Meet the Groupers

It’s not easy becoming a Grouper, we only take the best and brightest. Then, they’re put through a rigorous training program that includes media immersion, creative engagement and hand-to-hand combat. (We sometimes skip the hand-to-hand combat.) They come out the other end as lean, mean marketing machines, capable of executing award-winning campaigns that capture hearts and influence minds.

Click on a thumbnail above to find out more about us. Email or call today to meet one of our elite Groupers in person.

Marsha Denny Evans, President

Marsha completed her undergraduate studies at Eastern Michigan University and relocated to Gainesville in 1978. She attended Santa Fe Community College and received an Associate of Science degree in Graphic Design.

When Group 5 was only a year old, she joined as Art Director / Production Manager and played an integral role in the growth and development of the agency. When the founders of Group 5 retired in 1987, she became the principal of the agency and continues to uphold the reputation for quality and integrity that Group 5 has earned in the business community.

5 things about Marsha:

• When I was 20, I drove from Michigan to Gainesville for a three week visit... 1400 weeks later, I’m still here.
• As a member of the first ever graphic design class at Santa Fe Community College, I was inspired to one day become a designer. Group 5 would be a much different place had I taken that grocery bagging class.
• I’m simply not a morning person. Ask anyone. I SAID ASK THEM!
• Some people have “offices” with “doors” they can close when it gets to be too much. Me, I have a post-it note reading “Do Not Disturb” that I affix to my forehead.
• Office chairs have wheels so that one day my beloved co-workers can just strap me in and move me out of the way. Hey, not yet! Stop pushing me!

Candace Taylor, Business Manager

Candy is the rock star behind the scenes who ensures that invoices add up and bills get paid. Her daily contributions also include provoking smiles from employees, clients and vendors alike and occasionally coaxing people off the ceiling.

5 things about Candy:

• I'm originally from Miami where, as a child, a piece of my artwork was displayed at The University of Miami's Lowe Art Museum. I had a real knack for macaroni pictures.
• As a graduate of Leadership Gainesville, I learned a deeper respect and responsibility to my community and am committed to making it a better place for all.
• I LOVE to fish! One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish. (Regards to Dr. Seuss.)
• I have been, am now and forever will be a Dolphin fan. Dan, it's not too late to come out of retirement.
• Being the mother of an active teenage boy is the perfect training for a Business Manager. You're always cleaning up after people and fixing their boo-boos.

Melissa Vloedman, Account Executive/Media Buyer

Melissa graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Advertising. At Group 5, she is responsible for account management, implementing marketing plans, budget management and local and statewide media planning, placement and tracking.

5 things about Melissa:

• When I was kid, I would sing commercial jingles. Even then I loved advertising!
• Despite what my pale complexion implies, I do love the beach.
• I have an absolutely awful sense of direction. Thank goodness for GPS!
• Telling corny jokes is my passion...even if I’m the only one laughing.
• One of my favorite songs is, “Me and Bobby McGee.” In a Karaoke bar, I must sing it.

Teresa Cocherell, Graphic Machine

Teresa earned a marketing degree from the University of Florida before attending the SFC Graphic Design Program. She has received several ADDY’s for her design work and has experience designing for local printers and non-profit organizations.

5 things about Teresa:

• As a kid, I wanted to be a writer when I grew up; now I write with graphics.
• I'm proud of the fact that Group 5 caters to clients who provide essential services for our area, such as the Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Department of Health, and Regional Transit System.
• I'm extremely level-headed but also have a taste for anything irreverent, avant-garde or downright absurd! Dada, anyone?
• I grew up in Alabama, but you wouldn't know it from the way I talk.
• I'm a sucker for a jukebox.

Bruno, “The Boss”

Bruno arrived at Group 5 with a thirst for knowledge and a taste for kibble. While his advertising background is limited, he provides a unique perspective. We just throw ideas out there and let him chew on them a bit. Next thing we know, he’s got a firm leash on the campaign. Around the office, Bruno is very versatile, always willing to help shred documents or even fetch coffee. It’s quite clear that he plans to sit and stay at Group 5 for the foreseeable future.

