We’re a close-knit team of highly experienced digital media and marketing professionals who know their stuff.

A corkscrew, tinted blue

Andrew Sklerov Co-Founder & Managing DirectorWine Lover

Chapel Hill, NC

Though a lifelong New Yorker, Andrew moved south to North Carolina in 2017 and loves it so much, he plans to stay indefinitely! A proud father of three sons, he continues a family streak of all males (Andrew is the third of four sons). Andrew has a passion for great wine, food, and travel, and in his free time, you will usually find him doing a combination of all. Andrew founded Brkthru to answer a growing frustration he felt in the market—clients didn’t feel they had a true partner that they could consistently rely on and wouldn’t turn them away when in need. You will routinely hear Andrew emphasize that we find ways to say YES! If a client has a need, we will figure out a way to solve it and our clients shouldn’t ever have to worry about if we will accept their business. When he looks back years from now, his hope is that Brkthru is well regarded as being the gold standard for service. If so, it’s mission accomplished!

A pizza delivery warming bag, tinted blue and full with pizza boxes

Jeff Hastedt Co-Founder & Managing DirectorPizza Pro

Detroit, MI

Along with Andrew, Jeff is Managing Director and Co-Founder, but the title he prefers is CPO – Chief Pizza Officer. Helping to harness the selling power behind digital advertising is a specialty of Jeff’s. He co-founded Brkthru in 2017, but his digital expertise dates back to 2000. Along the way, he learned the value of educating as many clients as possible on the nuances of digital media. He also brings 10 years’ experience in mass media with CBS, Clear Channel, and Powerhitz.com assisting brands and leading international digital campaigns for clients such as Ford, Indian Motorcycles, Novo Nordisk, and Lennox, among others. He’s often seen as an invaluable resource for clients looking for growth in the digital space because of his ability to understand the client-agency relationship. Jeff is married, and has a young son.

Ski goggles, tinted blue

Jonathan Mellinger PresidentDownhill Daredevil

Philadelphia, PA

Jonathan is a mid-life convert to yoga and skiing and tries to “Ski the East” as much as possible to get through the winter. He has spent more than two decades in digital marketing as a successful entrepreneur, investor, and operating executive. He has spent his career as an integral part of founding teams that have grown businesses from several employees and an idea to hundreds of employees and millions in revenues. He is a thought-leader that has developed software for creative solutions in the fields of video compression, large-scale data management, and machine learning. He is proud to be working with a company that puts their client first and loves to roll up his sleeves and help customers negotiate the unnecessary complexities of the digital advertising ecosystem.

Tom Connelly Chief Revenue OfficerGuitar Man

New York City, NY

Tom spent the first leg of his career on the publisher side of the industry, selling digital and traditional media at the national level for B2B and consumer publications. In 2013 during the boom of ad tech, he joined Simpli.fi as an early employee and one of its first sales hires. Over the course of 10 years, he went from seller to regional manager to VP and through a critical period of growth from a true startup to a large organization with more than 600 people. Tom joined Brkthru to leverage his expertise in the sales process, identify new revenue channels, and build talented teams. He was a college radio DJ and a bricklayer before getting into the media industry. Tom holds a BA from Rutgers University. 

Brett Rendeiro Executive Vice President, Business Strategy & LegalGardening Guru

Detroit, MI

With 20 years of experience working with a variety of businesses as a private practice attorney, including as partner at two pre-eminent Michigan law firms,  Brett applies his career expertise to help keep Brkthru on its successful trajectory. He holds a BBA from Eastern Michigan University and a JD from Wayne State Law School. He has been married for 23 years with two daughters. Brett is an Ohio State Buckeyes football fanatic and avid vegetable gardener.

University of Georgia fan glove - Go Bulldogs!

Jennifer Bird Senior Vice President, Organizational DevelopmentDawg Lover

Acworth, GA

Jennifer enjoys spending time with her husband and two children watching or playing any kind of sport, especially the Georgia Bulldogs! She has more than 20 years’ experience in advertising, including recruitment, traditional and digital. After graduating from the University of Georgia, she started at TMP/Monster working with the TSA, Custom and Border Control, ServiceMaster and several healthcare and education clients. From there, Jennifer helped launch a national telecom brand during her time at BBDO. She transitioned to the digital space in 2010 and hasn’t looked back. She’s worked in several different departments and different roles allowing her to appreciate the vital part each person plays in the campaign lifecycle. Jennifer’s true passion is working with clients, both internally and externally, to help them reach their highest potential.

