Bold Brands Win.
Madison+Main is a brand communications agency. Our humble beginnings take us back to 2005 with just two employees, and today we’re 24-people strong. Based in the “Capital Of Creativity” Richmond, Virginia, our agency provides creative solutions for a wide variety of clients throughout Virginia and the world. Eighteen years ago, we had one mission; bring Madison Avenue ideas to Main Street companies. We strive to do that everyday with creative brand, marketing, and PR solutions.
The Madison+Main-iacs
We’re always looking for bright, talented team members. If you’re interested in a career at M+M, we want to chat. If you’re hungry for knowledge and want an internship, this is the place. Our interns make the BEST coffee. #justkidding
Molly Whitfield
President & Chief Operating OfficerBio:
Molly makes sure all the trains run on time — and in the right direction. A caring, creative operations pro and strategist, her work behind the scenes keeps our agency on task and prepared to exceed client expectations. As President, COO, and Madison+Main’s longest-tenured staffer, Molly executes staffing plans, manages our finances, and runs the day-to-day operations of our agency. In her spare time, she stays busy with three of the cutest little girls – Emmy, Claire, and Georgia – that you’ve ever seen, and takes care of her hero, and ours, 82nd Army Brigade Company Commander, Lee Whitfield.
Three fun facts:
- Three Fun Facts About Molly: Founded SproutLaunch.com, a website solely dedicated to rewarding people who do good deeds.
- She’s a member of Google’s Women Techmakers program.
- Created and launched the “Confessed Secrets” Alexa Skill in 2018.
Leanne Pillow
Vice PresidentBio:
Leanne is our super sweet and fun-loving Vice President. She’s a master-planner and lifetime smile-o-holic. Leanne joined Madison+Main in 2017 as a rockstar Account Manager after gaining experience at San Francisco-based H&L Partners and in RVA as Marketing Director of The Joel Bieber Firm. Today, she lures in new clients using her grace and charm while simultaneously maintaining the most overly organized inbox in the history of email. Trust us, you will be a better person after talking to Leanne for five minutes.
Three fun facts:
- Leanne is passionate about cancer research and volunteers with the Massey Cancer Center to raise money for awareness and studies.
- She doesn’t know how or why she learned it, but she can sing the ABC’s backwards flawlessly. Call it a party trick.
- Leanne loves making new friends – especially on LinkedIn where she has almost 2,000 of them. Join the club!
Dave Saunders
Founder & Chief Idea OfficerBio:
Simply put, agency Founder and Chief Idea Officer Dave runs the show. He’s a nationally recognized brand and marketing expert who frequently speaks to businesses and civic organizations about the power of social media, inbound marketing, and why “Bold Brands Win.” In other words, he’s a good guy to have on your side. Dave brings 27+ years of marketing experience to the table and approaches each new client relationship with unbridled enthusiasm and an uncanny knack for creative problem solving.
Three fun facts:
- Former managing director at Hal Riney & Partners
- 2009 co-finalist for U.S. SBA’s Business Person of the Year award
- In 1998, he won $4,800 on Wheel of Fortune
Kent Brockwell
Communications DirectorBio:
Most folks (including his kids and dog) call him Mr. Brockwell, which is probably out of respect for his epic beard. As Communications Director, Kent is our chief copywriter and manages public relations efforts for several Madison+Main clients. Over the years, Mr. B has helped build voices and manage reputations for Circuit City, Capital One, Allianz, Verizon FiOS, and many other brands you know.
Three fun facts:
- He was a bail bondsman once upon a time and really misses chasing down fugitives.
- He moonlights as a stand-up comic around RVA.
- Outside of the office, Kent enjoys traditional hand line fishing, hunting, rugby, free climbing, and welding.
Derek Fair
Senior CopywriterBio:
Life isn’t always fair, and Senior Copywriter Derek Fair knows this. It’s hard coming up with new puns every day about your last name, but Derek manages to bring a smile to everyone, and our clients with punny, self-deprecating one-liners. Derek rose above the crowd of interns in 2015 with his quick wit and A-rated ad copy, and now writes all of M+M’s digital copy, from banner ads to websites.
Prior to joining the team, Derek worked at Complex Magazine & Capital One – where he made fun of the “what’s in your wallet?” campaign daily. His answer; Not enough.
Soooooo, he joined Madison+Main where his talents are truly appreciated. This former VCU Mass Comm “word nerd” gave us three adjectives to describe himself; obsequious, pertinacious and imperturbable.
