About Us
People
The culture of any company is defined in the collective attitude of its staff. We're proud of our accomplishments, but most of all, we're proud of our people.
Firespring strives to:
- Treat our staff with respect and offer assistance in reaching personal and professional goals.
- Create an environment where employees feel appreciated and encouraged to exchange ideas for improvement.
- Inspire our team to provide unparalleled service and support to our clients.
Our employees truly love working for Firespring and it shows when you interact with our team. It's not often you find so many talented individuals that are creative, flexible and 100% committed to delivering on their promises.
Key Personnel
- Jay Wilkinson - Founder / Chief Executive Officer
- Troy Jensen - Vice President of Research & Development
- Tawnya Starr - Vice President of Sales & Marketing / PrinterPresence President
- Jason Wilkinson - Vice President of Information Technology
- Matt Alberti - Director of Product Strategy
- Tracie Alles - Training Coordinator
- Dustin Behrens - Director of Operations
- Randy Hawthorne, PCM - Director of Franchise Services
- Troy Larsen - Director of Product Management
- Fred Slayden - Director of Support Services
- Ben Spence - Creative Director
- Kim Stokes - Customer Retention Specialist
- Susan Thayer, PCM - Director of Marketing
Jay Wilkinson
Founder/Chief Executive Officer
Jay Wilkinson is a lifelong entrepreneur. While attending the University of Nebraska, he started numerous businesses and, in 1986, launched Campus Connection magazine. The business took him to New York City after graduation where the magazine grew into the largest college-oriented publication in the U.S. with a distribution of 1.2 million.
In 1992, Jay opened an AlphaGraphics printing franchise in Lincoln, Nebraska. The business shattered the first-year sales record for the 350-store network and was the fastest franchise ever to reach $1 million in annual sales. Renamed Cornerstone Printing & Imaging in 2001, the company is listed by Quick Printing magazine as one of the 100 largest retail printing operations in North America.
In 1996, the predecessor to Firespring opened as a division of the printing company to develop websites for local businesses. The new business differentiated itself with a unique focus on end user research and the development of groundbreaking content management software that enabled clients to manage and update their websites with point-and-click simplicity. The company quickly gained national recognition with a client base that included Fortune 1000 companies and international franchises.
With steady growth in key business segments, the company provided website solutions and marketing services to nearly 3,000 clients in 14 countries prior to its rebrand as Firespring in 2007. Now positioned to serve the marketing communications needs of virtually any small business, the company's innovative franchising strategy will allow for rapid expansion in active markets throughout the nation.
Today, Jay serves Firespring as CEO and chairman of the board. His primary responsibility is to guide corporate strategy and vision and to oversee the execution of day-to-day operations.
In his "spare" time, Jay will usually be found participating in activities with his three children or traveling in a quest for the perfect scuba diving location. He sits on the board of directors for various nonprofit organizations and is an avid supporter of programs that provide leadership training for teenagers and enrichment programs for children. He has appeared on CNN and other news outlets discussing how emerging technologies are shaping our future and is considered a leading authority on the impact of the web on small businesses.
Troy Jensen
Vice President of Research & Development
After working as an independent consultant while finishing his advertising degree from the University of Nebraska, Troy Jensen accepted a position as the director of interactive technology at a Lincoln advertising firm. While there, he effectively integrated proven communication methods of the advertising and marketing industry with the strategic advantages of internet technology. At a time when the web was dominated by hard-core technologists, Troy understood the value of communication and functionality, using the technologies available to help develop effective interactive strategies for local and national clients.
Troy joined the predecessor to Firespring in 1996 as a webmaster. He immediately implemented procedures and policies that allowed the fledgling company to grow and eventually lead the local market for website services. As the lead developer for numerous projects, Troy helped the company establish national recognition in the field of website development.
Troy's skills as a leader and developer are overshadowed only by his remarkable insight to user preferences. He seems to know exactly how end users will respond to features built into website solutions and has an in-depth understanding of how to best organize content to provide a positive user experience.
Troy is dedicated to perfecting the most effective methods of implementing technology as a business communication tool. By striving to clearly define and understand the needs of the end user and effectively evaluate the technological resources available to achieve those needs, he sets aggressive but attainable goals. His belief that "there is always a better way" provides the motivation to achieve these lofty goals.
Troy oversees the research and development team at Firespring and also serves on the board of directors.
When Troy can find the time, you can locate him at local performing arts venues or reading a good book.
Tawnya Starr
Vice President of Sales & Marketing / PrinterPresence President
Tawnya Starr has worked in sales and customer service roles her entire career and as a result, has developed a dynamic and endearing approach relating with people. After working as the customer service manager of an Ethan Allen store in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tawnya got the entrepreneur bug and started her own printshop in 1994. She was very successful, growing the store's account base to more than 500 clients in three years. She personally managed her store's largest accounts while overseeing a sales and production staff that grew her business into one of the market's largest in less than two years.
In 1999, Tawnya purchased a printing website from the company and was amazed at the impact it had on her operation. In April 2000, Tawnya agreed to join Firespring as president of PrinterPresence, the company's flagship solution. Tawnya's experience in the industry furthered the development of PrinterPresence into the most popular website solution in the printing industry.
