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 our own marketing strategy. I work to keep our people 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 experienceLyndsey 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 sons, 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.
Tricia Harte
Digital PR Team Lead
9 years experienceTricia Harte
As Digital PR Team Lead, I oversee both the content and outreach sides of our digital PR services. Our team does really wonderful and insightful research that explores in-depth topics for a variety of clients and industries. At DTC, the digital PR engine is firing on all cylinders -- my role is to make sure the engine stays fueled, the team stays motivated and inspired, and our content makes it to it's final destination (online with some fantastic linking media coverage).
How I Spend My Free Time
Before and after work you'll most likely find me teaching a spin class or going for a walk or hike 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. Right now I work remotely in Seattle, Washington, but boy do I miss the views, the people, the endless parade of dogs and puppies on the lakefront...
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.
Collin Czarnecki
Director of Content Strategy
10 years experienceCollin Czarnecki
As Director of Content, 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 ten 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.
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
4 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.Jordan Turner
SEO Account Manager
8 years experienceJordan Turner
I make your website look pretty for other computers. As your SEO Account Manager our futures are intertwined. Data driven decisions, defined expectations, and clear communication will be our foundation as we watch your online presence grow, together. I’m a stickler for website speed and security.
How I Spend My Free Time
Reading is fun. Video games are pretty fun. Traveling is definitely fun; so is music. I like to do fun things in my free time. I like meeting new people, experiencing new things, and exploring new ideas. These things are the catalysts for my best work and for my favorite memories. The best part is my lovely wife, Briann, goes exploring with me! We love to travel, go to concerts, and share the latest crazy idea we’ve run into.
Even if it’s about computers, it’s still about people. It’s always about people. Connecting people with the right answers to their questions is what SEO is all about, and I like helping people.
Fun Facts About Me!
I was Vice President of the Dance Club at my University. We taught salsa, ballroom, and shuffling. I still love to shuffle.
I can make a splendid origami flower.
Earlier in life I won a national championship with the Chicago Magic and won the Gatorade Player of the Year in Nebraska for soccer in the same year.Victoria Schmid
Senior Content Strategist
5 years experienceVictoria Schmid
I bring a blend of knowledge and experience in SEO and broadcast journalism to create newsworthy content for brands. My passion is creating relevant content that ties a brand to the current news cycle.
How I Spend My Free Time
I’m an avid hiker and rock climber, and try to spend as much time exploring the outdoors and national parks as I can. Other than that, I love to explore big cities, visit museums, and try to find the best local coffee shops.
I love staying up to date with the latest news, trends, and events—then using this to create fun, viral, relevant campaigns for different brands and topics.
Fun Facts About Me
I’m originally from Australia! I grew up there but have spent the past few years of my life in different cities in the US, including San Francisco and Salt Lake City.
My family are immigrants from Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Germany. I also have family from Greece, Croatia, Russia, and Spain. I haven’t visited most of these countries but plan to do a trip to Europe one day to explore them.
Finally… I didn’t learn how to ride a bike until I was 25 years old!Maria Szatkowski
Content Strategist
6 years experienceMaria Szatkowski
As a content strategist, I get to combine my love for creating content with my passion for creative storytelling. I have the pleasure of working with clients (and our team) to deliver data-driven stories that are unique and newsworthy.
As a former local news reporter & anchor, I’m driven by facts. Discovering new angles or ideas for stories that use those facts to connect readers of all backgrounds is at my core.How I Spend My Free Time
I’m a huge fan of walking the lakefront and eating or getting drinks anywhere that has a patio so I can bring my dog, Dolly. I’m an avid reader and TV-watcher, and a huge nerd when it comes to things like Star Wars, Harry Potter (I’m a Ravenclaw), Marvel, etc. I also love to travel. I’ve been to 24 countries (so far), and the list of places I want to visit continually grows. I am a loyal Detroit sports fan, and look forward to the Lions winning the Super Bowl…which I have faith will happen once in my lifetime.
I love using my background in journalism to help clients create original data-driven stories with unique angles that ultimately engage and inform readers.
Fun Facts About Me
I’ve studied multiple languages, but my strongest fluency skills are in Italian and Japanese. My grandma is from Italy, and I have dozens of cousins overseas.
I started playing the drums when I was 10 and was section leader of the drumline in high school.
I’m a Loyola University Chicago graduate, and I’ve been blessed to have interacted with Sister Jean numerous times. In fact, she and I lived on the same dorm floor my freshman year. #GoBlersCassie Dohmen
Paid Media Analyst
15 years experienceCassie Dohmen
I help people find your business when they’re actively searching for the goods or services you provide. My goal is to provide those potential customers relevant information and enticing ad copy just when they need it most, leading them straight to your website for a conversion and return on your investment.
How I Spend My Free Time
When I’m not creating and optimizing digital campaigns, I can be found camping, tying knots, and eating s’mores with Cub Scout Pack 158 where I serve as Assistant Cub Master and Webelo Den Leader for my youngest son, Ivan; and doling out sunflower seeds, batting orders, and enthusiastic instruction on the little league field as my oldest son, Liam’s, Assistant Coach. My favorite titles are “Wife” and “Mama,” and weekend road trip adventures with my husband, Brian, and our boys are my favorite!
I’m passionate about serving others. Seeing a business thrive and grow in part because of my skills and expertise makes my heart happy.
Fun Facts About Me
I am a big goofball. I love pranks, tomfoolery and shenanigans, and I appreciate wicked sarcasm. I will try nearly everything (at least) once, and I’ve never met a stranger. I’m fueled by coffee, chaos, and 80’s hair metal. I once kissed Bret Michaels. I was born and raised in Iowa. Go, Hawks!