A towable camper

Zoe Matthews Senior Vice President, Client ExperienceCamper Queen

Smithfield, VA

Zoe often enjoys the outdoors with her husband and daughter in their RV camper, but her home base is Smithfield, VA. Zoe started her career at a handful of Virginia ad agencies, managing several local and national accounts, specializing in higher education, healthcare and government entities. She has held multiple roles from Account Management to Creative Trafficking, Production, and Media Buying. This unique insight into her client’s day to day needs has helped her form long term relationships with clients over the years. She has been in the digital space for nearly 10 years and thrives on a collaborative partnership with clients to provide strategy, execution and analysis of their media campaigns. Zoe holds a B.S. in Communications and Marketing from Virginia Tech.

A Peleton shoe

Anthony McFarlane Vice President, Client SuccessPeloton Pedaler

Hudson Valley, NY

​In his free time, you can find Anthony on his Peloton or binge watching Netflix. He joined Brkthru as the National Director of Client Success, Anthony's role is leading an amazing sales team in continued company and client revenue development. Nearing two decades of advertising and marketing sales and leadership in traditional (TV, newspapers, magazines, etc.) and multi-media channels, he most recently led major markets across NY and NJ in digital growth. Most importantly, Anthony is a proud husband, and father of two amazing children, residing in the Hudson Valley region of New York.

A pair of hiking boots, tinted blue

Elizabeth Brooks Vice President, Client ServicesTrailblazing Trekker

Chesapeake Bay, VA

Liz’s love of travel occasionally lures her away from the Chesapeake Bay, where she and her son Grayson happily reside with his best friend, their black lab, Maximus. She has 16 years combined experience in client and agency-side advertising and communications, developing research-based strategy and integrated marketing plans. Destination marketing organization and hotel experience give her keen insight into the client perspective, invaluable in her role as Director of Client Services. Her full-service agency experience spans travel and hospitality, museums and attractions, automotive, healthcare, fitness and franchise brands. In addition to her leadership in marketing, Liz is accredited in Public Relations through PRSA. Liz calls Virginia Beach home, where her father retired as a rear admiral in the U.S. Navy.

A gas scooter, tinted blue

Jeff Petit Vice President, MarketingScooterologist

Toledo, OH

During the warmer months, Jeff ditches the car and gets around on his '08 Honda Met Scooter and pedals every Saturday night with about 100 bicycle riders on a Glow Roll. He is a marketing communications pro with more than 30 years of experience on both the agency and client sides, leading breakthrough programs for some of the world's most recognized brands. BA Journalism The Ohio State University.

A snowboard, tinted blue

Karen Cuce Vice President, StrategySnow Angel

Perkasie, PA

Karen has snowboarded slopes from Killington to Whistler each winter, but loves the mountains any time of year. Her boarding hobby has spanned two decades – just as long as her career in digital marketing. While much of that time was dedicated to roles in client services, her experience includes media strategy, ad operations and campaign management on the client, publisher and agency side. Early on in her career, she served in marketing and public relations for an online travel company and ever since, she's had the pleasure of working with clients in many exciting industries. Karen lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with her husband, Mark, and two teenage boys, Noah and Julian.

Kevin Repine A bow and arrow, tinted blue

Kevin Repine Vice President, Data & AnalyticsAvid Archer

Chapel Hill, NC

Brkthru’s own William Tell, Kevin picked up the hobby of archery as a way to perfect a solo pursuit (but he uses a target and not an apple on-the-head). He graduated with his a degree in advertising from Michigan State, and has been in the industry ever since. With a primarily ad agency background, Kevin has always focused on providing a whole picture view of marketing and its impact on a business. From data collection to creative to reporting, Kevin specializes in analyzing the entire marketing process to find the insights that lead to better business decisions. Kevin lives with his wife and two kids in Grand Rapids, MI.

