I am the Founder and President of Becker Media, a full-service advertising agency serving colleges and universities exclusively since 2001.  I’ve published articles and spoken on lead generation and brand development for schools since joining the industry. Before specializing in schools, I worked with retail advertising accounts in Cincinnati, Ohio and then San Francisco, California.  I live in Alameda, CA with my wife and two boys, ages 17 and 15.

Some things most people don’t know about me:

I love to read biographies of famous people to relax, Ben Franklin by Walter Isaacson my favorite. I do CrossFit training religiously (not very well) – I’m the oldest guy in the gym by at least 10 years, and the slowest. I read three newspapers per day the old fashioned way. Our family just adopted a three-legged rescue dog from Taiwan. I do non-profit fundraising outside of work for various causes.

I joined Becker Media in 2015 bringing over 25 years of direct response marketing experience. I began my career on the agency side of the business and then moved to the client side in 1995 managing new customer acquisition for a top 10 credit card issuer. In 2005, I entered the education industry as EVP, CMO of Corinthian Colleges. Over the past 25 years, I have managed every major direct response channel from direct mail to TV to internet. My focus has always been on driving profitable growth by optimizing the marketing spend.

Some things people most don’t know about me:

I’m a proud father of 3 teenage girls, so I have spent more time than I wish to admit playing dress-up and getting my hair done. I’m also an avid reader of trashy military thrillers. My wife and I enjoy getting away for long weekends of good food and wine.

I joined the Becker team in 2020 as Senior Director of Business Development, where I spearhead partner development, competitive intelligence, lead qualification, outbound marketing and more! I began my career in the digital marketing space in 2011, bringing almost a decade of business-to-business digital marketing sales experience with me. While starting at the most entry-level sales position possible in January 2011, I was able to apply my training to the job at-hand, and in a short amount of time was invited to be on a team of four that launched five divisions, over the course of 3 years, which employed 150+ sales reps, expanding to two additional office locations, and generating millions in revenue. In addition to this, I was a top producer at that firm from 2014-2019, and received a number of awards and recognition for such achievements. Since joining Becker, I have immersed myself in getting to know the ins-and-outs of the Higher Education sector, and very much look forward to taking this knowledge and using my tenure in B2B sales to be part of the team that takes us to the next level!

Things people don’t know:

I am an Air Force Brat, I am left-handed, my first car was a stick shift, and I love DIY projects around the house where I live with my husband, step-son and daughter.

Ernie, VP of Digital Marketing at Becker since 2017, brings over 20 years of diverse performance digital advertising experience across multiple verticals. Ernie applies a strong background in analytics and emphasis in creativity and problem solving to help clients achieve their online marketing objectives. As a leader, Ernie’s focus is on developing his team to become experts in the field while working with them to drive innovation and constantly strive to improve results.

Some things people most don’t know about me:

I live in Pleasanton with my wife and two children. In my spare time, I enjoy coaching youth soccer and weekend getaways to Tahoe.

Brent’s role as VP of Client Services is part of a journey that results from over 15 years of experience navigating the EDU space and various agency operations. He is an analytical thinker with a knack for listening to and understanding clients’ needs, and adapting solutions to their complex problems. Brent takes pride in building and leading teams of skilled marketers to exceed clients’ goals and expectations.

Some things most people don’t know about me:

I’ve visited 40 of the 50 states in the U.S, with hopes to soon cross the last 10 off the list. I’ve driven the length of the country twice – once after I graduated from the University of Delaware and headed to California, and then again when moving to Maryland. I love to travel, and even braved taking our one year old son to Zurich, Switzerland. I’m a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan, and I stay active playing basketball and football in the neighborhood.

I joined Becker Media in 2013 and have over two decades of direct response marketing and advertising experience. Throughout my journey, I have not only delved into the multifaceted realm of marketing in higher education but also discovered immense joy in working on creative initiatives. Building innovative strategies and consistently delivering positive outcomes for clients has been a driving force.

