Meet our team
George Zlatin
Principal & Co-founder
16 years experienceGeorge Zlatin
I manage day-to-day operations of the company, including the SEO and content teams, HR, and marketing strategy. I work to keep our people are happy, and to make sure our clients get value out of our services. I want our work to be consistently smart, professional and up-to-date with ongoing changes in the industry.
Fun Facts About Me
I was born in Russia and I moved to NYC when I was three years old. I grew up in NYC and moved to Chicago in 2004.
I worked at CBGB (the famous underground rock club) all throughout college.
I once appeared on the Oprah show with Caesar Milan because my dog was ruining my sex life.
I had a short stint driving famous rappers such as Ludacris, R. Kelly, DMX, Ja Rule and Redman in NYC. I feel like I have lived many different lives.
I love keeping up with new tactics, strategies and developing as a marketer. Things never get stale because they're always changing.
How I Spend My Free Time
I have a wife and two kids that I love to spend time with when I'm not at work. To stay active, I like to play basketball and workout every now and then. With any spare time I have left, I like to play guitar, listen to music, cook, and travel the world. Believe it or not, I also like to read about digital marketing when I'm not at work... I know, bad habit.
Taylor Cimala
Principal, Strategic Director
18 years experienceTaylor Cimala
As one of the co-founders of DTC, I have a widespread role across all departments. On a typical day, I'll find myself working on finance, forecasting, utilization & capacity planning, business development, IT, and marketing. The largest part of my role focuses on the numbers behind how our processes and services evolve over time to keep us running as a happy and healthy agency!
Fun Facts About Me
I've been on two episodes of Food Paradise on The Travel Channel - Sandwich Paradise 2 and Sausage Paradise.
I was the 2016 Illinois state disc golf champion and have played tournaments in 13 states and 2 countries.
My favorite place to be is my cabin in Michigan that has no running water or electricity.
I love being able to work in new markets and being exposed to how businesses run in industries I am unfamiliar with. Most of all, I love having a talented team of savvy marketers that are able to make great impacts on the organizations we work with.
How I Spend My Free Time
My biggest passion is disc golf. I've been playing for almost 20 years and have been playing professionally since 2010. This mixes well with my love for travel as tournaments have brought me throughout the US and even to Japan. Most of my time out of work you'll find me with my wife, Jen, and our two kids, Eloise and Henry.
Lyndsey Maddox
Director of Business Development
15 years experience
Lyndsey Maddox
As Director of Business Development, I manage new client and partner relationships, initial strategy recommendations, and help with overall client communication and management.
I have worked in sales for 15+ years, and love search marketing because it allows your customers to find you when they need you. Having grown our own business through SEO and paid media, we are living proof that it works, and are fanatical about making a measurable difference for our clients.How I Spend My Free Time
When I'm not at DTC, I’m playing with my son Vincent (who is named after the classic British motorcycle), at Wrigley Field (hopefully celebrating a Cubs win) or traveling (my favorite place so far is Moorea).
I also love pub trivia, politics, and vinyl records.
My favorite thing about DTC is our amazingly talented team and how well each of their unique skills complement one another. They make my job easy by consistently producing remarkable results for our clients.
What I Love About Chicago
Chicago has everything - food, music, art, theatre, sports, festivals, architecture, four seasons, and the best people in the world. I can't imagine growing a business or a family anywhere else.
"And each time I roam, Chicago is
Calling me home, Chicago is
Why I just grin like a clown
It's my kind of town!"
Nathan Pabich
Director of Paid Media
15 years experienceNathan Pabich
At root, I’m a creative problem solver. I critically think about marketing challenges in digital channels to help businesses reach their goals. While focused in digital, I like to think broadly about the impact we produce; our customers don't think about their buyers journeys in terms of channels, so we shouldn't confine ourselves this way in our thinking and analysis.
Something most people don't know about me
I had the opportunity to study in Oxford, England for my undergrad. I studied linguistics, Derrida, and a survey of western cannon philosophy.
While there, I worked at a burger shop, Peppers, on Walton street. The experience made the cultural experience come full circle. While there, I abandoned my 9 years of vegetarianism, though I've been flirting with going back.
Do more of what works and less of what doesn't.
Favorite things about Chicago?
I love the ease of access to major cultural events and exquisite cuisine. I love the multicultural aspects of Chicago, the Midwestern hospitality I'm such a bi-product of, the proximity to the majority of my family (both parents born and raised in Chicago), and the ability to drive a couple short hours and be transplanted to a completely different world.