Michael Kelch Vice President, FinanceJiu Jitsu Panda

Philadelphia, PA

Mike has 12 year of experience as an accounting and finance pro in the advertising and digital marketing industry. He earned his MBA from Holy Family University. He loves food, and spent a semester in culinary school before deciding food was more of a hobby than a career. He's also a traveler, visiting 25 countries across five continents. Being a history buff has influenced much of his travel so far. Mike is a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu brown belt, an appropriate hobby for a Vice President of Finance.

Nathan Foster A cigar, with the wrapper logo tinted blue

Nathan Foster Vice President, Sales DevelopmentCigar Aficionado

Tampa, FL

​Nathan is the Grillmaster - proud over that domain for his wife Samantha and two wonderful children. His experience in advertising began 12 years ago with Comcast Spotlight, and has covered numerous organizations ranging from Amazon to SpotX, to now at Brkthru with roles ranging from Account Management to Sales Leadership. This provides a unique perspective when viewing a client’s needs, as he works tirelessly to ensure our clients always feel that we are in this together and working to a common goal.

A baseball with blue stitching

Tom Leone Vice President, Media ServicesBaseball Jock

Sandy Hook, CT

When not working, Tom enjoys cheering on the NY Giants and Yankees, listening to music, and of course, spending time with his family. He joined Brkthru as the VP of Media Services. Previously, Tom was the VP of Programmatic Strategy and Operations for GateHouse Media. In his role he oversaw both the Local Ad Operations team as well as the Audience Extension team. Tom's priorities focused on streamlined fulfillment within SLA's as well as campaign optimization and overall product enhancements. Tom currently lives with his wife Janie in Sandy Hook, CT, and is the proud father of Bobby, Alice and Mary as well as their recent new addition, Hazel, their Yellow Labrador Retriever.

Traci Will Vice President, Performance & MeasurementSEC Referee

Alpharetta, GA

Traci considers herself very fortunate to have been an early adopter of a “DOT COM” career - starting in 1999. Since then, she has served in many digital support roles and has spent most time in all things data, analysis and performance measurement. With a son attending the University of Tennessee and and a daughter at the University of Alabama, Traci proudly supports both teams. 

Adam Serena Regional Director of Client SuccessSkipper Serena

Naples, FL

Adam is a 15+ year veteran of the advertising world. Coming from a traditional print background, Adam learned that the digital space was not only the present, but the future as well. He has held leadership roles for more than a decade and knows the keys to success are a genuine care for customers and colleagues alike. Adam is a proud father and after relocating from Pittsburgh to Southwest Florida, he is looking forward to winter for the first time. He holds a Bachelor of Arts- Communication Studies from West Virginia University.

Allie Cook Director of Media ServicesTop 40 Fanatic

Brookhaven, PA

Allie is Brkthru's resident troubleshooter and problem solver, who relishes in developing and implementing new processes and learning new platforms. She has been in digital marketing and media for more than 10 years in roles from sales support, to SEM, to programmatic and social media. Along with her husband and daughter, Allie grooves to pop music, hits the high notes with divas, and yes, listens to boy bands.

Chad Burkett Regional Director of Client SuccessFootball Fanatic

Charlotte, NC

Chad's been in media sales for nearly 15 years, with a heavy digital focus for the past seven. He is passionate about helping clients and coaching his teams. He, his wife Jenna, and their golden retriever Kevin, enjoy traveling and spending time outside hiking and exploring. Chad is a huge sports fan, loving all things football (college and pro), baseball and hockey.

Courtney Jones Director of Learning & DevelopmentNational Park Navigator

Norfolk, VA

In her nearly 10 years in the digital advertising industry, Courtney has worked in both in-house and agency environments – very different experiences that taught her to adopt a holistic view of the business. Her background in media trading and search engine marketing strengthened her curiosity for analytics and data visualization. Now, as a member of our Organizational Management team, she uses her cross-functional experience for training, learning and development at Brkthru. Most of Courtney's vacations are planned around visiting and hiking (with her husband and hound) national parks, for which she does extensive research.

Dawn Hale Director of Human ResourcesHorse Whisperer

Troup, TX

Dawn has been riding horses since the age of five. Her first horse was a Shetland Pony named Little Bit. She was part of her high school and college rodeo team, where she competed in Barrel Racing. Dawn brings more than 14 years of HR experience to Brkthru. She has handled HR functions for small to mid-sized companies in the healthcare, transportation, and defense contracting industries. She lives in Texas with her husband, two energetic boys, two basset hounds and two quarter horses. It's a bit of a zoo!