Some things people don’t know about me:

I’m a huge movie buff, and I’m full of useless trivia about movies, especially 80’s movies.  I’m also an avid reader; some of my favorite authors are Bill Bryson, Alice Hoffman, and Barbara Kingsolver. I love to travel and hope to get a new stamp in my passport each year.

I joined Becker Media in 2017. Prior to that, I spent a little more than a year at the Automobile Club of Southern California (AAA) managing the membership marketing team. Before that, I worked as a senior marketing director for one of the largest education companies in the US for a little more than 13 years. Becker Media has allowed me to get back to my roots, the education industry. My experience on the client side in the EDU space has allowed me to provide insight and marketing strategy that I have learned throughout my career in both direct response marketing and branding.

Some things people don’t know about me:

I have five grandchildren that are my pride and joy. I’ve had some of the happiest years of my life being part of their lives and watching them grow up.

I’ve been with Becker since 2017, bringing with me nearly two decades of advertising experience; I’ve managed campaigns for companies like Nissan North America, The Irvine Company and AAA. My most treasured experience is the 10+ years spent in education marketing, having worked as a direct response marketing director at one of the largest school groups in the country. My experience in that role helps me understand the intricacies of both day-to-day and long-term needs of our clients.  At Becker, we value our partnerships and adopt our clients’ goals as our own.

Some things people may not know about me:

I really enjoy getting swept up in a good story, whether it’s in a book, a podcast or a TV series. I love weekend trips – the destination almost doesn’t matter! And my mom was right, I now finally appreciate that she made me take piano for all those years.

I am a highly skilled PPC Marketing expert, and accomplished team manager, with an impressive six years of experience in the field. Currently serving as the Director of Digital Marketing at Becker Marketing Agency, I lead a team of seven talented professionals, spearheading data-driven strategies that deliver exceptional results for an education-related clientele. With a passion for staying ahead of industry trends, I am dedicated to optimizing campaigns, maximizing ROI, and increasing brand visibility. My commitment to excellence and leadership qualities make me a valuable asset in the dynamic world of digital advertising.

Some things people don’t know about me:

I was in the top 1% of Spotify listeners in 2022.

I have been working for Becker Media since 2015; I started as a Media Buyer and then transitioned to the Account Services team in 2017. I love working with my colleagues on the Becker Team to consistently improve marketing results and to provide outstanding service to our clients. I am always thrilled to watch how consistent, thoughtful and deliberate effort on our campaigns leads to improvements for the schools we work with. Being a partner in driving incremental growth and opportunities with our clients is one of the main reasons I enjoy my job!

I am also involved in the day-to-day operations of Becker’s lead management system; DataHQ. DataHQ was built in-house and launched in 2018 as a tool to effectively and efficiently manage and maximize our client’s marketing data. I have managed over 40 successful client data integrations over my time at Becker and always look forward to the next one.

Some things most people don’t know about me:

In my spare time I love to go hiking in the super varied terrain available in the Bay Area – there are so many options! I have two kids, two cats, one dog and one husband, all of whom I either take care of, or who take care of me – depending on the day.

I had spent 15 years in higher education marketing prior to joining Becker Media in 2021.  Throughout my career, I’ve gained experience working initially on the digital marketing team of one of the largest education companies in the US, generating media for 100’s of schools and finally working on the agency side helping clients develop & execute their marketing strategies. Today, I partner with our clients to develop performance driven campaigns to maximize their student enrollment. As part of the Becker team, we’re able to use our technology and expertise to take on challenging tasks to drive positive results. 

Some things people may not know about me: 

My husband and I settled in the same neighborhood that we grew up in with our 3 young boys and our loyal dog. I enjoy coaching our local high school girl’s golf team, driving our kids around to all their activities and Sunday family dinners with our extended family.

In 2022, I joined Becker after graduating from Xavier University with a Business Analytics and Marketing degree. Prior to that, I had the privilege of gaining valuable experience in digital marketing, developing automated tools, and data analysis while interning at a nonprofit organization. Working here has been an exciting opportunity to leverage my expertise in digital platforms and my passion for optimizing client campaigns to drive higher ROI. Currently, I’m actively involved in the PPC and PPL paid media teams, where I have a keen interest in account optimization and structure.

