The Team
Advantage Marketing isn't just a name...we're a team of people dedicated to promoting our community to the world through our popular guides and websites. Our relationship with our clients is important to us, and we add that personal touch that ensures trust....and brings results in today's competitive marketplace. Let us introduce ourselves to you.
Lynne Stechschulte, owner of Advantage Marketing, began her journey into marketing and promotion in 1979 by working in broadcast sales at a local radio station. After several years, many of Lynne's clients encouraged her to start an advertising agency to assist with all their marketing needs. In the course of doing business, Lynne fell in love with publishing and went to work on the Ludington Area Visitors Guide, the first of many Advantage Marketing publications devoted to the promotion and service of the tourism industry. Understanding the importance of the internet, Lynne also began publishing to the web in 1999. Lynne and her two daughters reside in the Hamlin Lake area, and her ties to the region will keep Advantage Marketing growing for years to come.
Mary Newberg is our very capable and friendly salesperson, and joined the team in 2004. Mary is a lifelong resident of Mason County and has a history of customer service in the area. Her past work in both the restaurant and flooring business has given Mary valuable experience in dealing with customers. Whether she's taking care of customers' ads or distributing our publications throughout the area, Mary's honesty and sense of humor makes her a real asset to our company. Mary's husband works construction in the Ludington area, and they have three sons.
Diane Sonefeld, our Office Manager, came on board in 2005. Diane and Lynne first worked together back in the early 80's at WKLA, where Diane was Creative Services Director. Their paths separated when Diane went overseas with her husband for his work with Voice of America. Diane and her husband, John, together with their two children, traveled around the world...to five countries in 14 years...and now have settled back in their dome home in Ludington. Diane enjoys keeping everything organized in the office, and uses her writing experience to create many of the stories in the Ludington Area Visitors Guide and on the web.
Tom Ainsley joined our team in October 2007 as our in-house Graphic Designer/IT Support, and has already proven to be extremely helpful as our websites grow to meet the needs of the public. Tom served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, where he gained experience in marketing, computers and software, graphic design and the production of ads. From websites to printed materials to email advertising...Tom's extensive experience from concept to distribution of artwork makes him a valuable addition to Advantage Marketing. He and his fiancee have recently moved from North Carolina to Ludington, and we're lucky to have him on board.
As we continue to grow, so does our need for additional office help. We welcomed Amy Vernon to our staff in December 2007, and she is our Administrative Assistant. Amy grew up in Muskegon, then spent the next 17 years living in various cities in 5 different states. Over the years, Amy has owned her own company and learned the value of advertising. Amy has been very involved in serving the Lord and He guided her back to Michigan. She loves the natural beauty of Ludington with its small town feel and progressive lifestyle. With her background in customer service, she’s a valuable asset to our company. Amy came to our attention through our graphic artist, Tom, as she happens to be his fiancée.
We feel honored to have the father and son team of Todd and Brad Reed provide us with the photography featured in our publications. Their contribution to Advantage Marketing is evident on the covers of both the Ludington Area Visitors Guide and Map Guide. No one has done a better job of capturing the beauty of Ludington than the Reeds. We're excited about their newest venture, a book about the Ludington State Park. For a sneak peek, check out www.ludingtonstateparkbook.com. No trip to downtown Ludington is complete without a stop into their gallery, featuring the most breathtaking prints on display. Or visit them online at www.toddandbradreed.com.
Cyndy Shaw, creative director for Advantage Marketing, has been working with Lynne since 1991. She is responsible for the general layout of our guides and brochures, and has created great-looking advertisements for our customers. Her experience in graphic design gives us the professional look we've become known for. Cyndy is with our projects from beginning to end, and she has her own special way of putting it all together to create our quality guides, brochures and websites.