Andy Kerns
Creative Director
10 years experienceAndy Kerns
My job is to make sure our content and marketing teams produce outstanding work on a consistent basis. Our digital PR product represents a unique synergy of content marketing, SEO and PR—one that requires extensive training and meticulous execution. Every person on our team needs the flair and heart of a creative, and the discipline of an analyst. I seek to nurture that duality in people, and to uphold our status of being among the best in the business.
How I Spend My Free Time
I read a lot, rollerblade a lot, and try to leave the country once or twice a year. I like loud concerts, cool bed sheets and fresh guacamole. I constantly seek experiences and media that expand my consciousness, reorder my perceptions of the world and quiet my mind. Most importantly, I'm married to a woman who's one of the happiest, most fun-loving people alive and I spend a lot of time sunbathing in her sunshine.
If you're a curious person, determined to understand the world around you, and eager to share what you find, come make content at DTC. You'll find a warm and happy home.
Fun Facts About Me
Once upon a time, as a much younger man, I could throw a baseball 92 mph and squat 400 lbs.
I consider a 45-second encounter with Eddie Vedder's mom, on a sidewalk outside Wrigley Field, one of the highlights of my life.
When I was 11, I memorized Edgar Allan Poe's short story, The Tell-Tale Heart, and performed it on a local-access cable show for overachieving children.
Michelle Mosenkis
Director of SEO
9 years experienceMichelle Mosenkis
As the Director of SEO, I oversee organic strategy for all SEO engagements in order to ensure that our clients are on track to hit their marketing goals. I coordinate with other department heads to further improve both internal and client-facing processes.
Fun Facts About Me
I'm a native Russian speaker even though I was born in the United States. My boyfriend tells everyone I'm a Russian spy and sometimes I can't tell if he's kidding.
I've been doing Keto for over a year which makes me a really annoying person to go to brunch with. I'll cheat for French food though.
My favorite part of my job is the opportunity to solve problems - the more complicated the better. I love testing out different tactics in order to determine what's successful.
How I Spend My Free Time
When I’m not doing SEO, I like to spend time with family, friends, and my cats. I'm a huge house music aficionado and I love to travel - Defected Croatia is next on the list. I also enjoy going to the shooting range, practicing Krav Maga, and dancing Salsa and Bachata.
Matt Zajechowski
Senior Outreach Manager
13 years experienceMatt Zajechowski
As Outreach Team Lead, my role is to coordinate and oversee the promotional strategy of all the content we create at Digital Third Coast. With more than 12 years of experience in this role, I know how to effectively engage with media personnel and earn coverage from publications across the country.
Fun Facts About Me
I've seen nearly 200 live shows of the rock band Phish!
I've been called a crazy cat lady on more than one occasion!
I spent most of my youth snowboarding, playing soccer, playing the piano and aggressive inline skating. I was really good at all of these hobbies but never good enough to do it professionally even though I aspired to.
I love working at a creative agency that trusts in my ability to deliver consistent and measurable results for our clients. I love that my job is to promote and share fun and original content that get's shared by major media publications across the globe.
How I Spend My Free Time
In my free time away from work I love traveling and seeking new adventures with my friends and family. Whether it's trying to visit every national park in the US with my loving girlfriend, or following the rock band Phish from city to city, there's nothing I'd rather be doing in my free time than traveling the globe.
Tate Handy
Senior Paid Media Analyst
12 years experienceTate Handy
I work with paid media clients across our portfolio to dive deep into data to derive actionable changes that get the best ROI available and help meet our goals. I look beyond day-to-day account adjustments to make a lasting difference in each account.
Fun Facts About Me
I'm a professional disc golfer, and I've traveled all over the country playing in tournaments. I started playing in 2006 and it's been a great way to get out and enjoy nature while honing your mind as golf does throughout a round.
I really love strategy board games. I've been playing for the last few years and ridden the wave of success and popularity they have enjoyed. Some of my favorites are Feast for Odin, Gaia Project, & Concordia.
I've always enjoyed being clever, and having a good idea to do that is great. But when you can point at layers of data that back up your strategy, that's when the light bulb comes on for me.
How I Spend My Free Time
In my free time I love spending time with my wife and young son. While raising him there's never a dull moment and we're always learning something new together. We love the outdoors and try to spend as much time as we can outside, whether it's running in the backyard or enjoying a weekend away camping in the wilderness of the Midwest.
