Key Contacts

Randall R. McDaniels
President/Manager of Account Services

Randy has been immersed in all things marketing his entire life… his dad built this agency from the ground up. But taking over the family business didn’t come easy. Randy worked his way through the agency wearing the hat of copywriter, producer, media buyer, and market analyst before becoming President. His keen sense of industry trends helps him orchestrate his team in creating innovative, well-crafted messages that get results. But the end product isn’t the only thing that’s important to him. Don’t be surprised if he calls you for lunch or simply checks to see how things are going (and if you caught last’s night game), because at the end of the day… it’s relationships that count. Email Randy...

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
Alma Mater | Bradley University, BS in Marketing
Hidden Talent | Mad skills on the drums
Unusual Hobby | Raising fish in my pond
Choice Guilty Pleasure | Starbucks mochas
Also Known As… | My friends call me “Cap’n”

Cheryl Neumann

Marketing Consultant

If we could describe Cheryl in one word it would have to be “winning.” A winning personality, winning problem solving skills and winning attention to detail are all part of the package clients can expect under her experienced hand. But don’t just take our word for it. Spend an hour... or even five minutes with her... and you’ll see it for yourself! With energy and excitement overflowing so much it’s contagious, Cheryl will put her 12 years of experience in partnering with clients, offering you strategic insight and helping you plan, direct and execute marketing communications that make a measureable difference. Plus, she’s always up to for a challenge, helping clients make the most of their marketing dollars while employing a mix of both traditional and new media strategies. Email Cheryl...

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
Alma Mater | University of Illinois, BS in Business Administration
Most Played iPod Tracks | U2’s One & Radiohead’s Reckoner
Hidden Talents | Interior design and calligraphy
Must-Have Foot Apparel | Funky heels and flip-flops
Guilty Pleasures | Spa days, caramel frappuccinos and any decadent desserts

Angela Atherton

Marketing Specialist

She’s “just a small town girl.” And she lives in the marketing world. But that doesn’t stop this Joliet area native from believing every business and organization she works with deserves a budget-friendly marketing strategy that wows. Armed with an infectious smile and results-driven plans, Angela works to bring clients in need of dynamic, creative thinking together with our team so we can deliver eye-catching messages that go “on and on and on and on.” She’s also a great problem solver. So if you’re struggling with a limited budget, tight launch dates or simply don’t know where to begin, Angela will work side by side with you to help turn that challenge into a success. Email Angela...

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FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
Alma Mater | Bradley University, BS in Communications
Most Played iPod Track | "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey
Hidden Talent | Play the Cello
Must Have Nostalgia | My tandem bike - used to ride it with my dad every weekend
 

Bruce Helling
Media Director/Account Executive

“There’s no place like home… “ or at least that is how Bruce felt on returning to McDaniels after taking a 10-year hiatus. And, while his wacky personality and off-beat sense of humor may not qualify him to be one of the “Three Stooges,” it definitely shows he is willing to do just about anything to put together the best plan of action for our clients. From media buys to strategic planning, this marketing veteran has seen it, done it and lived to regale us with his many adventures in print, broadcast and business development sales. Email Bruce...

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
Alma Mater | Northern Illinois University, BS in Journalism/Public Relations
Craziest Dare Accepted | Jumped off a railroad bridge
Strangest Meal Eaten | Pickled Jellied Eel
Must Go Vacation Spot | St. Thomas USVI
Most Embarrassing Moment | Kicking my opponent in the wrong place at the All Japan High School Judo Tournament

Clara Miles
Creative Services Manager/Copywriter

Armed with an obsessive attention to detail and the need for perfection, Clara works to make our creative department run like a well-oiled machine. She’s also a master of the English language, putting her powers of influence to work as one of our staff copywriters and as an Affiliate Instructor at Bradley – shaping the minds of tomorrow’s future. And while the post-its on her desk may be perfectly straight and she can’t help but notice the typos in restaurant menus, Clara expertly challenges autopilot strategies and ho-hum creative and turns them into unique, attention-getting campaigns that deliver results. Email Clara...

