Carrying ideas forward.
Our creative power comes from always looking forward. We believe the future is bright—and we want to help shape it. Whether it’s launching the next TikTok trend, revamping a website, or creating eye-catching design, we’re constantly looking for new ways to innovate.
Since our founding in 2014, our identity as students has been our greatest asset. It helps us stand out, collaborate effectively, and bring ideas to life. Looking for the next big thing? We’re already working on it.
We deliver high-quality work that connects clients to their creative vision. We’re not afraid to explore new directions, see problems from different angles, or challenge conventional thinking. Our growth mindset is what sets us apart—and when faced with a challenge, we keep moving forward.
Our Capabilities
Strategy.
We don’t just make things look good—we make strategic choices. Through brand strategy, we define where you win, who you’re for, and how your brand should show up to achieve real goals.
Social Media.
We build social media campaigns that earn attention. We understand how Gen-Z audiences consume, share, and engage with content—and use that insight to create work that feels native, relevant, and worth engaging with.
Design.
We bring creative visions to life through branding and graphic design. From logos to websites, we create design systems that are intentional, cohesive, and built to stand out.
Content Creation.
We pair strong ideas with strong execution—bringing concepts to life through writing, photography, and video production that are crafted to connect and perform.
Media Planning.
We plan and place media with intention. By understanding your goals and audience, we optimize your message for the right platforms and at the right moments to drive real impact.
Our People.
Meet the Backpackers! We are a dynamic and collaborative team of storytellers, creatives, strategists and students from a diverse range of backgrounds. Together, we are innovating the future of agencies.
-
Blake Hoffmann
GENERAL MANAGER
-
Ashaar Ali
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
-
Sophia Lozanova
COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR
-
Bella Van Zeeland
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
-
Lindsay Kazmerski
STRATEGY DIRECTOR
-
Reagan Frystak
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
-
Yenika Fondungallah
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
-
Keeli Meyer
ACCOUNT MANAGER
-
Ben Davis
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
-
Amelia Hackman
ACCOUNT MANAGER
-
Sarah Grinberg
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
-
Oliver Viscoli
PRODUCER
-
Eliana Mitchell
ACCOUNT MANAGER
-
Wren O'Brien
PRODUCER
-
Keelin Traynor
STRATEGIST
-
Angelina Lu
STRATEGIST
-
Rich McCracken
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
Meet Our Board of Advocates!
Our Board of Advocates is a group of professionals in the communications industry who work to support us in our current and future endeavors. They provide mentorship, networking, credibility, and inspiration to us as we develop our agency and look forward to post-graduation.
Carolyn Ahlstrom - VP of Brand Strategy, Colle McVoy
Eric Hansen - Group Creative Director, BBDO MW
Maria Hayden - Marketing & Social Media Supervisor, Minnesota State Fair
J. Zachary Keenan - Creative Group Lead, Design Director + Partner, Haberman
Heidi Ocel - Integrated Creative Director, Fairview Health Services
Caroline Pritchard - Social Media Manager, Anytime Fitness
Stacey Robertson - Account Strategist, Bellmont Partners
Bob Rumpza - Rumpza Consulting LLC
Ryan Stoer - Group Media Director, Colle McVoy
Jack Swift - Director of Marketing, Irish Titan
Katy Thieman - Director, SkyWater Search Partners
Meshach Weber - Founder, Loadsure and Firebrand
Lisa Winkler - Vice President of External Relations, ServeMinnesota