If you imagine Barefoot Creative to be a wheel the hub would be creativity. While we understand the importance of process and strive to adapt our process to the specific needs of the client, creativity always resonates. Each team member provides their own unique creative model to help solve the client's problems.

We would be naive to think that Barefoot Creative could exist without conflict, but we believe that the normal tensions of creative minds working together provides energy that produces excellence. We work hard to build a relationship with our clients, giving our strategic input with honesty. Our focus is on the unique needs of each client, adapting proven principles with creative flare.

Brian Rossmajer
Position: Interactive Technology Development

I was born in Toronto and moved to KW for high school and University. My degree is in Computer Science with Electrical Engineering Electives. I have focused on the computer science side. Computers are driven by data and I have a knack of looking at data in unique ways, and converting it to uniquely useful formats making work easier!

Dan Goossen
Position: Interactive Technology Development

After graduating from Cataline Elementary in William's Lake BC with a masters in Lego construction, I dropped out of the limelight for several years while pursuing further education at various institutions.

Today I work in web development for Barefoot using the techniques I learnt all those years ago. Envisioning the entire structure, then building it up, block by block.

Gord Maier
Position: General Manager

Inspired by the timeless classic, WKRP in Cincinnati, my communications career started in the world of broadcast radio and television. I moved into the realm of corporate communications (in search of slightly better hours), and began to merge my passion for storytelling and electronic media with a bottom line perspective and a need for ROI. I spent almost a decade building an internal agency at a world class B2B organization where excellence and professionalism were drilled into my soul, but commuting and business travel were keeping me from my first priority, a beautiful wife and a hat-trick of little ones at home. Jumped to agency world, and have spent the last half decade finding better ways to deliver great communications. Found my home at Barefoot, where all my tools are put to use, and best of all, we (our clients and us) are making a positive impact in this world.

Kevin Hawley
Position: Art Director, Partner

Sometimes I think that being a grown up is not all that I imagined – but I still love playing with Plasticine.

I grew up in Burlington, Ontario and spent my summers on the Bay of Fundy in a small fishing village (I consider this my second home). I live in a sprawling house with one cat who has an unpredictable disposition and I have 2, no 3, oops... 4 kids. I am partial to my wonderful wife who time and time again proves she's the sensible one.

In my basement filled with books, an odd mixture of furniture from my bachelor days and mountains of toys, I dream up projects and work on my photography.

At Barefoot I lead an exceptionally talented and multi-disciplined team.

After more than 15 years in design and marketing, I still get excited about finding strategic and creative solutions. I believe people are tired of strategy in a vacuum. Design is much more than decoration – it is invention, planning, psychology, usability and problem solving. Design leads a critical role in generating the solution.

Professionally I have received several design and photography awards for my work. And not to be forgotten... the bronze badge in public school for the 100 yard dash.

Larry Neufeld
Position: Director of Client Relations

I love wide open spaces and watching things grow. I suspect this comes from growing up in the orchards and vineyards of the Niagara Region. I spent countless hours pruning, cultivating and harvesting – always keeping an eye on the Lake Ontario horizon to see what weather might be coming my way. It made sense to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture and International Development, then an Education degree. I thought some development project work overseas was where I was heading.

It took me awhile to figure out that it wasn't growing 'plants' that intrigues my imagination but growing businesses – and hence my transition into the world of marketing. Marketing to me is about growing relationships with our clients that ultimately yield rewards for both parties. And today I still like to keep an eye on the horizon – there is a thrill in being able to anticipate how we might help our clients grow their business/organization. And oddly enough with all this talk of growing I am definitely not a "green thumb" – I would rather be paddling across an open lake enjoying the wide open space.

Phil Mondor
Position: Graphic Designer

Born with a pencil in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, I scribbled on scraps of paper, school desks and sketch pads for 17 years before venturing to Toronto after high school to sharpen my skills in Graphic Design. I graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design and began my career bringing creative design to a wide range of projects both large and small. Packaging, editorial, identities, corporate communications – my work has been awarded and showcased nationally and internationally through the RGD, AR 100 and the Advertising & Design Club of Canada. For 10 years I've been helping people tell their stories through pictures and words – I know that together they tell a powerful story. I'm happy to have joined the Barefoot team – a place where I can continue to wield a pencil, paintbrush and of course, a mouse on a mouse pad.

