Bringing Bright Ideas to Life Through
Strategy, Storytelling, and Heart.
Every story starts with a spark - an idea that deserves to be seen in its best light.
Over the past 20 years, I’ve helped brands and teams bring those sparks to life through thoughtful strategy, creative storytelling, and genuine connection. My work spans industries - from insurance and transportation to education and community - but the common thread has always been people.
I approach marketing the same way I approach life - with curiosity, care, and a belief that confidence looks good on everyone. Here’s a look at the work that reflects that philosophy.
Here is look at the work that reflects that philosophy - the strategies, stories, and campaigns that shaped my journey and the brands I’ve had the privilege to grow alongside.
Insurance Marketing & Client Experience
At the heart of every policy is a promise - and I’ve always believed how we communicate that promise matters.
My time leading marketing and communications within the insurance industry taught me the power of trust, consistency, and relevance. Whether launching a client automation system, aligning post-acquisition brands, or creating campaigns that feel personal at scale, I focused on turning complex information into connection.
Company
GTA Insurance Group
Year
2022-2025
Company
Highstreet Insurance Partners
Year
2022-2025
Highstreet Insurance & Financial Services — “Join Our Team: Real People. Real Life.”
Overview:
In an industry where recruitment is constant, our goal was to highlight authentic voices and showcase the real people behind the Highstreet brand. We focused on storytelling that reflected genuine experiences from within the agency network - connecting career growth with community impact.
My Role:
I led the content strategy, creative direction, and campaign placement across social media channels, while also tracking engagement metrics to guide optimization and reporting.
Execution:
Through lifestyle photography and candid team spotlights, the campaign invited potential candidates to picture themselves as part of the Highstreet story. Each post featured team members giving back to their communities, emphasizing culture, purpose, and pride in the work we do. The series was featured across LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
Outcome:
The campaign drove a 21% increase in clicks to the career page over a six-week period and significantly boosted organic engagement on recruitment posts.
Rebranding: post-acquisitions
Every acquisition marks both an ending and a beginning - and the rebrand is where those stories meet. I focus on creating clarity and connection through every detail, ensuring the new brand relfects where it’s going without losing sight of where it began.
Subject: GTA Insurance Group: Lincoln is now Highstreet Insurance & Financial Services Dear valued customers,
We hope this email finds you well. We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you regarding recent developments at GTA Insurance Group.Over the past two years, GTA Insurance Group has been proud to be a part of Highstreet Insurance Partners, a top-rated insurance agency. This strategic partnership was formed with a shared purpose: to be agents of positive change, helping people pursue life's opportunities and contributing to the creation of stronger, more resilient communities for all our futuresTo mark this significant milestone, we are excited to announce that we will now be operating under the name Highstreet Insurance & Financial Services in the Lincoln market.What does this mean for you, our valued customers?Our legacy continues with the same people you have always counted on to help you protect what is important to you and your business. We can continue to offer you even more:More insurance providers.More policy and coverage options for your family, home, and business.More options to be engaged in our local communities.More access to insurance experts and finance specialists across the country expanding across 167 agencies in 33 states.More growth opportunities allowing us to stay relevant in the industry, ensuring our ability to serve you for many years to come.
Starting March 1st, you can find us at our new location: 7811 Pioneers Blvd., Suite 202, Lincoln, NE 68506. Our contact numbers will remain unchanged. Additionally, our website and communications will soon feature the Highstreet brand, reflecting the exciting journey on which we are embarking.Thank you for being a valued part of the Highstreet Insurance & Financial Services community. We look forward to seeing you soon. see possible.Best regards, Krae Dutoit
CEO of GTA Insurance Group & President, Central Region of Highstreet Insurance PartnersGTA Insurance Group: Lincoln Is Now Highstreet Insurance & Financial Services — Rebranding Campaign
Overview:
As part of the Highstreet acquisition, our Lincoln office became the first Nebraska location to transition to the new brand identity. The goal was to inform clients and the community about the name change while reinforcing a sense of continuity and trust under the theme: “Same People. Same Communities. New Name.”
My Role:
I led the overall rebranding initiative - from content strategy and creative direction to event management and communications. My responsibilities included interior design and exterior signage coordination, client and community messaging, campaign placement, and guiding the local team through the brand transition process.
Execution:
This was a full-scale rebrand encompassing all touchpoints: new office design, updated signage, refreshed digital presence (website, Google listing, and social media), rebranded collateral, and internal communication resources. I also led the planning and execution of a grand opening event for staff and community partners, ensuring the launch reflected both pride in our legacy and excitement for what’s ahead.
Outcome:
The rebrand received overwhelmingly positive feedback from clients, employees, and community members. The new office launch strengthened trust, increased local engagement, and successfully positioned the Lincoln branch as part of a national, independent insurance agency - while keeping its local heart intact.
