Forward Minded Media

Our team

The people behind the forward thinking.

Meet the strategists, storytellers and creatives who make Forward Minded Media tick. Tap any card to flip it and get to know them.

Jacob Ward avatar

Jacob Ward

President

Jacob Ward

President

Backstory:

Jacob is a marketing strategist and creative thinker known for anticipating what's next and building strategies that keep brands ahead of the curve. With experience spanning digital marketing, branding, media, and growth strategy, he specializes in turning complex ideas into clear, actionable plans. Jacob's work is driven by future-focused thinking, data-backed decisions, and a deep understanding of how marketing, technology, and consumer behavior intersect.

Fun Fact:

In his free time, he loves playing video games and was once world ranked in Halo!

Wendy Betters avatar

Wendy Betters

Vice President

Wendy Betters

Vice President

Backstory:

Wendy leads a creative team that serves local and national clients. Her work spans from logo design, interior branding, digital advertising, to arts leadership with visual storytelling across commercial and nonprofit organizations.

Fun Fact:

Wendy makes her own wine to share with friends and staff.

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Dustin Paulson

Senior Account Executive

Dustin Paulson

Senior Account Executive

Backstory:

Dustin is passionate about building meaningful relationships and helping brands grow through smart, creative marketing strategies. He specializes in working closely with clients to understand their goals and connect them with innovative solutions that drive real measurable results. He is known for blending strategy with creativity, focused on partnerships that are collaborative, effective, and built to last.

Fun Fact:

Dustin is an avid golfer, dedicated Minnesota Vikings fan, and Fantasy Football aficionado.

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Doug Monson

Vice President of AG

Doug Monson

Vice President of AG

Backstory:

Doug is a recovering journalist turned agriculture marketing and PR guru. With more than 25 years of experience, he leverages his expertise to craft compelling campaigns and drive results at FMM.

Fun Fact:

After graduating college, Doug was licensed as a locomotive engineer and drove trains for more than a year.

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Bobby Faerber

Vice President of Videography

Bobby Faerber

Vice President of Videography

Backstory:

Bobby attacks life from all angles and constantly pushes the creativity that surrounds him daily. With 25+ years of experience behind the camera, this videographer/photographer is here to accentuate your brand and identity to its fullest potential. From Documentaries in the jungles of Thailand, to NFL player branding, this artist has had his hands in just about everything.

Fun Fact:

He has plans of creating his very own cinematic horror film that changes the way people think about camping.

Kelsey Barchenger avatar

Kelsey Barchenger

Senior Manager of Communications

Kelsey Barchenger

Senior Manager of Communications

Backstory:

Kelsey combines her expertise in journalism and PR as Hometown Hype host and Senior Manager of Communications. Through storytelling and strategic communications, she creates content that connects people and strengthens local communities.

Fun Fact:

If shopping were a sport, Kelsey would be a gold medalist.

Patrick McCabe avatar

Patrick McCabe

Sales Executive

Patrick McCabe

Sales Executive

Backstory:

As a marketing partner, Pat specializes in strategy and ideas for ad creative and campaigns. He helps brands clarify their message, connect with their communities, and turn everyday moments into compelling stories that drive results.

Fun Fact:

Pat's own stories usually include his son Fynn and their fishing adventures, Lego building and movie time with popcorn and M&Ms.

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Magen Dittbenner

Senior Manager of Content Creation

Magen Dittbenner

Senior Manager of Content Creation

Backstory:

Magen has a bachelor's degree in marketing, focused on communication, growth, and digital strategy. This foundation informs her ability to develop thoughtful, results-driven marketing solutions, including effective social media content.

Fun Fact:

Outside the office, Magen enjoys singing and songwriting. Her musical background continues to inspire creativity in her life and interests today.

Luke Haines avatar

Luke Haines

Senior Manager of Motion Graphics

Luke Haines

Senior Manager of Motion Graphics

Backstory:

Luke is a versatile motion graphics artist with expertise in After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Cinema4D. He combines technical skill with creative storytelling to produce polished, high-impact visuals that engage audiences and bring ideas to life.

Fun Fact:

He's been editing videos since he was 12 years old, growing social media accounts to hundreds of thousands of followers.

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Alec Lade

Assistant Manager of Motion Graphics

Alec Lade

Assistant Manager of Motion Graphics

Backstory:

Alec is a multidisciplinary creative professional specializing in graphic design, video editing, and motion graphics. His work blends strong design fundamentals with dynamic motion and storytelling to deliver visually impactful content.

Fun Fact:

He likes to spend his free time learning about space, cooking, and caring for his two cats Noodle and Kiwi.

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Abby Svien

Senior Manager of Organizational Strategies

Abby Svien

Senior Manager of Organizational Strategies

Backstory:

Known for her collaborative approach and strategic mindset, Abby brings clarity and energy to complex challenges. She is passionate about translating big ideas into thoughtful action and measurable impact.

Fun Fact:

Abby loves expressing her creativity through drawing, painting, and chalk art.

Cody Pithan avatar

Cody Pithan

Account Manager

Cody Pithan

Account Manager

Backstory:

Cody is a multidisciplinary marketing professional with a background in digital marketing, graphic design, video production, web design, and client strategy. He graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, with a major in Marketing and minors in Graphic Design and Entrepreneurship and Innovation. Outside of the office, Cody enjoys building LEGO, cooking and trying new foods, video editing, reading sci-fi and fantasy, and traveling. One of his lifetime goals is to visit all Seven Wonders of the World.

Fun Fact:

Cody has a pretty extensive collection of Star Wars Black Series action figures.

And More... avatar

And More...

Extended Team

And More...

Extended Team

Behind every great campaign is an extensive network of talented professionals. Our team includes skilled account managers, creative content creators, expert videographers, innovative designers, and strategic media buyers, all working together to bring your vision to life and drive real results.

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Maybe You?

Join Our Team

Maybe You?

Join Our Team

We're always looking for talented, passionate people to join our team. If you're ready to challenge the status quo and create work that matters, we want to hear from you.

Contact Us →

Want to join the team?

We're always looking for talented, passionate people who refuse to settle for the status quo.