virtual handshakes all around, meet our Aviatech bloggers…

Ryan Vaspra, Senior Director of Interactive Media

As Aviatech’s Senior Director of Interactive Media, Ryan brings a wealth of knowledge and experience as well as success to his position.  Ryan utilizes his leadership skills to deliver solutions to our clients from their perspective.  Ryan’s understanding of search marketing and the technology behind it gives way to high impact marketing campaign results. Ryan leads the Search Engine Marketing team that consists of immense talent in implementing, managing and reporting. Leading the innovation of Pay-Per-Click, Search Engine Optimization and Social Media for the sole benefit of our client’s marketing success is the top priority of his department. Ryan also brings international business experience and knowledge of cultural diversity.  Living and working in London, Sydney, Seattle, Rotterdam, Melbourne, and now San Diego his ability to develop lasting client relationships is greatly enhanced.  Over the past 15 years, Ryan has owned several business and lead several critical-path projects and initiatives through his skills of program management, project management, consulting and engineering with measurable results while on time and on budget, every time.  Ryan earned a B.A. in Management Information Systems from The University of Oklahoma in Norman, Oklahoma.  Ryan joined Aviatech in 2010.

Liberty Harper, Franchise Development

Liberty Harper has been in franchising for 12 years, having started her franchising career as a franchisee, then transitioned into having a franchise of her own and then a consultant specializing in franchisee support, communication and training by 2007.  Liberty joined Aviatech late in 2009 initially to assist with franchise business development but has expanded her role to lead the franchisee marketing department as well.

On a personal note, Liberty is a marathon runner and fitness enthusiast. She loves pink everything, and will make you think a soy infused flax seed protein burger might be a good dinner choice.

Erica Pinto, Director of Project Management

As Aviatech’s Director of Project Management, Erica brings a rich history of accomplishment, as well as accolades, to her position. Erica approaches all projects, no matter the size, with an unfailing commitment and sense of responsibility. She utilizes well-honed strategic thinking, remarkable organizational skills and extensive education and training to achieve an outstanding final result every time. Erica leads the creative/production team with regards to quality, on time delivery of projects, and budgets. Erica’s success is a result of a strong ability to plan in advance, putting the right team together, influencing, leading, and motivating teams toward end results. A native of Brazil, she is fluent in Portuguese, Spanish and English. Her 10+ years of experience includes everything from managing national marketing campaigns, to directing international conventions, to forecasting revenues and projecting expenses, to designing and managing a publication for the flower industry of Brazil. Erica holds a M.A. in Marketing Management and B.A. in Advertising, both achieved in Sao Paulo, Brazil. She joined Aviatech in 2003.

Margaret St. Martin, Senior Account Manager

Margaret began her advertising career as a Project Manager in New York City at The Lord Group Advertising/Y&R. She then moved on to the position of Web Producer/Project Manager at Digitas, Inc., where she demonstrated her technical and design skills through collaboration with and leadership of project teams in time-sensitive and technically complex development efforts. While in NYC, Margaret worked on campaigns for clients such as Verizon, American Express, The Sports Authority, Ann Taylor, March of Dimes, and Mita.

Upon Margaret’s return to California, she switched gears and concentrated her efforts in spearheading capital and endowment fund raising campaigns for The Pegasus School where she served as the Associate Director of Development. While at The Pegasus School, Margaret also played a major role in the creation of the school Web site, including content development, design and functionality.

At Aviatech, using her experience in developing, implementing and managing online advertising, marketing and media relations programs, Margaret manages world class clients such as The UPS Store – Franchise Development, The Little Gym SharePoint sites, Jani-King International, and the International Franchise Association. Margaret demonstrates her skills at translating project objectives into achievable solutions with well-defined development paths.

Margaret fun fact: She was the only female kazoo player in the Long Island Fire Department’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Band!

Jennifer Fleck, Account Manager

Jennifer deftly handles wide ranging responsibilities such as social media campaign development and execution, SEO integration, and interactive copywriting, to name just a few. Since joining Aviatech in 2010, Jennifer has been an integral member of a team that is dedicated to supporting a large group of the agency’s clients. Prior to joining Aviatech, Jennifer handled media buying and creative responsibilities at DraftFCB of Chicago, where she also worked as a freelance designer and photographer. Jennifer studied advertising, marketing, and photography at Columbia College of Art and Design (Chicago), and completed a Study Abroad program at the University of Westminster in London U.K.