Three fun facts:
- Derek once played Jenga against Riff Raff…and lost.
- He goes to bars and pretends he’s “Teen Mom” star Taylor McKinney.
- At age 7, a bee stung him playing soccer and he stripped his clothes off at midfield so he could finish the match.
Lauren McKinney
Copywriter/ProofreaderBio:
That’s right – it’s Lauren, our copywriter and proofreader! After a background in special education she made the eventual jump to PR through freelance and then joined Madison+Main’s word nerds.
When she’s not crafting compelling narratives, she indulges in her love of ambling in nature, gettin’ down on the dance floor, and honing different accents.
Capable of eating a frankly alarming amount of pesto pasta, Lauren is also craving answers – harboring curiosity about the overlap of the American cave system and the mysterious disappearances associated with it.
If you see her in the wild or on a Zoom, ask about the Infamous Treadmill Incident – if you dare.
Three fun facts:
- Adopted by her parents, but refers to it as being “bought off the internet.”
- Her 12-year old corgi goes on hikes with her, in a backpack!
- Once met Andrew Garfield (yep, Spiderman himself) in a cafe in Lynchburg.
Robyn Quarles
Junior CopywriterBio:
Just like Alexis Rose from Schitt’s Creek, Robyn has a knack for disappearing to random countries, leaving her family in suspense until the last eleventh hour. Her superpower of choice? Teleportation, often leading her to the charming streets of Nice, France.
During her leisure time, you’ll find Robyn delving into new pursuits like Barre, embarking on scenic hikes with her husband, Anton, and reveling in the magic of music – from a Mumford show at Bonnaroo to seeing Hozier on tour. And if you run into her, quiz her on her knowledge of cults — there’s a 98% chance she watched the doc!
Three fun facts:
- Once went to Kings Dominion with WWE’s Mankind.
- Dreams of building a home/pot farm/animal rescue on 50+ acres in Bath County.
- Attended Stevie Nick’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame presented by adored artist, Harry Styles!
Carissa Ghaffari
Creative DirectorBio:
Carissa is an experienced Creative Director with a demonstrated work history in the marketing and advertising industry. She also changes her hair color based on the outfit she’s wearing. After receiving her BFA from Virginia Commonwealth University, where she was active in the school’s AIGA chapter, VCU Design Center, and VCU Da Vinci Center, Carissa went on to serve as a Graphic Designer and Art Director for Free Agents Marketing before joining M+M.
Three fun facts:
- Her great-grandfather invented the automatic bowling alley pinsetter and her grandfather invented the automated ball return.
- She’s an awesome mom to baby Donovan and wife to adult Mike.
- Hardcore Harry Potter fan (Team Hufflepuff all the way)
Jenna Farley
Graphic DesignerBio:
Jenna’s a superfan of all things Japanese; hibachi, anime, and weirdly dangerous TV game shows. This VCU grad interned for two semesters before joining the M+M staff in 2019. A self-described military kid, she was born in Portsmouth to two proud naval aviators. Jenna set sail on a different path, making artistic waves using popsicle sticks and later mastering Kidpix to create her first digital art.
Need a smile? Check out Jenna’s Instagram (@behind.jens.lens).
Three fun facts:
- Faced her fear of roller coasters by riding the Griffon.
- Logged 17.5 military flight hours before she was born.
- She’s taken dance lessons for more than 20 years.
Alex Osepchuk
Senior Graphic DesignerBio:
When she’s not crushing on Clash Royale or enjoying a *fully-filled* cone of her favorite Cuban Coffee Oreo ice cream, you’ll find Alex designing top-tier GIFs — which she pronounces, “JIFs.” Joyous, jubilant, and just “décente” when it comes to speaking French, Alex has a huge appreciation for baking and dreams of someday sprinkling Cookie Decorator on her LinkedIn skills section. Prior to becoming a UNC-Chapel Hill grad, she was predestined for greatness at the tender age of nine when she memorized 200 digits of Pi. Ironically and unashamed, Alex is a huge fan of both New Zealand singer, Lorde, and The Lord of the Rings.
Alex’s photo was taken at the Cross Street Market mural (located in Baltimore, MD) by Greg Gannon and Messenger Sports!
Three fun facts:
- She volunteered as a Doula in college. #AtYourCervix
- Alex successfully jumped over a rattlesnake once after watching Steve Irwin do it first.