Tricia Harte
Marketing Manager
8 years experienceTricia Harte
As Marketing Manager, I find creative and effective ways to put our agency's brand, services, and mission out there. From documenting our client success with case studies and awards submissions, to maintaining our social media channels and office events, it's my mission to showcase just how incredible DTC is! As a former local television reporter I stay closely tied to our content and outreach efforts to promote our content in a way that hits the right note with journalists and the current news cycle!
How I Spend My Free Time
Before and after work you'll most likely find me hitting a cycling class or going for a run outside. I’m an early riser and incredibly competitive, so exercise is my jam. I am also a BIG true crime fan (really big). In my free time, I'm usually watching Dateline, the news, documentaries about murder, or listening to some type of criminally-focused podcast. Just ask my coworkers – it’s all I talk about!
Being able to connect my love of storytelling and my day-to-day work is incredible. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing our content appear in major publications and news outlets.
What I Love About Chicago
The lakefront, hands down. It’s so beautiful year-round, and for someone who likes to wander around aimlessly in her free time, it makes for the perfect stomping grounds to do just that. Between the views, the people, the endless parade of dogs and puppies, it really is my favorite part of Chicago.
Collin Czarnecki
Senior Content Strategist
10 years experienceCollin Czarnecki
As Content Strategist, I work with clients and the team to create some truly awesome, engaging and unique content.
I’ve got a pantry filled with more than seven years of storytelling and reporting experience as a journalist, so I grab some of those ingredients, set the oven to 350 degrees and sprinkle it all onto content goodness here at DTC. My work has been featured in publications such as The Washington Post, Buzzfeed, USA Today, CNBC, Forbes, Inc. and Business Insider.Fun Facts About Me
I once took a picture with a professional wrestler and four-time WWE Tag Team Champion, Eddie Guerrero, at Niagara Falls.
Also, I shook Barack Obama’s hand – twice.
If you Google me enough, you might find footage of my stand-up comedy. (You've been warned).
Not only does our work have a direct impact on the client's business, but as a cherry on top, it is also viewed, read and shared by thousands of readers.
How I Spend My Free Time
When I'm not at DTC, you can usually find me watching surfing documentaries, James Bond movies, or professional wrestling. I’m a massive fan of James Bond movies. It's almost unhealthy. I mean, it's gotten to the point where I even have the alternate commentary memorized.
Charley Vail
SEO Account Manager
6 years experienceCharley Vail
I strive to help my clients identify and execute on SEO opportunities that help them accomplish their unique business goals. I act as an extension of their marketing team and a trusted partner to help steer their vision towards success.
What I Love About Chicago
I enjoy the hustle and bustle of this city. I love that there are so many unique people that contribute all types of different things. Chicago is a melting pot filled with interesting characters. Also, you have to admit that we have some of the best food on planet Earth.
In essence, I love helping people and I enjoy the strategy and tactics involved in the world of search engine optimization. There’s not a better feeling than seeing your hard work pay off and brightening someone else’s day.
How I Spend My Free Time
Mostly any nerdy hobby that involves strategy, storytelling, and teamwork. Examples include professional wrestling, video games, board games like Dungeons and Dragons, and of course football! Oh and let's not forget, hanging out with my adopted pup named General Beauregard Henri Helwich-Vail, The Terror of West Avondale. Beau for short.
Kevin Dunne
Paid Media Analyst
4 years experienceKevin Dunne
I get to put myself in the shoes of my clients' customers and try to help them find my client. I love it because I learn so much about so many interesting businesses and I get to think through the challenges they face and how we can overcome them together as partners.
How I Spend My Free Time
I try to stay busy when I'm not at work. I play volleyball and basketball every week with friends and go bowling every once in a while. Nothing gets me quite as excited as winning in pub trivia. I also like to read and of course, watch TV and HBO, they always have the best shows.
I just love knowing that I'm helping someone reach their goals.
Why I Love Chicago
I love never knowing what's in store for you next. There is so much to do in this town and so many great people from all across the country. No matter what, you can always find something fun to do or something new to learn about. Working in the Humboldt Park area, where I previously hadn't spent much time, has been great for finding lesser-known restaurants that can go toe-to-toe with more popular places throughout the city.
Ryan Dornan
SEO Account Manager
12 years experienceRyan Dornan
I develop data-driven strategies to pinpoint the best opportunities to increase my client's website’s online visibility. By leveraging content strategy, keyword research, and technical analysis, I aim to achieve measurable results that surpass my clients' goals.