Amanda Dunks, Account Manager

Amanda joined Aviatech in 2010 and handles social media outreach and website development projects for a select group of clients. While pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Merchandise Marketing and Brand Development at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise (FIDM), Amanda gained experience in event planning and implementation through runway shows and marketing/merchandising events. After graduating from FIDM in 2009, Amanda worked for numerous clients on promotional branding, public relations, and other marketing projects.

Jason Knill,  Director of Business Development

Jason Knill’s background encompasses business development, video production, new media, and strategic software planning. Prior to Aviatech, Jason worked in new business at Wolfe Media, a broadcast sales and consulting firm where he opened more than 15 new markets and developed significant revenue for Journal Broadcast Group, CBS, Belo and others in the industry.  Joining Aviatech in 2007, Jason’s focus involves spreading the good will of Aviatech and discovering key insights for current and future clients. He has worked on behalf of the following clients at Aviatech including: Budget Blinds, The UPS Store, Mr Rooter Plumbing,  Ductz, The Cleaning Authority, CertaPro Painters, Synergy Home Care and The Villa Group resorts.

In his free-time he enjoys golf, golf fashion, lounging in the pool, ocean activities and being curious. If you want his contact info you can either ask his girlfriend Alex or interrupt him while he’s interrupting someone else.

Kevin Turner, Account Manager

While interviewing for an Account Coordinator position with Aviatech, Kevin was asked why he wanted to go into Advertising. His response went something like this:
“I’ve always loved the concept of melding Business with Creativity. Anyone can make or duplicate a tangible product, but a great idea is one of a kind… that’s an innovation.”

Kevin began his career in Advertising with an internship at VitroRobertson during his senior year at UC San Diego. In 2005, he graduated with a B.A. in Communication and a Minor in Film Studies. Four years later, Kevin joined Aviatech with a background in Client Services & Business Development and has since helped create and launch integrated ad campaigns for brands like Mr. Rooter Plumbing, Rainbow International, CertaPro Painters, and Handyman Connection.

Kevin is a self-proclaimed night owl who enjoys comedy, live music, and deli sandwiches named after celebrities.

Lindsay Burness, Director of Client Services

The signature of a strong account manager is loyalty, relationships, knowledge and hard work, and Lindsay’s Midwest upbringing deeply rooted these traits in her. Lindsay was born and raised in Oklahoma and she is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma. Over 4 years ago, Lindsay started her career in Dallas, Texas, managing traditional and interactive advertising accounts such as CompUSA, Pepsi, American Airlines, Nokia, and the (red) campaign at Tribal DDB. Lindsay joined Aviatech in 2007 and focused her attention on home services and franchising industries where she managed Lawn Doctor, Meineke, and i9 Sports. Currently, Lindsay manages Budget Blinds and DreamMaker Bath and Kitchen, in addition to helping with leadership of the account service department. With her original focus of traditional media and the integration of her deep understanding of paid search, search engine optimization, mobile, email, social media and website design/build, Lindsay is able to fully integrate a client’s strategy and become a key component of building a client’s business.

Lindsay enjoys traveling, cooking, her Boston Terrior Fiona, fitness and intimidating people with her height. How tall is she? Depends on the shoes of course….

KC Gonzales, SEM Specialist

KC comes from a Search Engine Marketing background with an emphasis in PPC, SEO, and Social Media management. Prior to joining Aviatech, KC worked for Southern California-based firms Engine Ready Inc. and DGWB Advertising. As part of Aviatech’s team, KC focuses on implementing SEO and PPC efforts for numerous clients. Her brand experience includes: Dole Fresh Fruit, KFC, and Stanford University.

Marco Mendoza, Interactive Designer/Developer

From designing magazine advertisements for print to coding HTML and CSS, Marco has accomplished a myriad of projects in web and graphic design. A 2008 graduate of The Art Institute of CA – San Diego, Marco is proficient with the Adobe Creative Suite, programming with HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP/MYSQL, ActionScript and Flash development, and he has a discerning eye for design. In his spare time Marco enjoys playing Street Fighter and listening to Quiet Storm. He joined Aviatech in 2008 and works as a web developer/designer.