We are in the business of creating brands that capture hearts, shape minds, and move markets–delivering measurable impact across every dimension.
How do we do it?
Our propulsion engine has many working components. But let’s get real. Results are what butters your biscuits. Call us to see what Brand Propulsion produces.
CEO
From running an ice cream parlor to a sailboat company, Ward has always had a knack for business. He received his B.A., cum laude, in psychology from Harvard, where his focus on the psychology of persuasion led him to marketing. In 1984, he founded Pennebaker and developed Strategic Guardrails, a proprietary messaging and positioning process used by companies worldwide. A passionate researcher, charismatic leader, and lifelong music lover, Ward is also a proud grandfather who still gets to do what he loves every day.
President
Matt has been bridging business strategy and marketing impact to drive the family business forward since 2018. A Tulane graduate, Cum Laude, with a BS in Marketing, he also holds an MBA from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. His global strategy, sales, and consulting expertise helps clients implement smarter marketing strategies that solve business challenges and deliver measurable results. Outside of work, you’ll find Matt spending time with family or exploring Houston’s next great food spot.
Creative Director
On a school trip to a Goya exhibit, Jeffrey first experienced the power of imagery—to persuade, evoke emotion, and communicate. That moment sparked his path to a BFA from West Texas University and a design career in Houston. He partnered with Ward in 1984, and they’ve collaborated ever since. Jeffrey draws inspiration from museums and any material that sparks his creativity. His work has received national and international recognition and has appeared in competitions across New York, Los Angeles, Houston, and Dallas.
Creative Director
David, a believer in all things creative, brings years and years of experience to Pennebaker as a creative director. Growing up with musician parents, he learned the value of passing on your knowledge and working in harmony to make something special. With a track record of leading design teams and producing award-winning communication programs, David’s work has been recognized in top-tier competitions. Outside of design, he loves cycling, exploring national parks with his family, and traveling abroad to discover new places.
Head of Client Success
Greg joined Pennebaker in 2018 as a project manager and utility player. He's skilled in managing projects from budgeting to execution, always offering to help and quickly getting information where it needs to go. Before returning to Texas, Greg honed his skills in California’s post-production industry, thriving in high-pressure environments with tight deadlines. Outside of work, Greg enjoys a good pickleball session, hot yoga, and anything outdoors. He always has great suggestions for new places to explore or things to watch.
Director of Web
Chadsten’s journey to Pennebaker began with a mix of Texas heat, air conditioning, and computers. At 19, he swapped the scorching work of his parents’ landscape construction business for PC repair, sparking a career in web development that eventually led him to head our web team. With a passion for problem-solving, quality, and a bizarre sense of humor, Chadsten is right at home here. Outside of work, he loves to explore Colorado and spend time with his wife and two wonderful dogs.
Designer
Carrie joined Pennebaker as a Production Designer in 2012, and her love for the team keeps her here year after year. A design graduate of the Art Institute with a background in oil and gas and television, she’s known for her team mentality, adaptability, and ability to handle tight deadlines with ease—like a “duck,” letting stress roll off her back. A creative at heart, she loves painting, photography, and home renovations. Outdoorsy and always smiling, Carrie is a bright, friendly pillar of Pennebaker.
Director of Motion
Wolf is a seasoned visual storyteller, designer, and creative force who brings brands to life with unexpected concepts and a commitment to creative excellence. His first paid gig was for drawing a local newspaper comic strip at 13. After growing up in Finland and graduating from the University of the Arts London, he’s honed his craft across agencies and film production. He rules the kitchen and finds his zen meeting passion-driven entrepreneurs, visiting mom-and-pop wineries, and hitting the links or the waves.
Senior Client Success Manager
Shelby found Pennebaker while seeking personal and professional growth, drawn in by the Pennemakers’ openness and creativity. Detail-oriented and always juggling multiple projects, she ensures everything runs smoothly for her clients. Her outgoing, confident nature made her a seamless fit for the team. Shelby is passionate about good music, reading, and spending quality time with her family, friends, and Corgi-Cairn Terrier rescue, Sullivan.
Designer
Alyssa joined Pennebaker in 2019 after earning her BFA from Sam Houston State, where she first met Jeffrey at her senior exhibition. Drawn to Pennebaker’s positivity and openness, she thrives in its collaborative, dynamic environment. As a designer, she crafts logos, illustrates icons, and brings web and social media content to life through animation. Outside of work, she fuels her creativity by illustrating, gaming with friends, and finding the perfect angle (which is every angle) to photograph her dog, Roman.
Web Developer
Spenser is a builder and problem solver who has shared his talent with Pennebaker since 2016. He started coding out of passion, refining his skills through various jobs before an online friend led him to Pennebaker. Here, he thrives with each day presenting new puzzles for him to solve and new solutions for him to build. Outside of work, Spenser is an avid woodworker, gamer, and 3D printing enthusiast, designing everything from company trophies and client models to custom holiday cookie cutters.
Strategy Director
An entrepreneurial, creative, and strategic thinker, Dan challenges clients to be and do better. This means developing powerful growth strategies, big new brand ideas, and bold comms and marketing plans –— all rooted in a deep understanding of a client’s customers and their context. He’s worked at some of the world’s leading brand and research agencies on transformation projects across four continents (and lived on two). When not building brands, Dan can be found with his family or hunting for the perfect bagel. Got any recs? Send them his way!
