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Lauren Papenfuss

If there’s one thing Lauren loves more than spoiling her cats, it’s using innovative marketing strategies to serve clients. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing with a focus in advertising from Texas A&M University and worked as a marketing intern for The Peterson Group and camp counselor for Shady Oaks Country Club before joining the B in 2022. Now she supports the Kubota Tractor Corporation account, serving as a liaison for a nationwide network of dealers to meet the corporation’s advertising needs at the local level.

Andy Begay

Andy loves the creativity and collaboration in advertising. Whether the project entails a full campaign or a one-off postcard, he knows what it takes behind the scenes to get the job done. Andy is well versed in project management, but has also dabbled in copywriting, proofreading, design and front-end web design. He joined the B Team to make a difference managing projects for large corporate clients such as Sinclair Oil as well as nonprofits like Presbyterian Night Shelter and True Worth Place.

Katie Brinegar

A lover of true crime podcasts as well as all things organized, Katie is always up for a stimulating challenge; her high energy and keen attention to detail keep the office running smoothly. Before joining the B Team, she previously worked at CPA firm Hedman Partners in Valencia, California, as an administrative assistant then billing administrator. Now as front desk coordinator – managing administrative projects, front desk tasks and everyday office needs – Katie ensures her fellow B Teamers (whom she has dubbed “B’all”) can focus on clients.

Chris Hawthorne

Chris set out to be a copywriter, but fell in love with the art and science of media planning during an internship at a small Dallas agency. With a Bachelor of Arts in journalism/advertising from the University of North Texas, she’s spent more than 25 years serving a broad range of clients – from startups to Fortune 500 companies – including brands in entertainment such as Dave & Buster’s and Six Flags; nonprofits like the American Heart Association; and many others in food/packaged goods, telecommunications, travel and finance.

Toni Stuard

Toni takes care of the numbers side of this crazy creative business, keeping projects organized, billing up to date and timesheets under control – ultimately also overseeing the project management team. She holds a B.B.A. in accounting from Texas Wesleyan University and has more than 30 years of industry experience that began at the Bloom Agency (now Publicis Advertising). An indispensable member of the Balcom family since 2001, she touches every project and works with every client.

Susan Schoolfield, APR

An APR (Accredited in Public Relations by the Public Relations Society of America) and past president of the Greater Fort Worth PRSA chapter, Susan has many years of experience in strategic marketing and public relations within corporate, nonprofit and agency settings. She previously worked for Cook Children’s Health Care System, Dowden Custom Media, and Regian Advertising and Public Relations, among others. Joining the B Team in 2011, Susan’s clients include eTrueNorth, National Farm Life Insurance and Premier Trailer Leasing.