Fitness

Nichole Ott

Nichole's time spent painting and drawing with her grandpa as a child fostered an early passion for art and creativity. She has since translated that passion into beautiful, functional advertising and web design for brands including Claire's, Kroger, Altar’d State, Jewelry Television and Nice Branding Agency. She came to Balcom bringing nine years of experience to work on Dairy MAX, Sinclair Oil and Smith+Nephew. Outside of work, Nichole admits she might have a bit of an obsession with boating: hitting Knoxville, Tennessee’s local waterways on the weekends and wakesurfing with friends.

Paul Bennett Duncan

Before discovering his interest in the advertising industry, Bennett wanted to become a forensic psychologist. But after taking his first class in media planning, he was hooked. Bennett completed his bachelor’s degree in mass communications at the University of South Florida and went on to earn three years of experience working as a digital media intern and digital media coordinator at PPK, then media planner at Mediasmith.

Caroline Meekins

Caroline is a Fort Worth girl who found her fit in the advertising world, managing creative campaigns and helping local and global brands solve their biggest business challenges. Fusing her marketing savvy with smart strategy and human insight, she served as an account executive for Moroch before joining Balcom’s account service team in 2022 to service clients like HF Sinclair, Greg Jackson Law, DFW Security and CK Family Services. Caroline holds dual bachelor’s degrees in marketing and psychology and a master’s degree in advertising from Southern Methodist University.

Kristen Jurmu

Kristen loves how advertising challenges both her logical and creative thinking. She joined the industry during high school, with an internship at Schaefer Advertising Co. that inspired her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in advertising with a minor in business from Texas State University. Kristen went on to work at The Richards Group and Southwest Media Group for clients such as MedStar Health, Omni Hotels & Resorts, FN America and VariDesk. She joined the B Team in 2021 to maximize campaigns for Smith+Nephew (Advanced Wound Management), Dairy MAX and James L.

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.

Christanne Knorr

Christanne has a knack for connecting with people – and helping clients connect with their customers. With a Bachelor of Business Administration in marketing from Texas State University and a certification in social marketing, Christanne spent more than 10 years putting her planning prowess and social savvy to work for 9thWonder, ReachLocal and Freeman for clients including Alcon, Essilor and Brinker International Inc. She joined the B Team in 2018 and manages projects and budgets for Premier Trailer Leasing, Aspens Senior Living and more.

Melissa Smilor

Melissa helps keep things running in the accounting department with a number-crunching mind and a heart of gold. Originally starting at Balcom in 2016 as office manager, Melissa has a gift for making people feel cared for. She holds a bachelor’s degree in social welfare from the University of Kansas, and has a background working with foster children and children with special needs. Melissa and her husband, Matthew, live in Aledo with their two daughters and their dog, Aspen. She loves jazzercise and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Christine Cantrell

Christine began her career at Balcom as an intern in college, and we kept dragging her back until we could bring her on full time in 2016. Her organizational skills and level-headedness earned her a position as a program supervisor – keeping schedules efficient and projects moving forward for clients including Kubota Tractor Corporation. With a Bachelor of Science in advertising and public relations from Abilene Christian University, Christine previously served as an account manager at Elmore Public Relations in Houston.