The Engine
We are a team of people, dedicated to our craft and our amazing clients, who get to do what they love day in and day out.
We Love What We Do
The flurry of good ideas and the unearthing of great ones. We love to think and rethink, design and write and develop until we’ve made something that moves people.
We Love our Clients
Client and Engine combined, great work is built on earned trust that's strong enough to push beyond the expected and create meaningful, memorable work.
We Love the Adventure
From idea to concept to 'oh shit' to the best solution, each project is a journey that keeps our heart pumping till we create our best work. We wouldn't have it any other way.
We're Always Pushing to be Better
Never settling. Never assuming one way is THE way. Every project is an exercise in growth. Pushing our craft, improving our process, always striving to be a better partner and create the most unexpectedly awesome work.
And We'd Love to Work With You.
Let's TalkMeet the leadership team
Chris is driven by the creative process, constantly working to better understand and improve it. He has found that the best work comes when you bring talented people together with radical candor and transparency. In the 8 years since he founded the Engine, he has been named one of North Bay Business Journal’s 40 Under 40. As well, he’s been featured in various media outlets, including Entrepreneur, Digiday, Adage, USA Today, and CNN Money.
Chris Denny
Founder, President
With a depth of experience on both agency and client sides, Windy arrived at the Engine with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities inherent in collaboration. In her daily pursuit to foster stronger relationships that produce the greatest creative, she retains empathy for each side, breaking down barriers and building an environment of trust and understanding. And it’s lead her team to produce award winning work that clients love.
Windy Swindt Hermanns
Lead Account Director
With nearly twenty years of print and web design, Josh brings a range of experience and relentless curiosity to the role of Lead Creative Director. He balances the evolution of style, fundamentals of design, and understanding of a client’s brand to ensure creative work goes beyond aesthetics to become intentional, strategic and effective. This, alongside his open, supportive approach to leadership, has helped produce award-winning work that keeps clients and creatives happy.
Josh Talbot
Lead Creative Director
With an extensive background in operations and financial strategy, Drea joined the Engine in its nascent stage, working her way up from the bookkeeper to the Director of Business Services. Her belief in the humanity of her work - that by understanding and supporting employees as people, productivity will come organically - has helped to lead the growth and establish the close-knit culture at the Engine.
Drea Schulze
Director of Business Services
After two years at the Engine’s home office in Santa Rosa, Mitch returned to his hometown to establish the Minneapolis, Minnesota studio. Mitch’s creative background includes work with American Airlines, Best Buy, Hormel Foods, and Target. However, his favorite collaborations have been with the Arts/Entertainment and non-profits sectors.
Mitch Kelly
Creative Director, Minneapolis Studio Lead