About Design Squad Media
About Us
Who We Are
A small, very experienced and passionate team based in St. Johns, MI.
Our Vision
We’re dedicated to helping businesses grow while maintaining a personal relationship with each client.
Our Mission
To scale your company and grow with you. We’re personally invested in your success and we go above and beyond to help you achieve it.
Founded in 2020 by Joe Simmons, Design Squad Media emerged from a passion for transforming business marketing. Based in St. Johns, Michigan, we serve clients nationwide with a strong focus on the construction industry. Our mission is to simplify sales and marketing for business owners through a comprehensive, all-in-one platform that integrates social media, CRM software, and AI-driven solutions.
Our family-oriented culture values personal connections and exceptional service. We even offer accommodations for out-of-state clients to meet face-to-face.
We’ve achieved significant successes, like growing an e-commerce brand from $1.2 million to $3.5 million in revenue. Looking ahead, we aim to reach $175,000 a month in revenue by continuing to deliver exceptional value and innovative solutions.
At Design Squad Media, we’re not just a marketing agency; we’re a dedicated partner in your business success.
Meet the Squad
With years of experience in every aspect of marketing, you’re hiring a full team for the price of one in-house marketer.
Joe Simmons
CEO & Founder
Troy Brooks
COO
Jamie Smylnycky
Creative Director
Elijah Simmons
Business Account Manager
Lauren Turf
Graphic & Web Designer
Zack Wallace
Michigan Videographer
Chris Kalbaugh
Tennessee Videographer
Joe Simmons
CEO & Founder
As the CEO of Design Squad Media, I lead a talented team focused on helping small businesses grow through strategic marketing, creative media, and cutting-edge digital solutions. What drives me most is seeing businesses transform—watching a brand go from overlooked to unforgettable. Whether it’s through mentorship, innovation, or just showing up and doing the work, I believe in leading by example and building a team culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
My journey has been shaped by mentors who believed in me, team members who grew with me, and the lessons that only come from years in the trenches. I carry those experiences into everything we do at Design Squad Media—because when your clients win, you win. More than anything, I want every business owner who calls us to one day look back and say, “That was the year everything changed. Calling them was the best decision I made for my business.”
My entrepreneurial journey began at a young age. While studying Sales and Marketing at Davenport College, I was fortunate to have a marketing professor, Dennis Rose, who became my first mentor. He encouraged me to launch my first business, and that guidance stuck with me throughout my career. Years later, after opening multiple retail stores, I had the honor of bringing Dennis onto my team as our Director of Sales—a full-circle moment that remains one of my proudest milestones.
Early on, I launched and operated several successful retail stores in the wireless industry. That experience taught me how to grow a business from the ground up, lead teams, and scale operations. Over time, I found my passion shifting toward marketing and media—especially helping other entrepreneurs grow their own companies the way I had built mine.
That drive led to the creation of Design Squad Media, a full-service marketing agency built around one mission: helping small businesses grow and succeed through powerful digital strategies.
Mentorship has always been a big part of my leadership style. Over the years, I’ve tried to give back and help coach young entrepreneurs who crossed paths with my companies. One person who stands out is James Matthews. He was working for another company when I noticed his drive, passion, and innovative thinking. I asked him to join Mock Wireless to help lead our sales and marketing efforts, and he became an essential part of our growth. James eventually launched his own ventures, including SteadyFair, and served as the Chief Revenue Officer for MarketGrid in Grand Rapids. Even after building his own success, he still answers the phone saying, “Hey boss, what’s up?”—and that’s the kind of lasting bond that makes leadership truly meaningful.
Today, as the CEO of Design Squad Media, I lead a talented team focused on helping small businesses grow through strategic marketing, creative media, and cutting-edge digital solutions. What drives me most is seeing businesses transform—watching a brand go from overlooked to unforgettable. Whether it’s through mentorship, innovation, or just showing up and doing the work, I believe in leading by example and building a team culture where everyone feels empowered to contribute.
My journey has been shaped by mentors who believed in me, team members who grew with me, and the lessons that only come from years in the trenches. I carry those experiences into everything we do at Design Squad Media—because when your clients win, you win. More than anything, I want every business owner who calls us to one day look back and say, “That was the year everything changed. Calling them was the best decision I made for my business.”
As for my legacy—I don’t need a trophy on the wall. What matters to me is the ripple effect. If I can help people build something lasting, gain confidence, grow their teams, and create real momentum in their lives and businesses… that’s success. That’s the kind of impact I want to leave behind.
Troy Brooks
Chief Operating Officer
Troy Brooks is the Chief Operating Officer at Design Squad Media, where he plays a key role in leading operations and driving the company’s vision forward. With a well-rounded background in business, Troy has owned and operated both wireless stores and restaurants, giving him hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, team leadership, and customer service.
His career also includes time in the wireless industry as Area Retail Sales Manager for Mobile Nation, overseeing West Tennessee and West Kentucky, and as District Manager for Buzz Wireless in Michigan. In addition, he’s worked in the banking and finance industry, adding another layer of expertise to his operational skill set.