Tawnya quickly positioned herself within the industry as an expert on web marketing and how it impacts printers. She has appeared at numerous conventions and trade shows and has been quoted in nearly every printing industry trade publication regarding the internet. Tawnya received the 2005 Industry Award of Distinction from PrintImage International. The award recognizes an educator or supplier who has supported and advanced the quick and small commercial printing industry.
As the vice president of sales and marketing for Firespring, Tawnya oversees all sales-related activity for the company.
In 2007, Tawnya was selected as one of Lincoln's 40 Under 40 business leaders by the Midlands Business Journal.
Tawnya loves people. She loves to pamper them, cook for them and entertain whenever she gets the chance.
Jason Wilkinson
Vice President of Information Technology
Jason was a part of the Firespring family before it was born. With deep roots in the printing industry, Jason's professional experience began at AlphaGraphics as a press operator before being promoted to facilities services manager in 1999.
Jason accepted a position in technical support for the company in 2001, and then advanced to network and systems administration and director of information technology before accepting his current role in 2007 as vice president of information technology.
Jason was instrumental in the initial infrastructure build-out and continues to design systems and procedures that allow Firespring to serve a growing client base. A passion for computers and technology fuels Jason's daily work as he is charged with keeping the technology behind our solutions running smoothly.
Jason's dedication to the company doesn't mean that he never gets away from the office. In fact, Jason has a pilot's license and motorcycle that help him do do just that. A typical weekend getaway for Jason often includes spending time with family, watching sporting events or taking cross country motorcycle rides with his wife.
Matt Alberti
Director of Product Strategy
After graduating from the University of Nebraska in 1993, Matt began his career at Barry Blau & Partners advertising agency in Connecticut. In 1995, he joined Arnold Advertising at their World Headquarters in Boston as an account supervisor.
Matt's extensive experience as a communications professional includes over 13 years of advertising, brand management, marketing and sales experience. During his tenure at Barry Blau & Partners and Arnold Advertising, Matt managed several Fortune 500 client accounts including International Business Machines (IBM), Pacific Bell Telecommunications Inc., NYNEX Telecommunications, Inc., United Parcel Services (UPS) and Automatic Data Processing, Inc. (ADP).
Joining Firespring in April 2002 as the director for the national accounts group, Matt currently leads the product strategy division for Firespring. His responsibilities as director of product strategy include market research and new product development.
Matt's volunteer involvements in our local nonprofit community include the Alzheimer's Association, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and the Nebraska Children & Families Foundation.
Away from the office Matt enjoys spending time with his wife and their three kids.
Tracie Alles
Training Coordinator
Tracie has been at the heart of the Firespring support services team since its inception. With an educational background in business administration and marketing, and a plethora of experience in customer service roles, Tracie accepted a position as an account coordinator for AlphaGraphics of Nebraska in 1997 before moving to Firespring in 2001.
As training coordinator, Tracie organizes all Firespring training programs from employee onboarding to client education. She is a member of the Lincoln Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development.
When she gets time away from the office, Tracie enjoys spending time with her husband and children, digging in the garden, yoga and traveling to visit family.
Dustin Behrens
Director of Operations
Before joining Firespring as controller, Dustin Behrens worked within public accounting for over five years including experience with two of the largest international public accounting firms, as well as a local accounting and consulting firm.
Dustin's experience with those firms included supervising the audits of some of Nebraska's largest public companies as well as private companies, nonprofit agencies and governmental entities.
Prior to entering the business world, Dustin obtained his B.S. in business administration, with an emphasis on accounting.
Dustin has served as a sponsor for youth groups as well as a youth educator through Junior Achievement programs. He spends most of his spare time with his wife and children, golfing or taking in Husker sporting events.
Randy Hawthorne, PCM
Director of Franchise Services
Before transitioning to director of franchise services for Firespring, Randy Hawthorne served as the director of marketing where he was responsible for managing our brand and initiating the MarketPresence solution, a comprehensive branding and marketing program for Firespring clients.
Prior to joining the team, Randy managed AlphaGraphics of Nebraska where he started in 1992. In 1999, Randy earned "Manager of the Year" from the AlphaGraphics franchise association from over 300 managers worldwide. Beyond AlphaGraphics, Randy understands the operations of a franchise organization, having extensive experience with Blockbuster Video.
As a Professional Certified Marketer, he served as president of the Lincoln Chapter of the American Marketing Association, leading his team to the 1st Runner-up Chapter of the Year. He speaks nationally for the American Marketing Association and also participates on the Downtown Lincoln Association marketing and public arts committees.
Randy is past president of Updowntowners, the event producers of the Downtown Lincoln Association, where he has helped produce and promote various Lincoln events including July Jamm, Celebrate Lincoln and the Star City Holiday Festival.
Randy also works with Nebraska's youth to develop leadership skills through the Nebraska Association of Student Councils. He served as the Volunteer Staff's first executive director and is a past recipient of the Dr. John Lux Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to promoting youth leadership in Nebraska.
