Mindstream Media Group

TOTAL NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
Office Employees	51-100
Total US	101-200

BIOS

Robert Nichol, CEO

Bob Nichol is the Founder and CEO of award-winning Southwest Media Group, one of the nation’s leading independent media service agencies. With nearly $200 million in billings, Southwest Media Group provides strategic planning, buying, digital and marketing services to a growing list of blue-chip restaurant, retail and travel clients. Prior to starting the agency in 1995, Bob spent 18 years in media planning, working on a diverse list of clients including Frito-Lay, Phillips Petroleum Company, Heinz, Budget Rent a Car, Embassy Suites Hotels and Interstate Batteries.

Eric Schaefer, President

Eric brings over 20 years of broad scale media experience including digital media strategy, planning and audience analytics acumen to Southwest Media Group. He sets digital media strategy for agency partners at the media planning stage and leads the agency’s growing development of a cross-functional programmatic strategy/buying team along with their media insights practice. Eric has significant experience working within digital and traditional media including leadership roles with new media operations, digital business development and broadcast television sales management. Experience with both the publisher and agency side of the digital media landscape give him a unique perspective in designing value driven, integrated media strategies for clients.

Kim Kohler, Chief Relationship Officer

Kim is a seasoned professional with a lengthy resume and pedigree in this business. He's held senior positions both on the client side and agency side and has a wealth of "big brand" experience. Kim has worked for Frito-Lay and Pizza Hut and ran the media department at Tracy Locke for many years. He's a progressive leader, strong strategic and analytical thinker and has a proven track record on both the agency and client side. Kim is a passionate brand enthusiast experienced with retail and restaurants having led all planning on YUM! Brands for many years. He's well versed with all forms of media and planning strategy and has worked extensively leading multiple agency relationships.

Jeff Moyer, Director of Finance

April Cook, Director of Talent & Development

April leads all training and development for the agency, including recruiting top talent crucial for a growing client roster and developing both young and seasoned professionals toward career excellence. April inherently understands that the employee is the single most valuable asset an organization can have and is driven by the unrelenting pursuit of a fun and engaging culture. Not only is April a 10-year veteran of SMG, she is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

Melissa Wolf, Group Director of Buying Operations

Melissa provides a wealth of knowledge about media buying with more than 20 years of broadcast buying experience. Widely respected by vendors across the country, she specializes in network and spot buying for radio, television, and direct response. Melissa is entrenched in the buying process and continues to negotiate and buy media herself. Her client experience is diverse and includes brands such as British Airways, Texas Tourism, Omni Hotels & Resorts, Dr. Pepper, and McDonald’s.

Todd Unruh, Chief Strategy Officer

Todd has over 20 years of experience in digital strategy, branding and consumer insights. He has led digital strategy efforts for brands in packaged goods, insurance, restaurant, non-profit and other categories. He also has a strong background in user experience, website and app design as well as e-commerce and analytics.