- The exclamation point is her favorite iPhone emoji response!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AJ Stuit
Graphic DesignerBio:
A VCU School of the Arts grad, AJ spent her college years listening to true crime podcasts, becoming a semi-professional dog walker, and working at Civilization Tattoo, where she racked up some impressive ink. Much like her parlor pals at Civilization — too busy drawing and designing — AJ never attended a single VCU sporting event while in college. #MarchSadness
AJ hails from New York but found her happy place in RVA…except for the fact she can’t find a bangin’ bagel south of the FDR. Email AJ your favorite bagel biz suggestions in RVA at ajs@madisonmain.com.
Three fun facts:
- A born and bred Italian, AJ breaks the hearts of her ancestors every time she opens a can of pre-made pasta sauce or makes *chefs kiss* Stouffer’s lasagna.
- AJ was a high school marching band geek and still wears her shako (a.k.a the funny hat) to parties.
- She eats pineapple on pizza but draws the line at ham.
Allison Nida
Account DirectorBio:
Listening has always come easy to Account Director Allison Nida. As an infant she was a late talker, preferring to listen a lot until she began speaking as a terrible two. Clients appreciate her thoughtfulness and straightforward style (her BFF Bridget calls her ‘blunt’), and colleagues notice that she’s self-motivated, and can even get a procrastinator to move quickly.
A Christopher Newport University alum, she edited the school newspaper, “The Captains Log,” writing about everything except sports. After stints at Commonwealth Architects and Lockwood Broadcast Group, Allison decided she wanted to be a Madison+Main-iac. Crazy, right?
Three fun facts:
- Allison can quote almost every episode of Seinfeld.
- She’s passionate about food. Seriously, check out @CookTheNidaWay on Instagram.
- She owns a mini potbelly pig named Bentley.
Amanda Anderson
Account ManagerBio:
Amanda Anderson is all about alliteration — which could explain why her favorite Richmond restaurant is Fighting Fish. Deathly afraid of the deep sea, it’s safe to say you won’t find her at the bottom of anything…except maybe a bag of Funyuns. As a proud third-generation Hokie, Amanda learned a lot in Blacksburg, but most importantly, that a perfect marketing plan often starts with a perfectly organized Unbound Planner. No, really. She pre-orders these three months in advance. When she’s not knitting new sweaters, Amanda is known for hitting the bars, whether it’s teaching a class at City Barre or sipping at Helen’s.
Three fun facts:
- Amanda once bought a fake ID with cryptocurrency in college, but never used it.
- She’s currently in her Reputation era — seriously, she’s in the top .01% of Taylor Swift listeners on Spotify.
- The only time Amanda skipped school was to attend Wegmans grand opening. It was A+.
Anne Bowers
Account ExecutiveBio:
A proud Hokie, Anne named her cats after Virginia Tech football stars – Bucky and Birdie, the real MVPs. Hailing from Raleigh, NC, Anne’s idea of a wild time is binge-watching the Great British Baking Show, dominating in Mario Kart as Baby Daisy, and sweating it out at Orange Theory.
Much like a giraffe (her favorite zoo animal), she has plenty of patience. But Anne’s kryptonite? Doing dishes. If avoiding that was an Olympic sport, she’d be a gold medalist. If you’re not in love with her yet, it doesn’t matter – because Kevin Jonas pointed at her mid-concert and she’s been adorned in Twitter fame.
Three fun facts:
- Anne beautifies brides as a side gig with her sister-in-law.
- She has an unhealthy obsession with the TV show Friends and Diet Dr. Pepper.
- Anne plays beer league beach volleyball with her dad. #yeastmode
Samuel Nfor
Account ExecutiveBio:
If you want to get on Samuel’s good side, share an uplifting church sermon or satisfy his sweet tooth with a white chocolate macadamia nut cookie. If you somehow end up on his bad side, you’ve likely neglected your turn signals or suggested a scary movie. Samuel, patriotically dubbed “Uncle Sam” by his nieces and nephews, is big on family time — whether enjoying succulent Suya at a cookout or humbling his loved ones in a game of basketball. Born in Cameroon, Africa, he’s lived wholly within the tropics but much prefers the cooler Commonwealth climate where he can comfortably stroll Byrd Park to meditate and write.
Three fun facts:
- Samuel subscribes to specific streaming platforms solely to binge-watch cooking shows.
- Skydiving is sky-high on his bucket list.
- He has a huge passion for starting new books and a not-so-huge passion for finishing old ones.