Motion Designer
Sophia’s keen attention to detail, creativity, and organization quickly set her apart during her Pennebaker internship, earning her a spot originally on the Account Management team before transitioning to Creative. She now spends her days bringing ideas to life through animation, video editing, and creative problem-solving—all while exceeding client expectations. Sophia dreams of traveling the world, capturing its beauty through photos and videos, and indulging in authentic cuisine—especially desserts!
Director of Trial Services
As Director of Trial Services for Pennebaker Legal, Rob manages trial presentation, courtroom, and litigation graphics support. He has assisted in hundreds of trials, arbitrations, and mediations, covering complex civil matters like construction, energy litigation, and contract disputes. With experience at a major law firm, he’s supported high-stakes cases nationwide. Outside work, Rob enjoys time cooking in the kitchen, working in the garden, and taking his dogs on long walks.
Senior Client Success Manager
Claire is drawn to Pennebaker’s creative, strategy-driven approach. Though creative at heart, she's passionate about timelines, task lists, and strategic planning. Claire thrives on understanding clients' unique needs and using her organizational skills to keep projects on track. Always eager for a challenge, she’s quick to lend a hand and find tailored solutions. Outside of work, Claire loves diving into mystery novels, (always) winning at board games, and rewatching The Office for the hundredth time.
Master Designer
Amol, our Master Designer, was shaping brands for Fortune 500 clients in Chicago when a Texas-based design firm caught his eye. A quick flight to Houston turned into a lasting journey—he joined Pennebaker in 2001 and never looked back. For Amol, design is more than creativity; it’s problem-solving with purpose. He draws inspiration from art galleries, books, and travel—whether exploring the world with his wife and kids in Houston or visiting family in Mumbai.
Junior Copywriter
When he’s not out biking, Hayden is always on the lookout for new inspiration. At VCU, he combined his passion for writing and creativity with marketing, discovering that teamwork really does make the dream work. Since joining Pennebaker in 2023, he’s been ready to write, brainstorm, and (occasionally) drop a rap. A Richmond, VA native, Hayden enjoys exploring his city to get outside his comfort zone. He balances copywriting with exercise, gaming, and an encyclopedic knowledge of movies and TV.
Digital Marketing Specialist
T'shai is a digital storyteller at Pennebaker, turning data into insights and insights into impact. A proud UH grad, she carved her path from intern to digital marketing specialist by making numbers tell stories people want to hear. With a background in nonprofits and a passion for data, she stays curious and loves using analytics to tell compelling stories and forge connections. Off the clock, you’ll find her doing a happy dance over a great burger, playing volleyball, or relaxing with a book and jazz.
Designer
Bryant discovered a passion for branding and design while studying as a Studio Art undergraduate at UT Austin. After gaining experience in journalism, manufacturing, and freelance, he joined Pennebaker to refine his technical, creative, and conceptual skills. He always has a notebook and pencil in hand, ready to jot down notes or sketch ideas. Outside work, Bryant enjoys spending quality time with loved ones, staying on top of the latest fashion trends, and catching wild Pokémon.
Client Success Manager
Chelsey brings years of client management experience to the Pennebaker team, excelling in fast-paced environments and tackling new challenges with a passion for problem-solving. A Texas Tech University graduate with a BBA in Marketing, Chelsey loves to travel and unwind on lazy weekends cheering on her Red Raiders (wreck 'em!). Originally from New Mexico, she’s a spice enthusiast, always sneaking Hatch green chile into her meals. When she’s not savoring iced coffee or diving into DIY projects, you’ll find her hooked on true crime stories.
Operations Manager
Shelby plays a key role in shaping Pennebaker’s workplace culture and operational efficiency. She curates engaging events to bring the team together, foster collaboration, and create a positive work environment. She also helps develop, refine, and maintain the fundamental processes that keep the company running smoothly. Outside the office, Shelby is either at the stables with her five horses or curled up at home with her six dogs, who keep her just as busy as any corporate schedule.
Senior Designer
Nate first caught our creative director’s eye while hunting for an internship. After graduating from Texas A&M, he freelanced before swooping in full-time as a designer. A constant learner, he’s always exploring web design, animation, and 3D. Off the clock, Nate wrangles his cats and daughter, relaxes with his wife, and indulges in video games and overly fancy coffee. True to his California roots, he’s laid-back—just don’t mess with his hairspray.
Junior Developer
Chase Burklund is a Junior Developer with a passion for tech and problem-solving. His journey into coding began early, sparking a lifelong love for technology. He thrives in fast-paced environments that fuel his growth and innovation. Outside of work, Chase is an avid gamer and DIY enthusiast, constantly exploring new strategies and mechanical devices. His drive for knowledge and creativity keeps him at the forefront of development, where he finds joy in turning ideas into reality and solving complex challenges.
Junior Designer
In another life, Jessy would have reached for the stars—literally. But her dreams of deep-space exploration crashed-landed, steering her toward a more creative path instead. She started as an intern and now proudly holds the title of Junior Designer. Adaptable, curious, and always leveling up, she collects skills like Mario collects stars. When she’s not glued to her screen at work, she’s glued to her phone—lost in niche internet rabbit holes, foreign TV shows, and the occasional space documentary.
Client Success Manager
Mary joined Pennebaker after earning her MBA from the University of San Diego’s Knauss School of Business. Energized by new ideas and creativity, she loves finding unique approaches and planning for the future—making her a perfect fit for the Client Success team. With a background in large agencies, she thrives in fast-paced, ever-evolving environments. Outside of work, she enjoys the outdoors—when Houston’s weather allows. Otherwise, she’s testing new recipes or, when those fail, discovering new restaurants.