Some things people may not know about me: 

Outside the world of marketing, carpentry holds my genuine passion. Each new project becomes an opportunity to refine my skills, delve into new machinery, and explore fresh carpentry techniques. Embracing these challenges fuels my love for carpentry, and I find joy in the continuous evolution and growth it brings to my craft.

Born and raised in Venezuela, I’m a bilingual communicator with over 3 years of experience supporting communications and marketing efforts in a wide array of industries, including non-profit, pharmaceutical, and startups. I now combine my versatile skill set, my passion for growth, and my own cultural heritage to support our clients to reach and connect to the Hispanic audience.

Some things people may not know about me: 

I moved to Maryland with my family (including my dog!) in 2020. I now love getting to explore this large and amazing country, learning new things every day, and baking cookie recipes from around the world.

I joined Becker Media in January of 2021 as a Digital Marketing Specialist after graduating from the University of Georgia. My prior experience was with a small medical device company where I created an algorithm that classified and graded potential placement locations for the company’s products. I enjoy building and using tools to optimize campaign performance and maximize productivity. During my time at Becker Media, I have focused on using client data to optimize campaign performance and increase client ROI. I am currently a Digital Marketing Manager based out of Atlanta, Georgia where I enjoy a short 20-second commute to my office and am often joined by my unpaid but very loved assistants (my dog Thor and cat Henry).

Some things people may not know about me: 

The Twilight Saga is the best movie series of all time and I will fight anyone that claims otherwise. The movies are comedic gold and full of unrivaled moments and quotes. I’ve never read the books but I watch all the movies at least once a year.

I grew up in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado and hold an MFA in Creative Writing from Western Kentucky University. My marketing career has spanned the wholesale plant industry, secondary and higher education architecture, and now higher education institutions here at Becker Media. I specialize in client relations, marketing strategy, copywriting, and creative development.

Some things people may not know about me: 

Although I am quite extroverted, all of my pastimes scream introversion: reading poetry, working on writing projects, studying mindfulness, and finding new trails to hike. My favorite part about living in Kansas City with my husband is falling asleep to the Midwest thunderstorms during the summertime.

I joined the Becker Media team in 2020. Throughout my digital marketing career, I have worked with clients in various industries ranging from retail to healthcare, and now higher education. As part of the client services team, I prioritize building client relationships and creating growth-focused strategies. Outside of work, you can find me in the car on a road trip with my husband and dog!

Some things people may not know about me: 

I love an excuse to celebrate. Birthdays, holidays, anniversaries – if there’s a reason to order a cake and decorate, I will! I have been known to regularly complete Christmas shopping before December.

I came to Becker Media in 2021 with over 6 years of experience in digital marketing and advertising. Prior to coming to Becker, I gained experience in creating full-funnel marketing strategies for a plethora of industries. I am passionate about building relationships with my clients and collaborating internally to find solutions. Outside of work, I love to spend time outdoors. My favorite weekend activities include paddleboarding, playing pickleball, and going on long runs.

Some things people may not know about me: 

I am married with one adorable pup. He “commutes” to work with me every day and if you’re lucky you may spot him mid-call stretching or coming over for some midday pets.

I am an experienced Senior Account Executive with a demonstrated history of working in the marketing and advertising industry. I joined the Becker team in 2017 and have over 11 combined years of higher education agency experience. I am passionate about building long-term client relationships and helping to create marketing strategies that lead to client growth and success. In my free time, I love cooking/entertaining, spending time outdoors with my husband and 2 sons, and home decor shopping.

Some things people may not know about me: 

I am a self-taught “chef” and the kitchen is my happy place! I type insanely fast. I am married with a 6 and 9-year-old (my husband and I have been together for 17 years – half of my LIFE)!

I joined Becker Media in 2021 with great enthusiasm to broaden my marketing expertise, building upon my previous experience in events and convention marketing. I am highly dedicated to specializing in higher education marketing, aiming to assist individuals in attaining their educational aspirations. I combine my passion for data analytics with natural creativity, using performance insights to improve campaigns and create captivating marketing content. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, practicing yoga, trying new restaurants, and spending time with my family, friends and pets.