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
Alma Mater | Bradley University, MA in English Literature
Strangest Meal Eaten | Dad hunted, need I say more?
Unusual Hobby | Sports bar aficionado
Saturday Must-Haves | Catching up on “General Hospital” and reading “rag mags”
Game Night Throwdowns | Scrabble and the original Super Mario Brothers

Tracy Glass
Senior Copywriter

The phrase “Been there, done that” could easily be applied to Tracy’s writing resume. With more than 20 years of marketing experience under her belt, Tracy’s quick wit and need for precision are evident in her writing style. Creative strategies, campaign concepts, website copy, broadcasts, multimedia presentations and more… Tracy combines skillfully crafted messaging with the know-how earned only by experience to create marketing solutions that yield measurable results. Plus, her easy smile and level-headed approach to thinking have made her a favorite among staff and clients alike. She’s also an easy go-to choice when it comes to crunch time. Email Tracy...

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
Alma Mater | University of Illinois, BS in Advertising
Favorite Food | Never met a cookie I didn’t like
Preferred Foot Apparel | Sandals... the closest to barefoot
Sought-After Superpower | That’s easy… to be able to fly
Game of Choice | Yahtzee or anything that involves real, live people sitting across the table from me

Brenda Tomlinson
Director of Public Relations/Account Coordinator

Brenda – our resident guru or PR Goddess as some have called her – definitely has the press’ ear when it comes to pitching stories for our clients. She’s been at it for over 25 years… so of course, she’s good at what she does! In addition to helping clients maximize their media coverage and maintain a positive public image, Brenda also serves as one of our copywriters, coordinates client projects to ensure they are done on time, helps plan client events, and takes a fine-tooth proofing comb to all projects that go out our doors. And while she makes sure you’ve dotted every “i” and crossed every “t,” her fun-loving personality delivers top-notch final products that further enhance and boost your brand. Email Brenda...

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
Alma Mater | Southern Illinois University Carbondale, BA in English & BS in Journalism
Favorite Cartoon | X-men (used to watch it with my sons every week)
Choice Getaway | Branson or Riviera Maya
Friday Night Role Call | Dinner, movie, dancing
Source for Creative Inspiration | Going new places or trying something new

Melissa Smallenberger
Interactive & Production Director

Web, web and more web… Melissa is the mastermind behind easy website navigation, custom modules and coming up with solutions that make our client’s jobs easier. She masterfully juggles client expectations, budgets, and programming challenges – all while teaching our clients how to use their custom content management systems and answering any questions they have along the way. In addition to managing all things interactive, Melissa has also proven to be a great resource for production issues (she did this job for 12 years at the agency). And, she puts on her IT hat whenever the need rises to keep emails and project files flowing in and out of the agency. Email Melissa...

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
Alma Mater | North Central College, BS in Marketing/Computer Science
Strangest Meal Eaten | Chicken feet from China 
Oddest Thing on Desk | A magic wand
Can’t Walk Away from Hobbies | Scrapbooking, photography, gardening, cooking classes
iPod Playlist | Def Leppard, Josh Grobin, Garth Brooks (depends on the day)
 

Rod Standley
Senior Art Director

With over 25 years of drawing pictures for a living (most of those at McDaniels), Rod is in his element on pretty much any project you send his way. He has designed everything from annual reports and newsletters to high-end ad campaigns and websites. He’s also a master illustrator, giving life to concepts, logo designs and more. Plus, thanks to the help of his trusty dart gun (which has been reengineered for more power), Rod makes sure each project meets our clients’ marketing objectives… and has a little fun while he’s at it. Email Rod...

FUN FACTS ABOUT ME
Alma Mater | Southern Illinois University, AA in Graphic Design
Most Likely Location After Hours | Coaching JFL squirts
Sought-After Super Power | To fly - how cool would that be?
Gotta Love Nostalgia | Old Corvettes
Favorite Decades | 70s (I was young), 80s (met my wife), 90s (raised my 3 boys)