Meet Your New Best Friends

RAFFERTY

THE ONES WHO ARE CRAZY ENOUGH TO THINK THAT THEY CAN CHANGE THE WORLD, ARE THE ONES WHO DO.
– STEVE JOBS

BETWEEN SCUBA DIVING, THE EXPLORERS CLUB AND WORKING ON NASA PROJECTS (SERIOUSLY!), STUDIO98 FOUNDER RAFFERTY HOPS OFF HIS MOTORCYCLE TO DEVELOP SELLING SOLUTIONS AND SAAS THAT HELP BUSINESS OWNERS MAKE MONEY ONLINE. MONEY ISN’T THE MOTIVE: IT’S ABOUT SETTING AN EXAMPLE THAT MOTIVATES OTHERS TO HELP ANOTHER HUMAN BEING. RAFFY AND HIS ÜBER-TALENTED AND SUPER CUTE WIFE, HANA-LI, VALUE HIGH ETHICS AND INTEGRITY IN THEIR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL RELATIONSHIPS.

MICHAEL

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.
– Walt Disney

MICHAEL FINDS GREAT JOY IN ORG CHARTS. SERIOUSLY. HIS EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN ADMINISTRATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE FEED HIS PASSION FOR HELPING OTHERS FULFILL THEIR DREAMS THROUGH THE CREATION AND GROWTH OF COOL COMPANIES. MICHAEL SOLVES PEOPLE PROBLEMS AND BOOSTS PRODUCTIVITY WITH TECHNOLOGY. HIS MUSICIAN WIFE, MARISSA’S ARTISTIC PURSUITS BALANCE HIS BRAININESS (HE GRADUATED FROM HIGH SCHOOL AT AGE 15) AND TOGETHER THEY ENJOY READING, MOVIES, MUSIC, PHOTOGRAPHY, SPORTS, BIKE RIDING, HIKING AND THE BEACH NEAR THEIR HOME IN CLEARWATER.

ETHAN

“HERE’S TO THE CRAZY ONES. THE MISFITS. THE REBELS. THE TROUBLEMAKERS. THE ROUND PEGS IN THE SQUARE HOLES. THE ONES WHO SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY. THEY’RE NOT FOND OF RULES, AND THEY HAVE NO RESPECT FOR THE STATUS QUO. YOU CAN QUOTE THEM, DISAGREE WITH THEM, GLORIFY AND VILIFY THEM. ABOUT THE ONLY THING YOU CAN’T DO IS IGNORE THEM BECAUSE THEY CHANGE THINGS. THEY PUSH THE HUMAN RACE FORWARD. AND WHILE SOME MAY SEE THEM AS CRAZY, WE SEE GENIUS.” – STEVE JOBS

HAVING STARTED HIS CAREER YOUNG, ETHAN BRINGS MORE THAN 20 YEARS OF EXECUTIVE AND SALES EXPERIENCE TO STUDIO98. WHEN NOT BEING THE D/CEO EXTRAORDINAIRE, ETHAN ENJOYS CATCHING A TAMPA BAY LIGHTENING GAME AND SPENDING TIME WITH HIS LOVELY FAMILY AND 2 YEAR OLD SON. HE CAN ALSO WALK ON THE WILD SIDE OF LIFE, BEING A CAR-RACING ENTHUSIAST AND A LOVER OF ALL THINGS FUN! ABOVE ALL, ETHAN IS HAPPIEST WHEN HE GETS TO SEE OTHERS SUCCEEDING.

Jhett

“What you have done is nothing compared to what you can do.” – Grant Cardone

MEET YOUR PROJECT MANAGER. JHETT RECOGNIZES SUCCESS AS NOT ONLY A GOAL BUT A DUTY OF EACH OF US, THUS HE STRIVES TO ENSURE ANY OF HIS CLIENTS GAIN HIGH SUCCESS THROUGH A PERFECTLY CRAFTED WEBSITE. HAVING GAINED INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELDS OF MANAGEMENT, STRATEGY, MARKETING AND DESIGN HE CAN ADAPT TO DIFFERENT SITUATIONS AND CAN SUCCESSFULLY RECEIVE, EVALUATE AND MAKE QUICK DECISIONS IN SOLVING ANY CLIENT’S PROBLEM. WHEN NOT RAPIDLY GETTING WEBSITES DONE JHETT TAKES PART IN ADRENALINE PUMPING ACTIVITIES WEEKLY INCLUDING SKYDIVING, BUNGEE AND RIVER RAFTING.