Some things people may not know about me: 

I joined Becker Media following my graduation from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. My prior experience in organic marketing, market research, and data analytics has given me a strong skill set that seamlessly complements my current role in account strategy for digital advertising. By blending data-driven strategies with creative innovation, I have been able to craft compelling campaigns that resonate with our clients’ target audiences, returning exceptional outcomes in today’s fast-paced digital environment.

Some things people may not know about me: 

I live in the middle of an almond orchard and have recently picked up golf and skiing, which have become my new favorite hobbies. While I’m not an avid traveler, I love taking short weekend getaways to Yosemite National Park, the Sierra National Forest, or the central coast of California.

I joined Becker in 2021 after graduating at UC Berkeley with a mathematics and data science degree. Prior to that, I was in the U.S. Army as a Unmanned Aerial Systems Operator. During my time at UC Berkeley, I developed a passion for machine learning and data analytics. This carried me through a number of internships, as well as a fellowship dedicated to helping people in the education space with data. I continue this trend at Becker Media to help individuals find their educational goals.

Some things people may not know about me: 

I’m kind of a jack of all trades. I love trying out new activities or finding new hobbies. I’ve done things from learning to juggle while riding a unicycle to skydiving and rock climbing.

In previous roles, I dabbled in various digital marketing facets like social media management, SEO, and graphic design. I enjoyed all of those but found my passion for PPC/social media marketing. That discovery brought me to the PPC team at Becker Media in early 2022. My extensive experience provides me with in-depth understanding across all aspects of a campaign and their influence on performance. When I’m not analyzing performance data, I’m definitely spoiling my pups, Kirby and Winston. If they decide to give me some free time, I have a blast doing anything creative or crafty.

Some things people may not know about me: 

I twirled fire in college and probably still could…not necessarily without injury. I have never NOT had a dog. When I finally got a puppy of my own, I considered myself successful.

I have worked as a passionate software engineer since 2012, after beginning programming at 15 as a hobby. Skilled in JavaScript, PHP, Python, and C++, I have worked on diverse projects, emphasizing software quality and innovation. Dedicated to continuous learning,  I attend industry events, contribute to open-source projects, and engage with fellow enthusiasts. Adept at collaborating with cross-functional teams, I effectively communicate complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders. In both my professional and personal pursuits, I strive to create impactful software that enhances users’ lives.

Some things people may not know about me: 

I have 8 children. My hobbies include Robotics, 3D printing, programming apps, bookmaking, building electronic devices, and collecting coins and vintage game consoles.

After completing my MBA in 2020, I started my journey with Becker Media that December stepping into the role of digital marketing strategist. After two years with a focus on client management, I shifted gears to lean more into creative strategy and content creation across the agency. My client experience gave me a deeper understanding of the ins and outs of the EDU space, which I continue to utilize when designing content and testing new creative technologies.

Some things people may not know about me: 

I am an avid photographer in my free time. You’ll often find me falling behind the group due to frequent stops trying to get the best shot.

I came to Becker in January of 2023 with over 5 years of experience in all facets of digital marketing and a specialty in Search Engine Marketing. I have worked with various industries including home services, dental, eCommerce, retail, SaaS, and acted as a Teaching Assitant for the Digital Marketing bootcamp at the University of Denver. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, yoga, outdoor recreational activities, and seeing live music. You can usually find me ordering a Matcha at the local coffee shop and heading into the woods to be in nature.

Some things people may not know about me: 

I’m a 200 hour (soon to be 500) registered yoga instructor and am addicted to handstanding. I’m conversational in Spanish and dream of living in a Spanish-speaking country. I’ve followed bands to 3 different countries and also enjoy photography and writing in my free time.

I joined the Becker team in 2019 following my role as Director of Marketing & Outreach at a local nonprofit. My insatiable hunger for analyzing data and driving results is what fuels my passion for EDU marketing. I spearhead client strategy utilizing a variety of PPC/PPL/SEO initiatives to boost student enrollments for EDU clients with 1-100+ campuses. I am motivated by helping her community & inspiring change, whether that be through connecting students with their dream education, providing support services to the recently widowed, or fighting for the environment one-piece-of-plastic-at-a-time.