Selected as one of Lincoln's 40 Under 40 by the Midlands Business Journal, he is a member of Rotary Club #14 where he serves on the board as well as the fellowship, Gathering Place and publicity committees. Additionally, as a participant in Class XVI, he occasionally works with Leadership Lincoln and Youth Leadership Lincoln.
In his spare time, Randy periodically makes his way to the Lincoln Community Playhouse stage, where he also served as president of the board.
Troy Larsen
Director of Product Management
With nearly two decades of experience working for leading companies within the global high tech industry, Troy Larsen brings a wealth of knowledge and know-how to his role as director of product management at Firespring. From engineering and product development to sales and marketing to support services, he has been involved in every facet of technology-driven business and has a unique understanding of what it takes to succeed.
In his role as director of product management, Troy reports directly to the vice president of research & development. He directs and oversees the development and release of products and services that support the company goals and objectives. He collaborates and coordinates proactively with project stakeholders, end users and vendors to ensure a smooth and successful product development cycle.
A native of Nebraska, Troy is a proud alumnus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After time spent away in Los Angeles and Silicon Valley pursing professional opportunities, he is happy to once again be back in the heart of Husker nation.
Away from the office, Troy enjoys spending time with family and friends, working in the community and writing for both print and online media.
Fred Slayden
Director of Support Services
Fred has passionately worked at the intersection of communications and customer support for over twelve years.
His work history reads like a true professional success story. After accepting a position at TCI Cable Communications in 1992, he aggressively moved up the company hierarchy excelling as lead customer service representative, Primestar coordinator, regional events coordinator for the Southwest, customer service supervisor and office manager.
In 2000, with the acquisition of TCI by AT&T, Fred was promoted to business operations manager, becoming the area point of contact for seven branch offices. Before transitioning to Firespring, Fred capped his career with Comcast as business operations manager for Northern New Mexico, challenging him to oversee seven offices and over 75,000 customers.
Fred's position at Firespring includes overseeing customer service, technical support, production, account management, training and client retention.
Fred carries his dedication for support away from the office, as he takes active steps to remain involved in his community. He also spends free time with family and especially his two nephews.
Ben Spence
Creative Director
Ben Spence has worked in advertising and marketing communications for more than 10 years. Born and raised in Lincoln, he graduated from the University of Nebraska with a bachelor of journalism degree in advertising and minors in film studies, history and English.
Ben came to work for AlphaGraphics in 1995, serving as a graphic designer and special projects manager. After the web development division was created, he transitioned into his role as copywriter/creative strategist and also managed several key accounts including Doane College and First Federal Lincoln Bank.
Although he was with the company during its formative years, Ben left shortly after the launch of Firespring to pursue other creative opportunities. Prior to returning in 2005, he worked for a leading advertising agency as writer/producer on several national accounts including Briggs & Stratton, NC+ Hybrids and Gateway Computers.
In his current role as creative director, Ben leads a talented roster of artists, writers and developers through the strategic planning and execution of all creative projects. In addition to being a strong team leader, Ben is a seasoned copywriter with a keen ability to develop sound creative strategy with the big picture in mind.
Ben has been an active member of the Nebraska Association of Student Councils since 1992. He previously served as curriculum director of the Summer Leadership Workshop and was instrumental in developing the first-ever Advanced Leadership Workshop while serving on the Volunteer Staff board of directors. In 2000, he received the organization's highest honor, the Dr. John Lux Award, in recognition of outstanding contributions to promoting youth leadership in Nebraska.
Ben spends most of his spare time with his wife, Tara, and their gifted Jack Russell Terrier, Betsy. On fall Saturdays, you can find him at Memorial Stadium cheering for his beloved Huskers.
Kim Stokes
Customer Retention Specialist
Kim Stokes joined Firespring after five years as an account executive for a successful printing franchise. There she was selected from over 400 sales executives in the network to launch an international marketing campaign for the franchise and has spoken at many international conventions on successful sales and marketing campaigns.
Before that, Kim managed customer service for a multi-million dollar company that focused on designing and building products to satisfy customer needs. She also served as corporate trainer of one of the fastest growing retailers in the U.S. Kim remains devoted to training successful sales practices by conducting online seminars and fronting sales efforts for numerous products.
On an occasional day off, Kim enjoys photography, interior decorating, scrapbooking and spending time with friends and family. Additionally, Kim adheres to a strict quota of at least three vacations per year with her husband.
Susan Thayer, PCM
Director of Marketing
Prior to returning to Nebraska to join Firespring, Susan Thayer worked in marketing management at a company that assisted small businesses with their marketing programs.
Her educational pursuits include a bachelor's degree in marketing from the University of Nebraska and a master's degree with a marketing focus from the University of Tennessee.
Active in Toastmasters International since 1997, Susan has served in various leadership roles including public relations officer for the Arizona district. Susan earned the Distinguished Toastmaster award in 2005, their highest leadership and speaking achievement.
Susan is recognized by the American Marketing Association as a Profesional Certified Marketer.