Dudley

“Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working” – Pablo Picasso

Dudley is an artistic genius who honed his skills in the fields of digital music production, performance and fine art. Combining his grasp of deeply technical things and aesthetic expression, he effortlessly brings together functionality and stunning design to create websites which truly catch the eye and deliver a great user experience. Dudley likes to spend his free time jogging with his son, planking and drooling over antique guitars.

Kim

“The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” – Kobe Bryant

From the heart of Hollywood, California, Kim brings 15 years of traditional and digital marketing experience to the team. She is personable and friendly, and will probably tell you what her ‘coffee mug of the day’ is if you ask her! 

When she is not helping others succeed, you will find her spending time with her husband and two young kids; watching the Los Angeles Lakers game; or hosting outdoor movie theaters for her family, friends and neighbors. 

She now resides in Portland, OR where she and her family go on daily adventures exploring their new city! 

DAVIE

IF YOU PROVIDE ENOUGH VALUE, THEN YOU EARN THE RIGHT TO PROMOTE YOUR COMPANY IN ORDER TO RECRUIT NEW CUSTOMERS. THE KEY IS TO ALWAYS PROVIDE VALUE. – GUY KAWASAKI

Claire

THE WORLD ONLY EXISTS IN YOUR EYES. YOU CAN MAKE IT AS BIG OR AS SMALL AS YOU WANT.
– F. SCOTT FITZGERALD 

CLAIRE IS BASED IN PASADENA, CA WHERE SHE LIVES WITH HER BOYFRIEND AND THEIR VERY LOVED (AND MISCHIEVOUS) KITTEN. AFTER WORKING CONCURRENTLY IN THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY AND SALES CONSULTING, SHE FOUND THE COMMON THREAD WAS THAT SHE WAS DRAWN TO OPPORTUNITIES TO HELP OTHERS BECOME THE BEST VERSIONS OF THEMSELVES AND ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS TO CREATE IDEAL SCENES IN EVERYTHING FROM THEIR COMPANY TO PERSONAL LIFE. CLAIRE TAKES GREAT JOY IN BECOMING INVESTED IN WHOEVER SHE IS WORKING WITH AND MAINTAINING A HIGH LEVEL OF CARE TO SEE THEM THROUGH TO THE ATTAINMENT OF THEIR GOALS. IN HER SPARE TIME SHE ENJOYS COOKING, WRITING, READING, “MUST HAVE” SHOPPING FINDS, AND SPENDING TIME DRINKING COFFEE WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS. 

BRANDON

WE ARE STUCK WITH TECHNOLOGY WHEN WHAT WE REALLY WANT IS JUST STUFF THAT WORKS.” ― DOUGLAS ADAMS*

YOU’LL TYPICALLY FIND BRANDON SURROUNDED BY MOUNTAINS OF TECH, ASSIDUOUSLY DIGGING FOR CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR STUDIO98 AND OUR CUSTOMERS. ONE CAN MAKE A FAIRLY ACCURATE GUESS AT HOW INVOLVED HE IS IN ANY GIVEN PROJECT BY GAUGING HOW DISHEVELED HIS HAIR IS. WHEN HE ISN’T TACKLING THE GREAT WORLD OF TECHNOLOGY, YOU CAN FIND HIM ENJOYING DOWNTIME WITH HIS SOON-TO-BE WIFE, JILL, AND THEIR 4 DOGS.

David

MARTINO

“BEVICI SU – IL BAR NON PORTA I RICORDI. SONO I RICORDI CHE PORTANO AL BAR.”

