  
But hey, don't just be a spectator on this thrilling journey! If you're feeling inspired by the contagious energy and passion of our team, why not join us? Check out our careers page and dive into our open positions. You might just find the perfect opportunity to become part of our incredible team and make your mark in the world of digital marketing and technology! If you run into any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!