Fun Facts About Me
My father was a DJ when I was growing up. I first learned to read from memorizing album covers in his record collection.
I was held back in kindergarten for being left-handed thanks to my teacher’s outdated belief that lefties had a learning disability. I’m still left-handed.
I am a big fan of the theater, especially improv comedy and show tunes.
I love the relationships I build with my clients as we collaborate to improve their site's SEO. Professionally speaking, there is nothing more thrilling than watching a client’s traffic, rankings, and business grow with each project. Plus I love my brilliant, unique coworkers...
How I Spend My Free Time
I love traveling to see one of my favorite bands: Phish, Ween and Joe Russo’s Almost Dead or hanging out in my backyard by the fire pit and pool with my friends and German Shepherd, Ivan.
Curtis Weigel
SEO Analyst
3+ years experienceCurtis Weigel
As SEO Analyst, I assist our SEO account managers in identifying and implementing strategies to increase our clients' success via organic traffic. Whether it's looking at ways to enhance existing websites or helping develop completely new strategies, I'm always looking to put our clients in the best position to achieve their goals.
Fun Facts About Me
I was born in Germany. It was technically on US soil, so I can still be president. Don't worry!
I like broccoli, but not in pasta.
My right middle finger is one-half-inch shorter than my left due to a fracture when I was a kid.
I once won the "Hustle Award" at a youth basketball camp. Looking back, that seems like a bit of a participation trophy.
I get to combine analytical processes with creative thinking. The best of both worlds!
What I Love About Chicago
Other than the weather? I like the great food, the architecture, the parks and conservatories, and the entertainment and cultural opportunities - museums, amazing concerts, etc. There's always something to do here, and there's also a lot of great places to do nothing...if that's what you're in the mood for.
Alissa Stahl
Paid Media Account Manager
9 years experienceAlissa Stahl
With an SEO and Paid Media background, I take a holistic approach to digital marketing. My goal is to connect the dots between data and relationships. I love analyzing data and communicating the story behind it in a way that is easy to understand.
Fun Facts About Me
Before moving back to the Midwest, I lived in Los Angeles for 15 years.
I played banked track roller derby with the LA Derby Dolls for six years. Before you ask: No, there’s no ball, elbow throwing, or alligator pits.
After my retirement from derby, I took up yoga and taught classes for five years.
I genuinely like working with my clients. I’m curious about people, so working with clients and developing those human relationships is gratifying to me. I enjoy learning what makes my clients tick on a personal level and making real connections.
How I Spend My Free Time
You can usually find me hidden behind a good novel, and the occasional bad one. When I’m not reading, I am spending time with my wonderful wife Erin, my sweet AmStaff Hershel, and my annoying blind Bengal cat Carmine.
I have a love affair with Great Britain and travel there as often as life allows, which is not nearly as much as I’d like. I also love all things Harry Potter and enjoy playing LEGO. I will never pass up an opportunity to wear themed outfit or costume when the occasion arises.
Andrew Heisler
Senior Paid Media Analyst
8 years experienceAndrew Heisler
I focus on helping businesses strategically (and efficiently) navigate the paid social landscapes of Facebook, LinkedIn, and more. By combining performance data with additional context from supplementary sources, I find insights and make recommendations to help our clients achieve their goals and reach their most valuable customers.
How I Spend My Free Time
Outside of work, you can find me spending quality time with my girlfriend, golfing, playing piano, listening to standup comedy, and cooking. I’m innately drawn to activities that allow me to flex my creative muscles, foster a point-of-view uniquely my own, and find inspiration in the minutiae of everyday life.
Oh, and I love fluffy dogs too. No, I don’t own one yet. Yes, I’m bitter about it.
"Great content and strategic targeting are the cornerstones of any successful paid social campaign. I love reaching the perfect audiences with thumb-stopping creative that provides value to customers, tells an engaging brand story, and shows off my clients in the best light possible."
Fun Facts About Me
I love writing one-liner jokes and have performed standup comedy (not very well) at local open mics in Chicago a few times.
I’m an avid music editor and love making mashups for fun. When I was 17, WBEZ Chicago brought me in for an interview and a live mixing session.
A lot of people hate grocery shopping, but not me. It’s one of my favorite things to do. If I ever go missing, be sure to check the olive oil section at Mariano’s before calling the police.
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