Our Team
Meet the core strategy team at NUG
Nicole
Nicole is the founder of Nug Digital Marketing and has been running this global agency for seven years, directing the accounts for hundreds of companies ranging in size from small start-ups to multi-billion dollar companies. Prior to opening Nug, she directed a global marketing firm for 14 years which is still operating.
She founded Nug because she saw a need as the cannabis industry began to gain traction and business owners came to her for assistance. Prior to Nug, she worked professionally as a graphic designer, art director and creative director. Also a self-taught website developer, she is passionate about alternative healthcare and medications, and is leading the agency in shaping effective and powerful campaigns and media choices that increase client awareness, market share and sales. She has an intuitive ability to understand client needs and is a master cannabis industry connector, often between agency clients.
She is currently on the board of the Coachella Valley Cannabis Alliance Network, has served as the President of Portland New Generations Rotary Club and is a frequent speaker on topics such as digital marketing and branding. Nicole graduated with a B.S in Graphic Design and Advertising from San Jose State. Born in Oregon, she now lives in Southern California and enjoys hiking, cooking and spending time with her husband and two standard poodles when not working.
Founder/CEO
Dennis
An ex-Google employee, Dennis has more than 14 years of experience in the field of Digital Marketing with a focus on Search Engine Optimization, Pay Per Click Advertising, and all things digital marketing. After graduating from MIT School of Management in Digital Marketing Analytics and the Institute of Management & Technology with an MBA in IT and Supply Chain Management, he began his career working to assist both local companies and international global brands. Now working on his PhD, Dennis has a passion for data and internet marketing and puts it to work helping Nug clients achieve their business goals. No stranger to high caliber work and efficient timelines, he serves as Director of Digital Operations and looks to take his vast knowledge and experience of all things “digital” to deliver the best strategy to execute customized marketing programs including SEO, geofencing, video, email marketing and display ads.
Head of Digital Strategy and Operations
Lea
Lea Goodsell brings with her more than 20 years of business development, branding, marketing and advertising experience and will serve as the Director of Marketing. She has been an ad agency owner and worked as the in-house Vice President of Business Development for a $40M company, so she understands not just how to bring customers to the door, but what the customer experience should be once they get there. She also adds a great depth of knowledge in traditional media including print, electronic and outdoor. A devoted Burning Man attendee, Lea is also a Past President and Assistant Governor for Rotary, a meticulous proofreader and hat and jewelry designer.
Director of Marketing
James
James has over 15 years of copywriting experience, specifically for SEO. He also has spent 5 years as a digital marketing strategist and content manager. He has experience with over 50 different industries and over 400 clients ranging from automotive to medical. James currently manages content for Spot Color Marketing which includes SEO blogs, link-building content, press releases, postcards, website content, social media organic posts, social media paid posts, newsletters, email marketing campaigns and more.
Content Manager
Joy
Joy is a marketing professional from the Philippines. She has more than 9 years of experience with different industries including travel and tourism, pharmaceuticals, automotive and other B2B and B2C companies. She have an excellent understanding of digital marketing campaigns such as email marketing, social media management and advertising, graphic design, web design as well as a background in video production for commercials and others. Joy also has proven record of success achieved through diligence, hard work and belief in a consistent application of the fundamentals of our clients. Her attention to the work field ensures that every task she works on is done accurately and with highest possible standard.
Aside from being a loving mother of 2 sons, she is also a pet lover. She has 3 cats and 2 large dogs and birds. She and her husband breeds 20+ pairs of cockatiels and conure at home.
Email Marketing and Social Media Specialist
Dzenad
With a decade of hands-on experience as a full-stack developer, Dzenad has been at the forefront of web and software development, building robust and scalable solutions for a myriad of clients. Holding a Master’s degree in Information Technology, Dzenad has combined theoretical knowledge with practical proficiency, ensuring that every project is backed by both cutting-edge techniques and tried-and-true practices.
Outside the world of coding, Dzenad has a zest for life’s adventures, often seen exploring new destinations and soaking in diverse cultures. A fervent football enthusiast, Dzenad enjoys not just watching matches but also diving deep into the intricacies and strategies of the beautiful game. Whether it’s crafting digital experiences or cheering on a favorite football team, Dzenad brings passion and dedication to every endeavor.
Senior Software Developer