Kelly Adams knows how to get things done. And since her roots are in production, she knows the most economical way to get those things done. Kelly started OIC in July of 2000, after 15 years in the design and printing business. Soon thereafter, Kelly, Charlie Connell, and their teams joined forces to become PUNCH. Since then, Kelly’s energy has been more motivating than French Roast in our company. Along with overseeing the account management department, Kelly also has been the President of the Salisbury Mother's Club and Captain of her Tennis Team. When she’s not busy planning the global domination of our clients, she can be found playing Barbies and watching Sesame Street in the suburbs.
A co-founder of OIC | Briarpatch and a managing partner of PUNCH, Charlie contributes over 15 years of experience as a design professional. He served on the initial council and the communications committee for ART 180, is a member and volunteer for the Richmond Sports Backers, a member of AIGA, and a graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. On Sundays Charlie can be found limping on the pitch where his wife Renée, two children Sophia and Seamus, and dog Rasputin support him in his attempt to master the beautiful game.
Matt was always the artist and still brags about being featured in the newspaper when he was 5. Not one to rest on his kindergarten laurels, Matt went on to get two degrees-one in Communication Arts & Design and one in art education. After working in New York, San Francisco, Norfolk and Arlington he’s decided to settle down with his wife and daughter in Richmond. When he’s not providing jaw dropping illustration and cool graphics for our clients at PUNCH, you may find him doting on his daughter or playing old records on his vintage turntable.
PUNCH’s publication and production specialist, Ken was a staff designer for Globe Communications (the parent company for The Globe, The Sun and The National Examiner papers). In 1986, Ken moved his family to Richmond from Florida to manage the production of The Richmond Business Journal. For 14 years, Ken excelled in the print and design industry prior to joining the PUNCH team. Ken is a computer fanatic who spends his free time woodworking and cooking.
With a resume of ad firms in New Jersey, California, and Virginia–and experience from copywriting and editing to account and project management–it would seem that Devon simply cannot make up her mind. Not true! Since graduating from Rutgers University, Devon has used her ability to work on both creative and account sides to truly understand what it takes to get great results. And in true form, her role at PUNCH entails a little bit of everything. As newcomers to Richmond, Devon and her husband spend their free time working on their new home, touring the city... and adoring their perfect puppy.
After growing up in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, Heidi is ready to settle down. She graduated from Rutgers University before working in the photography industry in New York City. Heidi functions as the official PUNCH "grown-up" and production assistant. She divides her time between yoga class, cuddling her 110-pound cat, and shaking her money-maker on the dance floor.
As one of the official office "youngsters," Sarah graduated with honors from Virginia Commonwealth University's Communication Arts & Design program in 2004. She came on-board at PUNCH to make jokes (often aimed at herself, to be fair) and to do a little creative designing while she's at it. Happy to no longer be the newest addition to PUNCH, Sarah hopes to do some good-natured hazing to other newcomers. She enjoys going to the dogpark, the bookstore, or the shooting range, as well as riding around in her MINI Cooper with her husband and dog.
Julie is a veteran of the Richmond ad scene with over 20 years under her belt. When she's not wearing her Broadcast Producer hat, she's the go-to person for billing and HR tasks here at PUNCH. So be nice to Julie ... she writes the checks. During off hours you'll either find her in the garden or at the beach with her husband, Boo and her cocker spaniel, Biscuit.
Growing up near Washington D.C., Cassandra has always had a love of cities. When she moved to Richmond in 2001, it didn't take long for her to fall in love with Virginia's capital. Fresh out of Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Arts, Cassandra is now getting her feet wet in graphic design. She helps out and assists everyone at PUNCH with enthusiasm. She loves relaxing at her apartment with her cats and dog, her own personal "Animal Kingdom," and is on a mission to try out every restaurant in town.
Sarah has a passion for developing strong brands. Her background includes many years in client management and brand development in advertising agencies and in corporate marketing. She also has unique experience in publishing print production, publication print management, and in advertising and strategy development for the senior housing industry. Sarah received both a BA in English and an MBA from the University of Richmond. In her spare time Sarah runs, plays golf, and loves her husband, two young boys, and three labs.
After receiving a degree in graphic design from Virginia Commonwealth University, Rich promptly moved to Sun Valley, Idaho to study the effects of outdoor recreation on a graphic designer. Returning home to Richmond with a decade and a half of magazine and newspaper design and production experience, Rich is enjoying rediscovering Richmond and civilization in general. He informs his design sensibilities with far too many hobbies: if it is strange, ancient, theoretical, outdoorsy, or a Jeep, he is probably interested in it. Rich can usually be found learning something new, playing outside, or brushing his Siberian Husky.
With an Economics degree from UVA and a Communication Design degree from VCU, Erin pretends she can use both sides of her brain at the same time. So don’t be surprised if she suggests a new spreadsheet to go with your new logo. She has spent the last 7 years working in local advertising agencies in both account service and art direction. Outside of work she is a Board Member of the Richmond Ad Club, softball enthusiast, dancing machine, world traveler, and huge fan of squirrels (yes, squirrels).
Maureen Blackwood is a natural for public relations. Her BA in English and background as mighty mom, middle school teacher, and fundraiser make her uniquely qualified to communicate with anyone about anything. She plans great events and helps our clients shape their message and otherwise publicize their good news. When she’s not at PUNCH she’ll likely be found honing her tennis game on courts around Richmond.
A graphic design graduate of James Madison University, Stephanie recently moved back to her hometown after spending four years in Chicago. There, she spent her days designing stationery, gift wrap, rubber stamps and more. Stephanie has a knack for pattern making and may try to incorporate any number of them into your next project. When not sitting in front of her mac, Stephanie can be found playing frisbee or tennis with her husband, searching for antique furniture, or planning her next trip to the beach.
Amy Hentman, PUNCH’s Production Manager, is not new to the industry. As a manager and VP in traffic and production at other local agencies, Amy collected enough knowledge to qualify her as an expert. Amy has a degree in journalism and advertising from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, but was happy to quickly move “south” to seek the sun in Virginia. Now, between raising three children, following NASCAR and yoga (never simultaneously), and intermittent “wedding singer” gigs, she is very content — with or without the sun.