RODRIGO

THE DUMBEST MISTAKE IS VIEWING DESIGN AS SOMETHING YOU DO AT THE END OF THE PROCESS TO ‘TIDY UP’ THE MESS, AS OPPOSED TO UNDERSTANDING IT’S A ‘DAY ONE’ ISSUE AND PART OF EVERYTHING. – TOM PETERS

IT’S ALMOST CREEPY HOW RODRIGO GETS INSIDE OUR CUSTOMERS’ HEADS. AS STUDIO98’S LEAD DESIGNER, RODRIGO MAKES IDEAS, CONCEPTS, FEELINGS AND DREAMS MATERIALIZE INTO GRAPHICS THAT MOVE THE SOUL. HE HAS THE UNCANNY ABILITY TO LISTEN YOUR VISION, RAMBLING AND RANDOM AS IT MAY BE, AND TURN IT INTO A STUNNING VISUAL YOU CAN USE FOR YOUR BRANDING, LOGO, WEB OR PRINT MEDIA. RODRIGO MAKES HIS HOME IN CHILE, WHERE HE LOVES OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES ESPECIALLY ROCK CLIMBING, RAPPELLING AND TREKKING, WHILE YOGA KEEPS HIM BALANCED AND READY TO HANDLE ALL NEW CHALLENGES.

BONNIE

IF YOU WANT TO VIEW PARADISE, SIMPLY LOOK AROUND AND VIEW IT. – GENE WILDER

WHETHER ITS WITH A MOUSE OR A PEN IN HAND, BONNIE IS AN ARTIST THROUGH AND THROUGH. HER UNCANNY ABILITY TO TRANSLATE A CUSTOMER’S WORDS INTO DIGITAL AWESOMENESS HAS ENABLED HER TO ADVANCE QUICKLY IN THE DESIGN WORLD IN A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. A 2011 GRADUATE OF TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY, BONNIE CURRENTLY RESIDES IN AUSTIN, TEXAS, WHERE SHE ENJOYS (SURPRISE) DRAWING AND DESIGNING IN HER SPARE TIME. ON RARE OCCASIONS WHEN SHE PUTS DOWN THE TOOLS OF HER TRADE, BONNIE CAN BE FOUND HAVING ADVENTURES WITH HER TWO CATS, AND OCCASIONALLY HER HUSBAND, KEVIN.

ANDY

IF AT FIRST THE IDEA IS NOT ABSURD, THEN THERE IS NO HOPE FOR IT. – ALBERT EINSTEIN

BORN AND RAISED IN PORTLAND, OR. ANDY LOVES ORGANIZATION, MODERN TECH TRENDS AND THE GREAT OUTDOORS. YOU’LL FIND HIM ORGANIZING HIS FILES, RESEARCHING THE LATEST AND GREATEST IN TECHNOLOGY, IN A FITNESS CLASS OR STROLLING ONE OF FLORIDA’S BEAUTIFUL BEACHES WITH HIS WIFE AND THEIR LONG-HAIRED CHIHUAHUA, TITAN.

BRITTANY

I’M NOT GOING IF I CAN’T BRING MY DOG
– UNKNOWN

BORN AND RAISED IN TAMPA, FL. BRITTANY LOVES ART, EXPLORATION, HER DOG AND HER FAMILY. ON ANY GIVEN WEEKEND YOU’LL FIND HER AT THE BEACH, ON THE ROAD TO SOME LOCATION SHE HAS YET TO SEE OR TAKING HER DOG AND HUSBAND FOR A WALK AT THE PARK.

BRYAN

TOO WEIRD TO LIVE, AND TOO RARE TO DIE – HUNTER S. THOMPSON

I GUESS YOU NEVER THOUGHT YOU COULD FALL IN LOVE WITH SOMEONE BY JUST LOOKING
AT HIS PICTURE. NOW YOU’VE MET BRYAN. IF HE LOOKS LIKE THE NEXT PETE WENTZ,
THAT’S BECAUSE HE IS. WHEN NOT HANDLING SUPPORT TICKETS, YOU’LL FIND BRYAN
DRIVING FANS CRAZY FROM A STAGE WITH HIS ROCK STAR FLAIR AND HIS
PUNKY-FUNK-ROCK MAD GUITAR SKILLS.

