HT Klatzky & Associates - The Agency: Our People

CREATIVE

Diane Tobin, associate creative director
Growing up, Diane didn't want to be an artist. She had to be one. Drawing was an essential way of communicating her thoughts and feelings. Today, Diane's love of the design process, from concept to execution to impact, is evident in every project she undertakes.

Her interests include golf, water aerobics and snowboarding. And, although she would never describe her self as “one of those people, you know, that always talk about their dog,” her collie, Levi, would beg to disagree.

Mike Scholtz, associate creative director
With a background in documentary filmmaking and journalism, Mike accidentally developed a unique set of skills perfectly suited for advertising. He likes to tell stories. But even more than that, he likes to help other people tell their stories.

As co-founder of the Free Range Film Festival in rural Wrenshall, Minnesota, Mike spends his evenings and weekends fixing up a 90-year-old barn just so he can project independent films inside of it.

Joe Gunderson, senior art director
As an art director, Joe relies heavily on his creative versatility. He knows the importance of matching the right artistic style with the right brand, infusing every client's work with a design sense that runs from crisp to wild.

A native of Alborn, Minn., Joe enjoys home improvement projects, running and puttin' a line in the water.

Jeff Ruprecht, senior art director
With an extensive background in interactive design, Jeff has seen the future of advertising. (And it is good.) Some people may find his interest in the latest innovations a bit obsessive. We find it absolutely necessary.

In his spare time, he likes to spend time with his family and build houses. Not surprisingly, Jeff doesn't have a whole lot of spare time.

Phil Davidson, art director
Over the years, Phil's work has been showered with much praise, kind words and Addys. While he thinks that stuff is really nice, he'd much rather knock his clients' socks off with outstanding work.

Phil would make a lousy postal worker. He can't stand the thought of facing the same old routine day after day. (Which explains why he likes to coach junior high baseball and football in his spare time.) Advertising keeps Phil on his toes. And that's exactly where he wants to be.

Deb Salzer, graphic artist

Deb's keen design sense started with her first box of Crayola crayons. Her easygoing personality, dedication and skills allow her to do her job with ease. Deb's graphic design has helped clients to boost their products and reach an audience.

Deb says if she were stranded on a deserted island, she would insist on having a snorkel and a hair de-frizzer. When she's not working, Deb enjoys snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, canoeing and campfires.

Janice Lowther, graphic artist

The best part of any elementary school day for Janice was doing cool art projects. Recess was a close second. Today, as an accomplished designer, the best part of her day remains doing cool art projects. Her keen eye and ability to connect ideas and design make the work she does effective and striking. And really cool too.

Recess for Janice these days includes snowboarding, mountain biking and training the best dog in the world, her Vizsla Rupert. She was once a surgical technician major, so she also likes science stuff too.

Jake Kapsner, senior writer
Reporter, columnist and copywriter, Jake can write…write…write. From giving his copy a distinctive voice to winning Addy awards, is there anything this guy can't do with the written word?

Nope.

Jake enjoys soccer, beach life on Park Point, camping and doing just about anything with his daughters whenever he isn't writing.

Tara Olson Tara Alfonsi, writer
Ever since she can remember, Tara has been using writing to express herself. Back in the day, she channeled her passion into writing elaborate plays for her sometimes unwilling friends to perform. Today, she puts that flair for the dramatic to work for her clients.

A self-proclaimed news junkie, Tara has worked as communications director for several local political campaigns. In addition to her political work, she was recently selected to be one of 31 community catalysts for Duluth’s Knight Creative Communities Initiative, and she enjoys acting in Renegade Comedy Theater and local film productions. Born and raised in Duluth, Tara lives to break a sweat year-round, from running 5 and 10Ks (and hopefully, a half-marathon!) in the summer to downhill and cross-country skiing in the winter.

Denise Burgess, writer
Denise has extensive experience in the field of mass communications and advertising and has been filling blank pages with advertising and public relations copy since the early 80s. She’s also worked as an elementary school teacher, so she knows how to get through to tough audiences.

Denise likes to volunteer for anything that promotes education and has volunteered as a tutor, a Destination Imagination advisor and a Kids Vote coordinator. Today she serves on the board of Little Treasures Child Care and Family Center.