Debbie Perkins Regional Director of Client SuccessLakehouse Lounger

Cincinnati, OH

Debbie is a 20-plus year veteran of the advertising world.  She is passionate about all things marketing and has spent the last 10 years helping clients navigate the digital space.   When Debbie is not working, you'll find her on the lake with her family, or reading a book on her back deck. While Debbie lives in Kentucky, she grew up in New Jersey... and identifies as a Jersey Girl.  

Joe Leverone Director of Media ServicesConcert Connoisseur

Charlotte, NC

Joe has been working in digital media for close to 10 years. His passion is bringing complex solutions in a simplified manner to our clients to set them apart from their competition and increase their bottom line. Joe began his career at Brkthru as a Media Trader and loves being strategic in the way we manage campaigns for each individual client. When he’s not at work, you’ll likely find Joe at a concert or listening to live music. A Deadhead since his early teens, Joe enjoys following bands on tours as time permits, enjoying the music, community, and seeing strangers stopping strangers just to shake their hands. He lives in the Charlotte, North Carolina area with his wife and son and takes advantage of the proximity to both the mountains and the beach.

Heather Morris Director of Sales DevelopmentMusic Mama

Cincinnati, OH

Heather once saw more than 100 national artists in a single year, attending over 50 concerts and music festivals. She spent the first part of her career working on the client-side as a Marketing Manager in the Big Box Retail, B2B, and Automotive industries, and the past eight years, working for a startup digital agency as a senior digital strategist helping sellers prospect better, know more about digital and close higher revenue deals. She and husband David. have two sons who both enjoy playing music (trumpet, trombone, piano, bass guitar, singing), three step-sons, and one step-grandson. Heather holds a BA in Speech Communication from Miami University (OH).

 

Lori Hickman Small stones arranged in the shape of a fish

Lori Hickman Director of Client OperationsMosaic Master

Austin, TX

When you hop on a conference call with Lori, be prepared - you will hear her bird Lightnin' - a very chirpy cockatiel. Lori lives in Austin TX with her husband, four children, one grandchild and pet dog, a bunny, a bird and a few fish. When she's not at a child’s sporting event or busy being the family taxi, she enjoys swimming, hiking, gardening and just being outside (when it isn’t blazing hot in Texas). Lori has worked in digital advertising since 2006, and loves the fast pace, that it is constantly changing, and there is always something new to learn.

Matthew Zornes Director of Sales DevelopmentCraft Beer Buff

Las Vegas, NV

With 14 years of experience in the world of digital media sales, Matt brings a wealth of insights and experience to the table. His journey has been a blend of roles, from nurturing and mentoring digital sales teams to steering organizations towards success. Matt has also worn the client hat, where he managed marketing budgets and drove innovative strategies. His professional journey is fueled by an unwavering passion for serving his team and clients. Beyond the office, Matt finds joy in family time with his wife, two children, and dog. He's also a self-proclaimed connoisseur on a perpetual quest for the best food and craft beer. When it's time to unwind, you'll find him angrily pacing while his favorite sports teams play, enjoying live music, or indulging in the occasional video game.

Noah Everist Director of Sales DevelopmentWhiskey Wizard

Edina, MN

Noah has bought and sold most media and built out a trading desk in the early years of digital. He lives in Edina, MN, with his spouse of 27 years. They have three children: one in veterinary school, one in high school and the third, a dog named Cruz. 

 

Shawn Dressler Director of Sales DevelopmentReel Natural

Clearwater, FL

Shawn is a family oriented dad with a wonderful wife Amanda, four- year old son Fallon, and avid rescue dog lover! He is a die-hard EAGLES fan who loves to spend time at the beach and fishing. Shawn holds a Bachelor in Business Administration with a specialization in Management - Florida Institute of Technology

Shelby Davisson Director of Client ServicesBookaholic

Santa Fe, NM

Shelby has worked in digital advertising client services roles for more than 10 years. She's Type A organized and loves seeing a campaign through from beginning strategy to end reporting and next steps. She loves hiking, camping, and reading. She's in three book clubs and finishes more than 100 books a year.

 

Join the Team

Illustration of dog paws on a laptop. The screen shows a dog and a human sitting together in a mock video chat.