Some things people may not know about me: 

I’m split-living in Maryland and Hawaii. On the weekends, you can find me out in the mountains hiking, at the climbing gym bouldering, or in the water (attempting) to surf. I’m also an adrenaline junkie who loves skydiving, swimming with sharks, volunteering with tigers, you name it!

I joined Becker in 2019 after graduating from UC San Diego with a degree in physics. Prior to that I was a computer programmer for the US Air Force. I have a passion for data and coming up with data solutions using the latest tools and technologies. I draw on my diverse set of skills in math, science, data analytics, and problem solving to help our clients meet their data needs. Currently, I am managing Becker’s data team in addition to account optimizations and management for all our digital marketing platforms.

Some things people may not know about me: 

I have many hobbies from music (was in band in High School and the Air Force, playing Saxophone) to art/miniature modeling to all kinds of games. I also love football (49ers) and general outdoors activities (skiing/hiking/camping).

I came to Becker Media in 2021 after spending 12 years marketing for the travel industry with specialties in email, social media, and SEM as well as website content creation. As an account manager at Becker I work in partnership with our clients to develop marketing strategies to exceed their lead and enrollment goals through data analysis, creative development, and relationship-building. Prior to marketing, I spent 14 years in human resources which has equipped me with a diverse skill set and an appreciation for marketing.

Some things people may not know about me: 

I am married with 3 young-adult children and 4 cats. I have a million hobbies including running, triathlon, pickleball, crocheting, listening to podcasts, reading contemporary fiction, and watching trashy reality shows.

I joined Becker Media in 2021 following my graduation from Chapman University. Before my start at Becker, I developed skills through a series of internships centered around digital marketing, market research, and data analytics. My passion lies in the realm of performance marketing, where I enjoy uncovering data-driven insights and leveraging them to optimize campaigns and budgets. I excel at developing automated tools that not only enhance performance but also boost productivity. Currently, I am a member of Becker Media’s paid media and data warehouse teams, specializing in account management, optimization, and structure.

Some things people may not know about me: 

In my free time, I enjoy getting outside and doing various activities such as mountain biking, skiing, and surfing. Recently, I’ve started backcountry skiing, completing my Avy 1 certification and doing backcountry tours in Lake Tahoe, Zermatt, and Chamonix. I enjoy the element of progression in each of these activities and think it translates to my curiosity at work; always trying to build upon and develop new skills

Currently based out of Berkeley, CA, I joined the Becker team as a digital media buyer in 2017 after finishing my economics degree at UC San Diego. Despite not having an initial background in marketing, I’ve been able to leverage my economics and analysis skills into helping our clients meet their goals while consistently driving and improving efficiency. I’m hardwired to think about the world in terms of numbers and statistics, so managing performance marketing campaigns and making data-driven decisions comes naturally to me.

Some things people may not know about me: 

I’m both a crazy sports fan and an avid movie buff, especially older and foreign films. If you want to discuss NFL gambling futures and Italian neorealism in the same conversation, I’m your guy

I am a marketing accounts manager with over 20 years of experience in various industries, including education, event services, and marketing. I joined the Becker team in January 2023. I am passionate about education and connecting prospective students with opportunities that meet their needs. I ran my own educational institution for 10 years in Rome, Italy. I enjoy traveling and living around the world with my Navy husband and daughter.

Some things people may not know about me: 

I have been to 46 U.S. states and over 50 countries on six continents including Antarctica. I speak Italian and some Spanish and Portuguese. I have lived in 4 countries, and I have two passports.

I have been with Becker since 2016. Prior to Becker, I did CPA work for 16-years specializing in corporate taxation, and consulting for various industries such as real estate investment, commercial land development, and the wine industry.

Some things people may not know about me: 

Father of four, I like to spend my free time watching movies, socializing with friends and family, hiking, and auto racing. I have lived in the San Francisco Bay area for my entire life, with no plans of ever leaving, unless they kick me out!