Ryan Moffat
Position: Account Manager

From a very young age, I've had an interest in advertising and marketing. My parents tell me that the first full sentence out of my mouth was from a TV commercial for the dairy farmers of Ontario "Thank you very much... Milk!". The rest is history. I went on to attend the 3 year Advertising and Communications Media program at Mohawk College which led me into a career of Account management in the advertising industry. Working with clients such as: General Motors, JCPenney, OfficeMax, Mazda Canada, Hbc, and Home Depot has proven invaluable when learning the ins and the outs of this business. Over these last 7 years I've made my way from Toronto to Kitchener and have landed at Barefoot Creative. I love what I do and I'm passionate about the success of my clients. I'm looking forward to working with you!

Ryan Swartz
Position: IT Guy

Born and raised in New Hamburg, I was just a small town boy who knew each and every one of his neighbours. I also knew a thing or two about animals – my family had just about every kind of pet you can imagine while I was growing up (and sometimes more than one of each!). For the longest time I was sure I wanted to be a veterinarian – so sure in fact, that, well... I became a computer programmer!

Technology was always the only thing that ever rivaled my love of animals. I eventually decided to enroll at Conestoga College. 3 years later I graduated as a fully-fledged computer programmer and systems analyst. Since then, I've found myself driven by my goal to understand how things work in the world of technology and using that knowledge to create innovative solutions for a mostly web-based medium. My work at Barefoot lets me do just that, and I enjoy what I do day-in and day-out.

Gayle Goossen
Position: Creative Director, Partner

From a small Mennonite farm in southern Manitoba to the urbanity of KW I have learned many lessons... First of all, the books I snuck from the University Extension Library when I was eleven and twelve were classics and provided a foundation for the rest of my life. Secondly, University is a weird and wacky world. While doing graduate studies in English Literature, I realized that many of my late night encounters with novelists were the subject of long and tedious journal articles. Finally, communication is really about finding the same language and surprisingly few people are adept at it. In our world of specialists we need interpreters. In many ways, that's the role Barefoot Creative plays.

Check out my blog at http://barefoot-gayle.blogspot.com/ for random postings of mutterings and natterings.

Karen Gruneberg
Position: Production Manager

One of my most important roles in life has been as a mom. I had my children young, and took courses through correspondence at University of Waterloo so that I could work at the same time to help support my family. When I found myself in a project management role with a sporting goods distributor, I discovered just how much I loved the job and what a good fit the role was for me. I love learning new things every day and always having interesting challenges to accomplish. Barefoot and the great people I work with have fulfilled that for me.

Kim Fielding
Position: Account Manager

I attended Wilfrid Laurier University where I graduated with a BA majoring in both Honours English and General Business. This juxtaposition of creativity and strategic thinking has given me a solid foundation for my role as Account Manager.

After working in a corporate environment, I joined the Barefoot Creative team because of their sincere passion for creative excellence. I believe in what we do and the teams we work with. Because of that, I'll never get tired of creating new ways to empower people - whether client, audience or beneficiary - to do things they never thought possible.

Kristin Kotack
Position: Graphic Designer

I graduated from Conestoga College, with a diploma in Graphic Design and Advertising. Design is my passion and profession. I choose simple methods that lead to show important ideas. Meaning is the driving force behind my work; I look for challenges to show my creative abilities in unique formats not only in design but on the canvas and in the kitchen.

Allowing the time to be healthy is my true essence. I run as an outlet – participating in community runs inspires and drives me to succeed in all facets of my life.

"Everything that is really great and inspiring is created by the individual who can labour in freedom" – Albert Einstein

Leanne Nullmeyer
Position: Account Manager

While working in a large corporate environment, I discovered my passion for problem solving, marketing, and working with various clients and partners. I joined the Barefoot Creative team to further align my passions in life with my career choice.

I have a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Wilfrid Laurier University and am currently pursuing my MBA through part time evening classes. What I've learned in the classroom is continuously enriched through real-life experiences.

One lesson I've learned in life is that when we fall off the horse, we have to get right back on and try a slightly different strategy. More than anything, I've learned that it's important to enjoy the ride along the way!

