Chester Goluch
PRESIDENT, CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Chester takes an active role in all agency business and has over 20 years experience working on some of the world’s best national brands: Shell, GM, P&G, Glad, American Express, Visa, Nescafe, Keith’s, NS Tourism, Sobeys, ALC, Eastlink and many others. His obsessions include work, cooking (he once had his own TV show “The Rock & Roll Chef”) and sports.» Contact
Shayla Dickson
ACCOUNT MANAGER
After receiving a double major in International Business and Marketing from Bishop’s University, Shayla began working with the Canadian Research Chair in Skeletal Reconstruction on a commercialization strategy for medical devices associated with vertebroplasty (what?...). Shayla then moved to Toronto where she gained experience working for two leading agencies and a number of high profile brands – including Heinz, Maple Leaf Foods, TD Canada Trust, and Habitat for Humanity. Currently, Shayla is also working on her Masters of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing at the Sobey School of Business - Saint Mary’s University.» Contact
Ben Goluch
PRODUCER
A graduate of Ryerson's Image and Film program, Ben has over 10 years experience in the production industry. His first gig was an internship in the camera department, quickly rising to the role of Assistant Camera Operator. Ben's film camera credits include feature films such as "Shake Hands with the Devil", "Moby Dick", "Outlander" and more, plus numerous TV series as well as too many commercials to count. Although he's met many major actors like Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson, Ben has never asked for an autograph. Or at least he says he hasn't.» Contact
Scott Marquardt
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Scott’s experience is in the telecommunications and tourism/hospitality business sectors. He is also our LGBT marketing guru. Originally from Calgary, Scott graduatedwith a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University.
The agency’s resident fashionista, Scott’s other passion is
urban architecture.
» Contact
Mike Vavra
PROJECT MANAGER
Mike began his career in 1984 as a layout artist in prepress production, imagine that! Since then, he’s toiled on both the agency and client side. With a focus on efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction he can bring any project to completion on time and on budget. A true sailing enthusiast, if he’s not in the office, he’s on a boat.» Contact
Colin Stinson
INTERACTIVE ACCOUNT MANAGER
From search engine optimization to social media strategy, Colin orchestrates all of the agency's interactive projects. Never overlooking the details he strives to deliver an outstanding project. Colin will ensure that all requests are implemented into a campaign and that the elements are delivered on time and on budget.» Contact
Matt Mackay
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
An artist at heart, Matt’s experience rests in illustration. Originally from Halifax, this graduate of NSCC has lived all over Canada. Matt is the office early bird. He enjoys urban art, great Hip Hop and owns more shoes than everyone else in the office…combined.» Contact
Pierre Tabbiner
ART DIRECTOR
Born and raised right here in Halifax, Pierre graduated with honours from NSCC. With a gift for illustration and over six years of experience in the design industry, he’s worked on local and national clients ranging from Dartmouth Crossing to KFC and Taco Bell. He's an Aquarius, totally into comics and has a lawnmower covered in flame decals.» Contact
Jen Searle
OFFICE MANAGER
With a double major science degree from Dalhousie University you’d think Jen would be wearing a lab coat rather than the hat of Office Manager. But with 12 years of experience in keeping an office on the up and up, she’s definitely at home working here at Chester + Company. When Jen isn’t keeping our ducks in a row she can be found at her cottage in Pictou County with Angus, her “so cute it’s silly” Border Terrier.» Contact
Allana MacDonald
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Talented and driven, Allana wears many hats. With an English degree from St. F. X. University and a diploma, with honours no less, in Graphic Design from NSCC it's easy to see that her skills are up to any challenge. Though born and raised in Halifax Allana’s advertising experience comes from time spent at a Toronto agency. For five years she worked tirelessly as an Account Manager and excitedly brings that passion to her work here at Chester + Company. While happy to share any wisdom and knowledge she’s gained throughout her years, there's one thing she'll never offer up – some of her popcorn.» Contact
Anthony Taaffe
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Anthony’s strength lies in his ability to combine strategic thinking with a sharp conceptual edge – it’s an ability that has won the confidence of clients on both local and national brands, including Bell Aliant, Moosehead Breweries, Cadillac Fairview and Proctor and Gamble. His work in social marketing has included the Workers’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia, the Office of Health Promotion and Protection for Smoking Cessation and Breastfeeding programs and the Canadian Red Cross.Anthony’s love of marketing comes from the daily challenges in finding creative solutions to business problems. Working in partnership with his clients to find solutions to problems in a way that is unique and memorable while providing tangible results. Throughout his career, Anthony’s creative work has won him accolades internationally, nationally and regionally.
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Julie Lawrence
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Julie’s Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University is an asset to any project. She’s always looking for that insight that connects campaigns to communities. After spending three years with Communications Nova Scotia, Julie made the jump into the agency world where she managed major clients such as Bell Aliant and Emera. Her account management style entails a genuinely collaborative approach that aligns creativity with the needs of her clients. Julie is a person that everyone wants to rally around. Her desire to love her work is infectious and something to get excited about. She’s also an avid soccer player who works on her Masters of Arts in Communications in her spare time.» Contact
Tekla Nagel
COPYWRITER
Ms Nagel (whose first name pronounced Take-la) is a graduate of the famed Humber College copywriting program in Toronto. After a stint at Ogilvy, she found herself in beautiful Nova Scotia, where she landed an agency copywriting job. Accolades quickly followed, including a Gold at the Ice Awards. Whether through serendipity or karma, we are now the fortunate recipients of Tekla's wit, insights and creativity. At the office, you can usually find Tekla elbow's deep in copy, blithely humming a showtune (she particularly likes "Sweeney Todd") or, if you're especially lucky, describing a recipe for her favourite meal: tacos!» Contact
Ashley Greene
ACCOUNT COORDINATOR
A graduate of Mount Saint Vincent University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Ashley tackles projects both big and small. After honed her skills with co-ops at local marketing agencies, Ashley joined Chester as an Account Coordinator. She adapts to the unique challenges of multiple clients and provides them with services tailored to their needs. Ashley also writes briefs that are short, sweet and to the point – just like her. And if you get out of line, she might just use her high school wrestling moves on you.» Contact
Wade Carroll
INTERACTIVE DESIGNER
Wade is a graduate of the Bachelor of Design program at NSCAD with a Major in Graphic Design/Visual Communication and a Minor in Digital Media. His life experience and education make for a truly engaging Web Designer. He’s been all over the United States. It’s where he grew up, pursued careers in acting and music and more importantly, where he decided to come to Nova Scotia. He’s someone who does his work from the inside out. It means that there is a little bit of Wade in everything he does and those who have a glimpse of it always want to see more. His creative is strategic, immensely innovative and fun. Wade’s key clients include Destination Halifax, Eastlink and O’Regan’s.» Contact
Chester Goluch