Relationships: the true connection between people
Every brand has a moment worth capturing - a light that deserves to be seen. From the first line of a script to the final frame on the screen, I approach video storytelling as an experience meant to be felt. Each piece is created to draw people in, helping them picture themselves in the story and feel connected to what’s possible.
GTA Insurance Group — 2022 Business of the Year (Grand Island Chamber of Commerce)
Overview:
GTA Insurance Group was recognized as the 2022 Business of the Year by the Grand Island Chamber of Commerce for its outstanding community impact and local investment. The agency also received the Beautification Award for its renovation of a historic property along the Wood River — a project that symbolized growth, pride, and commitment to the Grand Island community.
My Role:
I led content strategy, creative direction, and the full campaign development - including video production, storytelling, marketing, event planning, and community engagement. My focus was to ensure GTA was authentically represented throughout the award process, the Chamber event, and subsequent promotional campaigns.
Execution:
From application to celebration, I coordinated every detail to highlight GTA’s leadership, team culture, and community involvement. This included producing a feature video, developing a print and digital campaign, managing social media promotion, and hosting an open house that invited clients and partners to experience the newly renovated office space. Campaign visibility extended across LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, local news print, Google Ads, and Chamber channels.
Outcome:
The campaign elevated brand visibility and deepened community relationships, resulting in an 18% increase in new clients during the recognition period. The recognition reinforced GTA’s position as a trusted, people-first insurance agency and a valued part of the Grand Island business community.
Additional Information:
Video and creative assets included.
Originally published on the GTA Insurance Group website (no longer live following acquisition).
We'd like to introduce you to our Executive Leadership team at GTA Insurance Group. They are #trailblazers not only in the business world but also in their communities. They continue to #inspire each of their employees, they seek #growth opportunities, and they #care endlessly about their customers. #gtaleadership #gtacares #gtacommunity #ProtectYourLegacy
GTA Insurance Group — Husker Harvest Days Campaign (Booth & NTV Main Business Sponsor)
Overview:
Agriculture is at the heart of GTA Insurance Group’s business, and there was no better stage to highlight that connection than Husker Harvest Days, the nation’s largest farm show. As NTV’s main business sponsor, GTA leveraged broadcast, digital, and on-site engagement to connect with clients and prospects across Nebraska — in person, on television, and online.
My Role:
I led the initiative end-to-end - overseeing content strategy, creative direction, partnership management with NTV, video production, campaign development, co-op collaboration with Nationwide Insurance, and full event execution. My focus was on driving awareness, engagement, and meaningful connections through a unified, multi-channel experience.
Execution:
Under the theme “Live & Grow Locally with GTA Insurance Group,” I coordinated all logistics and creative assets to ensure a cohesive brand presence. Our campaign included pre-event promotions, on-site activations, and live TV coverage - featuring 16 live on-air segments with GTA’s leadership, agents, and team members. Booth materials included branded collateral, QR codes, digital signup forms, and giveaways designed to encourage conversations and lead capture. The campaign spanned TV, digital, social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram), print, and Google Ads.
Outcome:
The event generated over 750 new leads during the three-day period, all assigned to agents for follow-up. Within 18 months, these relationships contributed to an estimated $1.2 million in new revenue, reinforcing GTA’s reputation as a trusted partner in the agricultural community.
Additional Information:
Video and photos included (one featuring the team at the Nebraska State Fair prior to the event).
Originally published on the GTA Insurance Group website (no longer live following acquisition).
A little behind the scenes action today as GTA Insurance Group takes to the big screen! You’ll be seeing more of us on NTV News! We are so excited to take you along on this adventure with us as we continue to #grow! #bigthingshappening #GTAcommunity #protectyourlegacy
Transportation & Logistics
Transportation marketing is about more than moving freight - it’s about moving people.
In my years supporting trucking and logistics brands, I built strategies that celebrated the heartbeat of the industry: it’s drivers, teams, and stories. From recruitment campaigns to digital advertising and event marketing, the goal was always the same - highlight the humanity behind the horsepower.
Company
Grand Island Express
Year
2018-2019
Company
Nebraska Truck Center
Year
2019-2022
Nebraska Truck Center
- 50 Years of Legacy
Celebrating 50 years of service, Nebraska Truck Center’s story is one of family, hard work, and the road that built their legacy. This piece honors the people and purpose that have kept their wheels - and their values - turning for half a century.
Celebrating 50 years: Nebraska Truck Center marks anniversary as hometown business
Nebraska Truck Center — 50th Anniversary “Legacy of Strength” Campaign
Overview:
Nebraska Truck Center celebrated 50 years of service in the transportation industry - a milestone rooted in the vision of founder Lloyd Brown. The campaign honored his legacy and the company’s continued commitment to serving customers with integrity and innovation.
My Role:
I led the full anniversary initiative - overseeing content strategy, creative direction, client communications, event coordination, advertising, and campaign results.
Execution:
The celebration included direct customer outreach through personalized letters, a large-scale anniversary event for clients and community partners, and a digital awareness campaign across social media and local channels. Messaging highlighted Nebraska Truck Center’s family values, growth, and gratitude for the customers who built its legacy.
