THE PERSON BEHIND THE BRAND
Hey, I’m Mel.
Small-town Wisconsin. Agriculture roots. 20+ years in marketing and events, 12+ in branded merchandise. Convinced that the best experiences don't happen by accident.
Moments + Merch Exists Because of Seed Corn
Before I worked in events and the promotional products industry, I worked in agriculture.
What I learned there still influences how I approach my work today.
Agriculture is built on relationships and trust is earned over time. People want to know who they're doing business with. The best organizations understand that and create opportunities to bring people together, whether that's at a field day, a customer meeting, a community event, or around a kitchen table.
As I moved into other positions in marketing, events, and branded merchandise, I realized those same principles applied everywhere.
The organizations creating the strongest connections weren't just marketing to people, they were creating experiences people wanted to be part of.
That's the idea behind Moments + Merch.
Some of the most meaningful work I've done has been with nonprofit organizations.
Nonprofits and agriculture have more in common than most people realize. Both are built on relationships, community, and a deep connection to the people they serve.
My connection to nonprofits is personal. In 2012, our identical twin boys were diagnosed with Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome early in my pregnancy. During their long stays in the NICU, the Ronald McDonald House in Omaha became a home away from home for our family. I've seen firsthand what nonprofits do for people when they need it most. That's not something you forget, and it's one of the reasons I care so much about helping these organizations create experiences that inspire people to show up and stay connected.
Why Nonprofits Have Always Felt Familiar
I live in Wisconsin with my husband, Jesse, our twin boys, and our daughter.
If I'm not on the bleachers at a baseball game or in an auditorium watching my daughter dance, you can find me at our family cabin, spending time at my parents' farm, or doing my best to stay calm during a Packer game.
I recently lost my BFF Larry, my 15-year-old yellow lab and longtime office sidekick. He supervised every project, greeted every Zoom call, and never once missed a deadline. I guess I’m on my own now!
My friends call me Mel. You can too.
Outside of Work
Want to work together?
I’d love to hear about your next event. Let’s figure out what it could be.