Leslie Moffat
Position: Office Manager

I've always enjoyed math... so much so that I've turned it into a career. I started 5 years ago doing the accounting for a small, but fast-growing company in Toronto. Although I enjoyed the job a lot, my husband and I decided to pull up roots and move back to our hometown. We love it and are so happy to be working in this area again. Be sure to say hi the next time you're put through to reception... that's me on the other end!

Liz Fisher
Position: Production Manager

I went to University of McGill and graduated with a BA in Art History. Also went to Algonquin College for a year for Graphic Design. I then got a job in Toronto working in production and have been in the business ever since. I always enjoyed a career in the world of printing and advertising because you always meet so many interesting people; it's fast paced and there is never a dull moment! And when you work on something that is so great and you're proud to see it out there, where everyone else can enjoy or reflect upon it... it's a pretty cool feeling.

Lori Bowes
Position: Production Manager

It's always been about design for me. From Barbie interiors fashioned out of spools, scraps of paper and a shoebox to silk-screening posters for the next high school production. I chose graphic design for its unique combination of creativity and problem solving.

After graduating from graphic design at Sheridan College during the early '80s, I've been able to thrive in the most exciting field I could have imagined all the while enjoying life in Toronto.

Four years ago, I fulfilled another life-long dream and had twins. We packed up and moved back here to Kitchener – where I grew up – to start the next chapter.

I came to Barefoot after spending a couple of years taking care of two of the most demanding clients ever (and very rude, with the constant demands, crying and throwing of food!). Barefoot has provided me with a warm working environment, unique new challenges and the opportunity to help impact the global community.

Molly Hill
Position: Production Manager

I went to York University for a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree - concentrating in Communication Design and dabbling in printmaking, drawing & painting along the way. I gravitated to design and production because of the `problem solving' aspect associated with them. I am a problem solver by nature so it only makes sense that I would make a career out of it.

The day to day `problems' that my work days bring are probably someone's worst catastrophes but I enjoy swooping in like Super Grover and making everything right. There's nothing like pulling off something that someone said was impossible.

Robin Beaudry
Position: Graphic Designer

I have always been interested in creating things, even as a child, so when it came to choosing a career I decided to choose design. Creating something out of nothing (or very little) is very exciting. Creativity is often regarded as a gift or a talent that cannot be learned, but while studying at Conestoga College for Graphic Design and Advertising I have discovered more than I could ever have imagined.

I take pride in delivering creative solutions that have a strong visual impact and effectively answer the need of a project. I believe in being passionate about your work and having fun along the way. Other interests of mine include Interior Design, Architecture and participation in sports.

Sara Karges
Position: Interactive Specialist / Senior Graphic Designer

After graduating from Conestoga College with a diploma in Design and Advertising, I started work as a Designer at Fireworks Creative in Toronto. I later moved to Passport New Media where I was the lead designer working with the Development team on web site strategy and design.

I've been part of the Barefoot Creative team for the past 5 years and continue to specialize in multi-media graphic design and strategy. I believe creative marketing should never be limited by the medium. As Dolly Parton once put it, "If you don't like the road you're walking, start paving another one."

Sophie Zivku
Position: Copy Writer

I was pretty young when the beauty of words first caught my attention – from that point on, we were inseparable. We hung out together at bedtime and at recess, in second hand bookstores and libraries. I even mastered the art of reading books in the bath tub and not getting the pages wet!

At university I became intrigued with the relationship between social justice and media expression. After graduating from Wilfrid Laurier with a BA in both Honours Communication Studies and General English, I wanted to find a place where my passions could bloom.

At Barefoot we have the opportunity to create communication pieces that encourage and motivate change. By joining language with media, we are able to magnify the effects of our communication.

As a wise doctor once said: "The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." - Dr. Seuss:

Vicki Awde
Position: Office Manager

I love working at an agency where I get to interact with people who are doing incredible things around the world. Whether I'm arranging meetings or doing research for our creative team, I know at the end of the day I've helped our clients move one step closer towards their goal. What a cool way to spend the time!

Before arriving at Barefoot I earned my business administration degree from Georgian College in Barrie, then set my sights on the financial world. For five years I held a position at the Royal Bank of Canada where I enjoyed learning more about the ins and outs of finance. From those experiences I've been able to bring to Barefoot my love for making things add up and helping people get things done! I also brought our agency the aura of celebrity: I grew up just down the road from Wayne Gretzky's grandmother!