Outcome:
The campaign generated record community engagement, a 30% increase in event attendance compared to previous customer gatherings, and a 74% lift in digital engagement over the year-long celebration period. It successfully strengthened relationships with long-standing clients while attracting new business inquiries inspired by the company’s legacy story.
Nebraska Truck Center — Recruitment & College Partnership Campaign
Overview:
To strengthen workforce development and attract new talent, Nebraska Truck Center partnered with Grand Island Senior High School and Central Community College to recruit recent graduates into the company’s growing service and sales teams. The campaign tied recruitment messaging to education and opportunity, positioning the company as a place to start - and grow - a career.
My Role:
I led the strategic direction, creative development, partnership coordination, and digital campaign rollout. My focus was to connect Nebraska Truck Center’s brand values with the next generation of skilled technicians and professionals.
Execution:
Through joint sponsorships, on-campus events, digital ads, and targeted social media outreach, we built brand awareness among students in relevant programs. Content featured real employees sharing career growth stories and spotlighted Nebraska Truck Center’s training and mentorship culture.
Outcome:
The initiative increased applicant interest by 27% year-over-year, expanded the company’s visibility with local colleges, and led to multiple successful hires who have since advanced within the organization. The partnership established a long-term recruitment pipeline for the company’s future workforce.
Grand Island Express
- Life on the Road
These stories spotlight the heart of Grand Island Express: the drivers. Through their voices, we see that this company isn’t just about miles and freight - it’s about friendship, loyalty, and the kind of family you find out on the open road.
Grand Island Express — “Family on the Road” Recruitment Campaign
Overview:
Grand Island Express - a family-owned, over-the-road trucking company serving 75% of the U.S. - needed to attract new drivers while showcasing what makes the company unique: its family culture and strong sense of belonging. The “Family on the Road” campaign shared authentic driver stories and celebrated the relationships that fuel the company’s success.
My Role:
I led the campaign’s concept, creative direction, video production, and content strategy - crafting a storytelling approach that tied together the daily life of drivers with the family values of the company.
Execution:
The video series and digital campaign featured drivers discussing what being part of the GI Express family means to them - both on and off the road. Footage included on-the-road driving scenes, office interactions, and team gatherings, painting a vivid picture of connection across miles. The campaign ran across LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube, supported by targeted recruitment ads and refreshed website content.
Outcome:
The campaign generated an 18% increase in driver applications within the first quarter and significantly improved engagement on recruitment content. The authentic storytelling reinforced Grand Island Express’s reputation as a trusted, people-first carrier built on family values and long-haul pride.
Subject: $250 Sign-on Bonus -- come Drive for Grand Island Express today!
Hi there!
I wanted to reach out to you to see if you were ready for a change? We want you to come work for us at Grand Island Express. You reside right here in the same community, we reside in, and we'll be able to get you home weekly. We understand how important local Nebraska drivers are for our company. But you are even more than that, you live in our backyard, down the street -- you're our next-door neighbor. Would your family benefit from having an outlet full of kind and caring people that are always there to help them out? We have monthly Safety Meetings where you and your family are invited to come in and eat a meal with us. We also have special nights out for the spouses of our drivers, so they can network and make new friendships amongst other driver spouses. If an emergency was to ever come up while you're on the road and you need to get home to your family, we have Home-Time Vouchers you can use. You'll get your voucher in orientation, which is 3 days long and takes place at our terminal in Grand Island.
Grand Island Express is an OTR reefer carrier that primarily serves I80 & I70 from Nebraska to the east coast. We have also a secondary lane into Atlanta, GA. And we have a regional lane that goes into IL and WI. We are a no touch freight company. And we have an electronic load board that allows you to pick your outbound loads. Your backloads will be scheduled for you. We have the late model tractors - 2017/2018 Freightliner Cascadia Evolution. Perks to our company include - Multiple Drop/Pickup Pay, Paid Lumpers, Paid Holidays, Layover/Detention Pay, East Coast Bonus, Fuel Bonuses, Orientation Pay, EZPass and PrePass. We also have a Passenger Policy, Pet Policy, Modern Equipment - 2020's rolling in January 2019, Weekly Pay, Tractor Purchase Program, Driver Rewards Program, Onsite Shop & Wash Bay. For health insurance we have Blue Cross Blue Shield, Dental, Vision and 401k.
I would love the opportunity to talk to you and get you driving with Grand Island Express. We are offering a $250 sign-on bonus from now until the end of the month. I'd love to hear back from you! I can get you into orientation as early as Monday!
Thank you,
Recruiter Name
Let’s Create Something Bright Together.
The brands may evolve, but the purpose remains the same - to tell stories that build trust, inspire confidence, and create momentum. Through every project, I’ve learned that meaningful marketing begins with connection - with understanding people, their needs, and the stories that move them.
I’d love to continue the conversation. Let’s create something bright together.