5 things about Bruno:

• Bruno’s latest art exhibit, “Crotches – A Retrospective,” is currently on display at the Guggenhound Museum.
• In 2009, Bruno was awarded the prestigious Purina Fellowship to study advanced pawing at Oxford.
• 97% of US Congressmen have a lower approval rating than Bruno.
• Bruno is a nudist.
• Bruno was named #23 in People’s most recent, “Sexiest Mutts Alive,” issue.

Suzanne Bachus, Vice President/Senior Account Executive

Suzanne joined Group 5 in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. She is Accredited in Public Relations (APR) and Certified as a Public Relations Counselor (CPRC). She has successfully implemented multi-media campaigns and marketing plans in English, Spanish and Creole. She has over 25 years experience in health-related projects targeting various age and ethnic groups.

5 things about Suzanne:

• As a third generation Gator, I had a hard time adjusting to my son going to FSU, but now he's graduated and has a full-time paying job. So I say, Go 'Noles! (not really!)
• I like to bike ride on trails, trout fish in the flats and go scalloping off Steinhatchee.
• Although I’ve been at Group 5 for more than a decade, they still won’t let me draw.
• When a client has an exciting product or issue, I enjoy the challenge of creating public awareness.
• My work is about relationships – my clients, co-workers and vendors are all my friends – and I work to keep them my friends.

Damion Wasylow, Creative Director

Damion joined Group 5 in '99 while finishing up his degree in marketing at UF. Through the years, he's done everything from graphic design to media buying to account service and more. As Creative Director, Damion's responsible for coming up with the brilliant ideas that make our clients shine. His work has been recognized with ADDY, Silver Microphone, Telly, Image, Mature Media and Vision awards.

5 things about Damion:

• My first advertising experience was as Sales Manager for my high school newsmagazine. I much prefer the creative side of the business.
• I'm a simple man. Just give me a couch, a remote, a game on the tube and a frosty beverage... or two.
• I'm a wealth of pop culture trivia. Movie lines, TV characters, song lyrics, you name it, it's probably rattling around in some recess of my mind.
• I was born in the frozen north, moved to the sunny south, was dragged to the desert west, returned to a balmy beach and landed in the Gators' Swamp.
• I'm really good at math, particularly for a creative. Watch this... 434 divided by 35 is... 12.4. I did that in my head, really. Guess you'll have to take my word for it.

Katrina Ciccarelli, Account Executive/Media Buyer

Katrina joined Group 5 as an Assistant Account Executive in 2007 after graduating from Flagler College with a BA in public relations and a minor in advertising. She is currently Media Buyer/Account Manager responsible for implementing marketing plans, budget management and local and statewide media planning, placement and tracking.

5 things about Katrina:

• Helpless animals seem to find their way to me and I end up loving them all.
• I’m a "mirror" twin. 10 points if you know what that means.
• Life without music would be SO boring.
• I just bought my first house – a remodeled 1930’s home on Lake Newnan – and I love it!
• I love to bake and bring goodies to work, but some Groupers don’t appreciate 10,000 calorie desserts.

Selena Carter, Art Director

Selena joined Group 5 in 2006 as a graphic designer. She uses her combined passions for graphic design, painting and illustration on a daily basis at Group 5. She helps students find their passion as an adjunct professor of advertising design at her alma mater, Santa Fe College, for more than five years. She has received numerous ADDY awards at both the local and district level as well as Charlie Awards for magazine advertising excellence.

5 things about Selena:

• Oil paint, chocolate and cartoons = happiness
• I will enjoy looking out the window only after I find the best composition to view.
• I dye my hair red because no matter how much I try to convince it to, it refuses to grow in that way.
• I find myself analyzing the design of everything and often wonder how much money I've spent on buying things because I like the design.
• I love to sing... the standing ovations aren't bad either ;)

Dru Martin, Web Wizard

Dru has been in the design field since 1999. His talents have been displayed in numerous local, regional and national publications. At Group 5, Dru is responsible for wrangling the content that shows up in your web browser.

5 things about Dru:

• Siblings I have one, and that man's father, is my father's son.
• I enjoy long walks down the hallway for more coffee.
• I never touch soda, I just don't like it. Well, ok, there ARE exceptions. What about that pineapple soda stuff? That's undeniably delicious. Oh, and Stewarts Orange soda is good too. And you know, Cola isn't that bad from time to time...
• Fairly quiet, fairly fun, fairly fair.
• I believe that one day heavy metal will unite the world.