Troy is passionate about company culture, leadership, and building strong teams. His go-getter mindset and deep drive to succeed make him an essential part of Design Squad Media’s growth and day-to-day success.
Jamie Smylnycky
Creative Director
Jamie is the Creative Director at Design Squad Media. With a strong foundation in branding, digital strategy, and creative execution, Jamie has helped businesses grow through high-impact campaigns across social media, web, and paid advertising. Her expertise lies in combining eye-catching design with conversion-focused messaging to drive engagement, leads, and revenue for clients in a wide range of industries.
Throughout her career, Jamie has led marketing initiatives that not only enhance brand visibility but also align with business objectives. From managing full-scale digital launches to optimizing creative workflows through AI and automation, Jamie brings both strategic thinking and hands-on skills to the table. Her passion for helping businesses stand out in competitive markets is evident in every campaign she touches and her work continues to deliver real value for clients looking to scale.
Elijah Simmons
Business Account Manager
Elijah Simmons is an Account Manager at Design Squad Media, where he helps clients stay informed, on track, and confident in their marketing strategies. He began his career in automotive sales at Feldman Chevrolet in Lansing, Michigan, where he developed a strong foundation in customer service, communication, and follow-through.
Elijah is Google Certified in Digital Marketing and E-commerce and continues to pursue additional certifications to expand his knowledge and stay ahead in the ever-changing digital landscape. Clients enjoy his friendly personality and the genuine care he brings to every conversation, making him a reliable and trusted point of contact on the Design Squad Media team.
Lauren Turf
Graphic & Web Designer
Lauren Turf is a designer and developer at Design Squad Media, where she creates engaging, user-centered digital experiences that blend creativity with technical skill. With a background in Computer Science and Graphic Design from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, she brings a strong understanding of both design and development to her work.
Her experience spans UI/UX design, front-end development, and creative product work. From redesigning user workflows to building responsive websites and contributing to AI-powered tools, Lauren enjoys turning complex ideas into intuitive, visually compelling solutions. She approaches every project with curiosity, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset—focused on creating digital experiences and designs that not only look great, but work seamlessly.
Zack Wallace
Michigan Videographer
Zack Wallace is a creative at Design Squad Media who specializes in videography and visual storytelling. With a degree in Television and Digital Media Production from Ferris State University, he brings hands-on experience in both field and live production.
He focuses on capturing and editing compelling video content, with skills in camera operation, lighting, audio, and post-production using Adobe Creative Suite. From producing informational videos to working on live broadcasts, Zack is passionate about creating content that is both engaging and polished. His work has earned recognition, including a video nominated for a Student Broadcast Award. Zack brings a collaborative mindset and a strong eye for detail to every project.
Chris Kalbaugh
Tennessee Videographer
Chris has filmed many high-impact VSL (Video Sales Letter) commercials for businesses across the country, helping them clarify their message, showcase their services, and convert viewers into paying customers. As the lead videographer for Design Squad Media, Chris brings a rare combination of technical skill and marketing insight to every shoot. He knows how to structure a VSL to capture attention in the first few seconds, build trust through strong visuals and testimonials, and drive action with a compelling close. His shoots are not just about looking good—they’re strategically designed to sell.
From roofing companies and auto dealerships to luxury service providers and e-commerce brands, Chris has traveled nationwide to produce professional VSLs that have helped generate millions in new business for our clients. His ability to light, direct, and edit for maximum engagement has made him an essential part of the Design Squad Media team. If you’ve seen one of our client success stories online, chances are Chris was the one behind the camera bringing that story to life.
Testimonials/ Client Reviews
Owner | Mr. Asphalt & Sealcoating
“Joe and his team are very professional. They have elevated our digital marketing to the next level! They know how to make the leads roll in. Amazing how quickly they can get things done. Thanks for your hard work – simply the best we have ever worked with.”
Owner | Allen’s Auto Sales
“Joe and his team have really been helping us out with their marketing and driving traffic for us. They are very professional, timely, and creative – highly recommend!!”
Owner | Delight In Designs
“The results speak for themselves: we’ve seen an increase in inquiries, better project alignments, and glowing feedback from our clients. They not only deliver great work but also communicate clearly and are always a pleasure to work with. If you’re looking for a marketing firm that knows how to position your business for success, Design Squad is the way to go!”
Owner | Quality Solar
“Design Squad Media, I can’t say enough about this team. They listen to my issues, they react to my needs and maintain my budget at the same time. I can’t say enough about them. If you want results you call Design Squad Media!!!!”
Owner | Greenback Wraps
“As an ongoing customer of Design Squad Media, I am continually impressed with their services! Their expertise in lead generation, Facebook ads, text messaging, and email campaigns has consistently boosted my business’s online presence. The team is professional, responsive, and truly understands digital marketing strategies.”
