Matt West, Strategy & Marketing Management
Matt has an extensive background in sales, advertising, and marketing consulting. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and an MBA in International Business from the University of South Carolina’s Moore School of Business. Matt’s corporate background includes consumer marketing experience with the Florida Marlins baseball club and Michelin North America. Matt has consulted for over 75 small businesses including many start ups and new product launches. He manages all client strategy.
Brandi Ray West, Director of Operations
Brandi began her career in the banking industry with a heavy emphasis in finance and accounting upon graduating from the University of Georgia with a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 2001. She completed her MBA at the University of South Carolina’s Moore School of Business in 2009. She handles accounting, project management, copywriting, PR, and operations for SMI.
Monica Sheridan, Senior Account Executive
Monica received her bachelor’s degree in Communication with a minor in English Literature at Columbus State University in Columbus, GA. She began her career with SMI as an intern and was hired full time as a result of her extensive knowledge and proven capabilities. Her experience includes copywriting, market research, proofreading, press release distribution, database building and maintenance, e-blast campaigning, search marketing, SEO, and social media management. She is Hootsuite certified and also received a certification from SEOMoz.
Ryan Jones, Internet Marketing
Ryan began his career in digital media after graduating from Clemson University in 1994. Upon returning to Charleston, he and two partners identified a need for a publication to highlight the emerging art community. In 1995, “The Gallery Guide: A Guide to Charleston’s Art Community” was born. Ryan managed all advertising sales, client relations and early website development. In 2000 he continued his digital marketing career with Kiawah Island Development Partners managing website development, search engine optimization, search engine marketing (paid search) and email marketing. He joined the SMI team in September of 2011 and currently manages digital marketing efforts for a variety of clients.
Trudi LaFon, Creative Director
Trudi received her BA in Art and Design from Middlesex Polytechnic, London, England, in 1977. Since 1979, she has worked in the Charleston, SC area as a graphic designer and art director, including working for a printing company for many years. She joined the SMI team in 2007 as Creative Director. Trudi handles all graphic design, art direction, and print media for SMI clients.
Stephanie Schultz, Web Designer
Stephanie received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Web Design and Interactive Media from The Art Institute of Charleston. She has been a freelance web designer for many years and has created and maintained dozens of websites from blogs to e-commerce sites using a variety of platforms. Stephanie also has experience as a graphic designer and illustrator, creating hundreds of t-shirt designs that can be seen all over the Lowcountry. She joined the SMI team full time in June of 2011. She handles website design, build-out, updates, and email marketing efforts.
Doug Edwards, Sales Representative
Doug began his career with SMI as an intern, and through hard work and an interest in sales, he earned a sales position immediately following his internship.He received his Bachelor of Science in Communications from the College of Charleston. Doug manages sales for Dock Blocks, the Dock Absorber, the DuraHub, and many additional products.