Emily Thornton
Content Strategist/Media Relations
6 years experienceEmily Thornton
I help create newsworthy data-driven content for our clients to reach news and media outlets across the country. As a former TV news reporter, it's a privilege to use skills and insight from the industry to produce engaging information.
How I Spend My Free TIme
I love traveling, baking and watching TV. I'm always looking for new places to go, new recipes to try and more reality TV to watch! You can also find me spending time with my husband, Peter, family and friends.
Whether it's grabbing a bite to eat at a new restaurant or getting last-minute tickets to a Cubs game, I'm in!"It is so rewarding to use my passion for storytelling and analyzing information to create educational and entertaining content online."
Fun Facts About Me
I have a twin sister! We're fraternal, so no fun "Parent Trap" stories.
Being happily infected with the travel bug, I'm always planning a trip and looking at flights. If you have any tips or tricks using points, send them my way.
I'm a bit of an adrenaline junkie -- skydiving, paragliding, ziplining and parasailing are all checked off the bucket list!Chris Veneziale
SEO Analyst
5 years experienceChris Veneziale
I aim to help clients meet their business goals and objectives by using data to create strategies to help improve their online search visibility. My objective is to generate tangible results that positively impact clients' bottom line.
How I Spend My Free Time
My wife and I love taking day trips and going for hikes with our dog. We have also started taking Salsa and Bachata lessons and try to spend as much time as we can with friends and family. I have a background in music so I try to see bands live when I can, and I play guitar in a local band in Philadelphia.
Each client has different goals and challenges that present an opportunity to learn something new. SEO is a field that's always changing and it's fun to help others navigate through it and better understand it.
Fun Facts About Me
I took classical piano lessons for years as a kid. Since pianos aren't portable (and because I was too young to appreciate classical music), I stopped taking lessons and taught myself how to play guitar instead so I could play anywhere.
I love to cook. Family members always want to know when they are getting invited over for dinner.
My wife and I plan on retiring abroad, though we are not yet sure of the location.Megan Sanctorum
Media Relations
10 years experienceMegan Sanctorum
As part of the Digital Third Coast team, I focus on media relations and outreach. I'll be connecting journalists with content and helping them tell informative and entertaining stories while supporting our clients in their media placement and link-building initiatives.
How I Spend My Free Time
In my free time you can usually find me with friends, family and my dog, Kip. I enjoy baking, biking to breweries, live music, reading and watching true crime documentaries.
I am also passionate about health and wellness. I am a fitness instructor on the side and teach group classes at Pure Barre studios.As a former journalist myself, I love using data to inform and inspire the community. I have a decade of experience working as a news reporter and anchor for ABC, CBS and FOX affiliates across the Midwest. I look forward to leveraging my industry knowledge for our outreach initiatives at DTC!
Fun Facts About Me
I grew up spending a lot of time in ice rinks. I was a figure skater up until I went to college. I still try to get back out on the ice when I can and luckily haven’t broken any bones trying old tricks!
I love trying new things, one of my favorite adventures has been skydiving.
I am from the Detroit area and try to make my way back there as often as I can. I’ll always root for Detroit teams no matter how hard it can be sometimes…Taylor Miller
Paid Media Account Manager
9 years experienceTaylor Miller
Social media is an ever-evolving beast, and it’s my job to stay 2 steps ahead of it. As the paid media account manager, I specialize in creating high-quality, forward-thinking ads for my clients. I’m a problem-solving, creative thinker, and with that I can confidently say that you’re in good hands.
What I Do In My Free Time
I like to say that I’m a Jack of all trades when it comes to interests. What I’m into one month may be drastically different the next, but hey, that just means we probably have something in common! My main hobby includes competitive gaming with my fiancé and friends, while my ever-so-often hobbies include hiking and traveling to National Parks. I like to have Yin and Yang in my life. A balance of outdoor and indoor fun. Ask me what I’ve been up to sometime, and it’ll probably be something new. 😉
My whole life has been built on adapting, and from this I have learned one thing. There is no giving up. There is only succeeding or failing, then trying again and again. This mindset has seamlessly carried over to my career of paid social, it's a world full of constant problems to solve.
I love this work because I am constantly having to adapt, learn, and eventually succeed. Fortunately for me, adapting comes easy.Fun Facts About Me
As Shrek once said, “Ogre’s are like onions. Onions have layers.” Whelp, I’m pretty similar! I’m an open book, and I’ve lived through a lot of experiences already. Here are a few facts to name:
• I’ve moved 20 times so far, and I’m somewhat known as a Nomad at this point.
• I’m a huge Star Wars nerd and could talk forever about it.
• I have a wonderful fiancé with 1 dog and 2 cats.
• I’ve been to nearly every state in the U.S. and a life goal of mine is to visit every National Park.Gretchen Andsager
Content Strategist
7 years experienceGretchen Andsager
As a Content Strategist I get to turn all my creative ideas into reality to help drum up recognition for our clients. In a way it’s like creating news, which is nice since I came from the TV news world! I previously worked in TV markets across the Midwest, most recently in Chicago.
How I Spend My Free Time
I am part of an ultimate frisbee group that plays year-round (Chicago winters have nothing on us!). I also sing and would love to someday write songs like Taylor Swift. Most importantly, I am a self-proclaimed cat lady. A good day = tea, my cat, and a book.
Walt Disney said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” I am so grateful that I am getting the opportunity to do just that.
Fun Facts About Me
The best class I ever took was surfing. It was for my PE credit at Pepperdine University, and I loved every moment of it. In 2017 I decided to run a half marathon and said I’d never do it again. A few years later I ran another one (lesson learned: never say never). I also recently attempted ice climbing because why not?
My brother and I are no longer allowed to quote Pirates of the Caribbean when it’s playing because we know too many of the lines.-
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