Kendall Sanders
Account ExecutiveBio:
Kendall is our Chester-raised dynamo who traded the soccer field for the marketing field. With a skillet in one hand and her cat, Lillie, in the other — she’s conquered the kitchen, courtesy of her famous beef and broccoli dish. Her outdoor adventures include snowboarding, wakeboarding, and dodging camel crickets like a pro (her literal enemies). With dreams of Bora Bora and enough pierogies to build a castle, Kendall’s MBA smarts and tuk-tuk advocacy make her a force to be reckoned with. And if she ever starts her own talk show, expect a wild ride with Shane Gillis and enough laughs to make HR nervous.
Three fun facts:
- She went skydiving for her 18th birthday. #chutingthebreeze
- Her favorite TV series is, and will always be, The Wire.
- Seeing the Northern Lights is high up on Kendall’s bucket list.
Brandon Segres
Account ExecutiveBio:
A foodie at heart, Brandon will literally try any entree that’s FDA-approved — especially if it requires being reeled in. And although may be overly obsessed with Sour Patch Kids, Brandon is the sweetest guy you’ll meet. So sweet, he even maxed out his credit card on candy from a vending machine one semester in college. While he’s a big online gamer, especially Call of Duty, the only real way to press Brandon’s buttons is to put him on laundry duty. (He just folds.) A master of TikTok trends, with his Master’s from Liberty University, Brandon can equally school you on social media and Strategic Communication.
Three fun facts:
- A (not so) treble maker, Brandon’s been playing the violin for 23 years!
- In elementary school, he accidentally dribbled the wrong way down the court, but today he’s the biggest team player.
- Brandon is so fascinated by secret Congress bunkers that he once toured one in West Virginia.
Mollie Banks
HR & Operations ManagerBio:
The last thing we needed at Madison+Main was another Molly, but Mollie B (with an ie, please), has been the perfect addition to our crazy crew. Mollie is a multi-talented Jill-of-all-trades who helps keep our team in a great headspace, with fewer headaches. Mollie has an adventurous and outgoing son, named Ollie. #ItRhymes She also takes care of a young-at-heart boy — her husband, Jeff. She has been a true crime junkie for years; tv shows, books, podcasts, and “field experimentation.” Her fascination with the criminal mind makes her the perfect fit to handle HR for the Madison+Main-iacs.
Three fun facts:
- Mollie once ran into Whoopi Goldberg on a New York City street. Literally.
- She once found a dead body in her basement. #WasntMe
- Read number two, again. Seriously.
Laura Hunt
Digital Marketing ManagerBio:
Although she wishes she was an actual genie in a bottle, Laura makes digital marketing wishes come true every day. When she’s not waking up 90 minutes early in the morning to watch 90 Day Fiance, Laura is planning, executing, and analyzing online trends. Laura’s everyday must-haves include coffee, Elote chips from Trader Joe’s, and time with her cat, Kitten Pants. An avid cleaner, Laura is originally from Connecticut but has loved Richmond ever since she relocated! Fearless cold-caller and expert presenter, Laura was “Born To Run” marketing campaigns (just like her favorite singer Bruce Springsteen).
Three fun facts:
- Laura orders Japanese takeout as often as she can. She believes she should, sushi does.
- She has a deep appreciation for flickering flameless candles and literally lights up when she sees them.
- Laura met her husband at Starbucks. A latte love later, they’re happily married with two kids. (His name is Jared, but he went to Kays.)
Kristen Baum
Digital Marketing ManagerBio:
A proud mother of two and marathon runner, Kristen knows how to make digital marketing look easy. A proud University of Lynchburg grad (go Hornets), Kristen finds inspiration in bold brands and her two daughters. When she’s not perfecting her garlic bread recipe, Kristen is raising money and awareness for her family’s foundation — Clara Inspired. In honor of her special needs daughter, Clara, the foundation works to help cure an extremely rare genetic condition. Encouraged by her daughter’s zest for life, Kristen is ready to tackle whatever you throw her way…just as long as it happens in the afternoon. She may be a lot of things, but a morning person, she is not.
Three fun facts:
- Kristen has an intense fear of bugs. She crossed “Be a Contestant on Fear Factor” off her To-Do list a while ago.
- On her daily runs, she listens to true crime podcasts. Apparently, they motivate her to “Keep moving.”
- The thing Kristen rates 10/10? Wine (and we don’t blame her).
Find our murals
We couldn’t think of a more RVA way to do our headshots than taking advantage of the beautifully unique Richmond murals. Browse the map to find out more about each mural and where to find them!
Become a Main-iac!
We’re always looking for bright, talented team members. If you’re interested in a career at M+M, we want to chat. If you’re hungry for knowledge and want an internship, this is the place.