LAUREN

ANY PROBLEM CAN BE SOLVED WITH A LITTLE INGENUITY.
– MACGYVER

DON’T LET HIS PYROMANIAC TENDENCIES SCARE YOU. LAUREN LOVED BLOWING STUFF UP AS A KID LIVING IN THE MIDWEST, NORTHWEST AND SOUTHEAST, BUT HE’S COOLED OFF NOW (WE HOPE). LAUREN MAKES BEAUTIFUL MUSIC, LITERALLY: HE’S A SELF-TAUGHT GUITARIST AND PIANIST. LAUREN IS ALSO INTO MOTORCYCLES, CARS AND BASICALLY ANYTHING WITH A MOTOR AND MOVING PARTS. AS STUDIO98’S SUPPORT DIRECTOR, LAUREN IS EXCITED ABOUT WORKING FOR A COMPANY THAT DOES EVERYTHING “ON PURPOSE” WHILE HAVING FUN AND MAKING A DIFFERENCE…

SHERRI

TAKE THE RISK OR LOSE THE CHANCE – UNKNOWN

WENT NOT BEING A MARKETING NINJA, SHERRI ENJOYS HELPING PEOPLE IMPROVE THERE HEALTH THROUGH FITNESS AND HEALTHY EATING. SHE HAS 3 FEARLESS BOYS WHO KEEP HER ON TOES. SHE RECENTLY RELOCATED HERE FROM CT AND HAS A FUN PASSION WITH HOUSE PROJECTS AND FINDING NEW FRUIT TREES TO PLANT.

MICHAELA

“As soon as I saw you I knew an adventure was about to happen” Winnie the Pooh.

When not in the office. Michaela loves to enjoy quality time with her 3 cats and future family on the way. She loves to travel where ever there is a beach and hiking. A big Disney fanatic; she has been going to Disney since she was 2. She has lived all over the State of Florida, although she is originally from Miami. She loves to read books and learn new information everyday.

MARISSA

“ALL OUR DREAMS CAN COME TRUE, IF WE HAVE THE COURAGE TO PURSUE THEM.” -WALT DISNEY

WITH MARISSA’S YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN THE SALES AND MARKETING FIELD AND HER LOVE OF HELPING PEOPLE SUCCEED, SHE IS A GREAT FIT FOR STUDIO98. WHEN SHE ISN’T HELPING COMPANIES SUCCEED, SHE IS ACTIVELY LIVING HER LIFE AS A MUSICIAN, SPENDING ALL OF HER FREE TIME WRITING/RECORDING/REHEARSING AND TOURING AROUND THE US WITH HER BAND. SHE LOOKS AT ALL THINGS IN LIFE AS A FORM OF ART AND LOVES TO IMBUE THE CREATIVITY SHE PUTS INTO HER MUSIC INTO EVERY ASPECT OF HER LIFE. HER OTHER HOBBIES INCLUDE GOING TO LOCAL MUSIC SHOWS, HIKING, RUNNING, OBSESSING OVER GOOD COFFEE, PLAYING WITH HER BEAGLES, DRESSING AS A HIPPIE, FINDING SECRET BEACHES ALONG THE WEST COAST AND EMBARKING ON TRAVELING ADVENTURES WITH HER HUSBAND.

KODYLEE

“EMPTY YOUR MIND, BE FORMLESS, SHAPELESS — LIKE WATER. NOW YOU PUT WATER IN A CUP, IT BECOMES THE CUP; YOU PUT WATER INTO A BOTTLE IT BECOMES THE BOTTLE; YOU PUT IT IN A TEAPOT IT BECOMES THE TEAPOT. NOW WATER CAN FLOW OR IT CAN CRASH. BE WATER MY FRIEND.”
-BRUCE LEE

BORN AND RAISED IN CLEARWATER, FL, FAVORITE HOBBIES ARE BASKETBALL, WATCHING SHARK TANK AND EATING SUSHI. WHEN I AM NOT DESIGNING WEBSITES I AM BUSY TEACHING TAEKWONDO, WATCHING THE UFC FIGHTS OR TRAVELING.

JOHAN

To love in spite of all is the secret of greatness. – L Ron Hubbard

Johan is originally from South Africa and grew up in the sugarcane fields and rolling hills of Zululand. Ever since his dad brought home their first home computer and he worked out how to play Police Quest on DOS, he has been obsessed with them and spent the last 13 years working in various roles in the IT industry. Johan likes to spend his leisure time with his wife and kids, as well as singing, playing guitar, skateboarding, fishing, scubadiving, skydiving and more.

GAGE

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

When not studying code/tech or handling your support tickets, you’ll typically find Gage either on the drag strip destroying what’s left of his 21 year old motorcycle or at a hole in the wall coffee shop playing the blues. Gage is crazy about the tech world and is always striving to learn more about his field.