Leadership

Jason is the Founder and President of thunder::tech, having sat in the boss’s chair since Day One of operations in 1999. He leads strategic planning for the agency and select clients, specializing in integrated marketing and brand strategy as well as digital transformation planning. His experience includes creating integrated marketing strategies for clients primarily in the middle market to the Fortune 500. He is also well-versed in family business marketing and global Fortune brand work.

Jason received his BSBA from John Carroll University. He is the recipient of the John Carroll University Young Alumni Award, Crain's 40 under 40 Award, Northeast Ohio Smart 50 Award and Cleveland Magazine 500 list. He is a board member and past chair of Youth Opportunities Unlimited. The best part of his job is the awesome humans he gets to innovate with everyday.

After over 15 years in marketing agency life and almost a decade at thunder::tech, J.P. Krainz is a bonafide expert on managing client relationships. He specializes in setting strategic direction for the thunder::tech team of account and project managers while focusing on continuous improvement in customer satisfaction through process, iteration and education. J.P. received his BSBA from John Carroll University and M.B.A. from Cleveland State University. When not making client’s dreams come true, he volunteers with LakewoodAlive, a community-centered nonprofit that fosters and sustains vibrant neighborhoods.

The OG of thunder::tech, Bruce has been a part of the team for nearly 20 years. While he started as a humble developer, Bruce now leads strategic initiatives for new business and development projects. He supports CRM strategies, e-commerce and digital transformations all while paying special attention to  shaping and training new teammates in between. Bruce is a member of the Cleveland Bridge Builders Class of 2018 and has been an Olmsted Falls Chamber of Commerce board member for nine years. He is actively involved in The Carter Nedley Foundation, an organization that provides support to children undergoing cancer treatments in Northeast Ohio. Bruce has a Bachelors of Business Administration from Ohio University.

Throughout his career, Marc has accumulated nearly 20 total years of experience executing and perfecting operational excellence across several different industries. He joined thunder::tech in 2011 and now serves as Vice President of Operations where he oversees all agency activities, business initiatives, and processes. Marc has a "You Are Your Own Business" mentality and “Easy on People, Tough on Results” philosophy. He never looks back, always forward. When Marc isn’t working through his treasure trove of Excel sheets evaluating finances, forecasts and business growth, he’s coaching thunder::tech leadership or telling bad jokes that elicit the grandest of eye rolls. Marc earned his BSAS from Youngstown State University.

Abi is the Director of Communications at thunder::tech, where she leads a team specializing in performance marketing, advertising, social media, content and public relations.

Since joining thunder::tech in 2020, Abi has leveraged her extensive agency experience, including work with Top 10 Casual-Dining Chains and numerous DTC and B2B brands, to drive impactful communication strategies for our clients. While her background includes deep expertise in organic and paid social media and influencer marketing, she oversees the integrated efforts of her team across all communication channels.

Abi earned a BS in Public Communication Studies and Public Relations from Kent State University (Go Flashes!) and continues her education on the job every day.

Outside of work, Abi explores local coffee shops, stays up-to-date on all things pop culture, is passionate about social justice causes and spends time with her one-eyed St. Bernard-Poodle mix, Kirby, and her cat, Mabel.

Jerry has been a part of thunder::tech since the launch of the first iPhone (seriously!). From navigating the birth of the mobile era to leading the multifaceted Development Department in launching websites week after week, his 14 years at thunder::tech have been nothing short of a wild ride. Jerry regularly brings together a team of developers to create websites for clients that push the boundaries and change their businesses for the better. When he’s not working on developing web-based applications, he can be found coaching and mentoring teammates. Jerry was the recipient of the 2020 thunder::tech Williams Award, a recognition of excellence in exemplifying thunder::tech’s core values, and has a Bachelors of Computer Science degree from Hiram College. 

Kelly has been a cornerstone of thunder::tech account success for 10 years. With a Bachelors of Business Administration and Marketing from Cleveland State University, Kelly is well suited for managing new business acquisition and formulating marketing service solutions. While her creative and strategic focus is on business growth, Kelly is also involved with thunder::tech’s volunteer and philanthropy committee, which is focused on making an impact in our community. Outside of the office, Kelly also gives her time to the National MS Society. 

Joe joined the thunder::tech team in 2010, bringing a natural flair for creativity and a BFA from Kent State University. Today, he leads the Design Team and helps lead the Creative Department, guiding the digital, print and creative writing work needed to bring clients’ design and brand strategy dreams to life. During his time at thunder::tech, Joe has won several Addy awards through the American Advertising Federation, Cleveland Chapter, for brand identity, packaging and website work. He and a larger team have also designed almost 100 websites that have won Xperience by Kentico's Site of the Month Award, and one that won Site of the Year in 2018. When Joe isn’t studying the best angle for a new brand logo or choosing the most impactful colors for a new website, he can be found getting inspiration for his next project through his many travels and outdoor adventures.

With over 12 years with the agency, Nicole has become an expert in day-to-day operations of the office. Nicole has become an expert in our accounting and tracking systems and has helped to improve the efficiency of receivables and payables. She has also started our internship and apprenticeship program working closely with local colleges and employee resource groups throughout Cleveland to help maintain diversity in the team.

You may think you have a flair for visual storytelling, but you haven't met Matt, our Managing Producer. After 15 years, Matt is still bringing new tech, video strategies and client brands to life  as the creator of our in-house production studio, thirtysix::thirtyfive studios. From production management and video editing to live streaming and drone operation (seriously, he is FAA Part 107 licensed!), Matt never lets a creative moment pass a client by. Matt earned his BS in Visual Communication Design from Kent State University.