“Persistent Project Manager Dedicated to the Details”

Alexis Schuchert is a senior integrated communications specialist who works with a variety of Franco’s consumer, nonprofit and professional service clients. Her specialties include project management, content development, media relations, social media and event planning. Alexis’ driven and dependable nature and detail-oriented mindset paired with her affinity for organization makes her a go-to member of the Franco team.

Prior to joining Franco, Alexis harnessed her skills in communications, marketing and social media at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, the National Academy of TV Arts and Sciences – Michigan Chapter and Butter Knife (a public relations agency based in Cape Town, South Africa). She also held several executive board positions with Central Michigan University’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

Prior to discovering her passion for integrated communications, she participated in several choirs, musicals and a cappella groups over the years. In Alexis’ free time, you can find her basking in the sun, enjoying Michigan’s lakes, snowboarding, watching reality TV or loving on animals.

She earned a Bachelor of Applied Arts in integrative public relations from Central Michigan University – Fire Up, Chips! Alexis resides in Saint Clair Shores, MI with her boyfriend and cat.

“The Digital Strategy Guide”

As a senior paid media specialist, Ryan Solecki supports the agency and Franco’s clients in creating targeted and integrated digital marketing strategies and programs. From managing and optimizing digital advertising campaigns to developing creative and engaging copy, Ryan’s digital programs support a variety of integrated B2B, B2C and nonprofit communications strategies. His expertise in digital analysis and reporting help put metrics in context and show the true value of digital communications.

Before joining Franco, Ryan began his career in the automotive industry as a social media specialist with FCA (now Stellantis) before holding positions in social media, website management and digital marketing in the retail and healthcare industries.

An avid golfer and comedy fan, Ryan finds inspiration in self-improvement, both personally and professionally. When he’s not working, you can find him on the golf course or relaxing at home with his dog, Charlie, a cup of tea and his favorite podcasts.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and history from Central Michigan University, as well as several digital marketing and advertising certifications through Google and HubSpot.

“Chronic Interviewer & Lifelong Learner”

In her role as a senior integrated communications specialist, Grace Turner supports a variety of Franco’s automotive and B2B accounts with an emphasis on media relations and content writing.

Grace leverages her previous editorial experience to serve as an in-house media relations expert and content writing aficionado. Prior to joining Franco in 2021, Grace served as the associate editor for DBusiness for three years. She was previously the education reporter for the Times Herald.

Her life motto speaks to her unwavering work ethic: “Every big, significant change you want to make in your life is just a series of tiny steps.” When not working from the comfort of her chaise longue, Grace makes time to travel with her husband, play with her rabbit, tend to one of her 40(ish) house plants or sew her own formal gowns.

Grace holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees from Oakland University, where she majored in journalism, as well as French language and literature. Upon graduation, she was awarded the Oakland University College of Arts and Sciences Meritorious Achievement Award.

“Digital Content Chameleon”

Kaitlin (Kaiti) Horn is a senior integrated communications specialist – digital, responsible for supporting social media strategy and content development, email marketing and more. She works on a variety of B2B and B2C accounts, as well as the agency’s marketing, ensuring digital strategies generate quality engagements and conversions. She combines her traditional communications skills, like writing and project management, with her digital expertise to creatively address client and agency needs in a unique and integrated way.

As a lover of storytelling and all things digital, Kaiti finds joy in becoming an extension of her client teams. Her creative process begins with deeply understanding her clients’ “why” and ends with producing captivating content that moves them toward their communications goals. Her supportive, easy going nature makes her a reliable teammate who can swiftly navigate long-term digital strategies and maintain flexibility when faced with short deadlines and unpredictability.

Prior to her role at Franco, Kaiti worked as a senior content strategist in account-based marketing at White Glove. While in that role, she helped financial advisors, estate planning attorneys and related professionals grow their practices through content marketing, digital strategies and more.

Her personal values are rooted in empathy, and her favorite quote is from Paulo Coelho’s book The Alchemist: “Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure. You’ve got to find the treasure, so that everything you have learned along the way can make sense.”

Although she grew up in the northern part of the lower peninsula (Rogers City, Mich.), she loves living in metro Detroit with her fiancé, PJ.

Kaiti holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts in integrative public relations from Central Michigan University (CMU). While at CMU, she held executive board and leadership roles in the university’s student-run public relations firm, PR Central.

“Executive Wingman”

Brian Esterberg is a Franco consultant and strategic advisor specializing in the areas of automotive/mobility, corporate relations, collaboration, research, network development and technology acceleration. Prior to joining the team in 2020, Brian was a Franco client for over two years, collaborating on integrated marketing communications for the American Iron and Steel Institute where he was senior business strategist and director of automotive marketing and communications.

Brian owns his own consulting firm, BEC Strategies LLC, and is an accomplished automotive relationship and program management professional. He has extensive experience working with automakers and tier suppliers, along with advising a variety of traditional, start-up and technology companies with market trends, insights and analysis.

Brian is most enthusiastic about partnering with executives and clients to help them achieve their strategic goals. Drawing on his experience working with automakers, suppliers, agencies and associations, he brings an outsider’s perspective that’s based on his deep insider knowledge of the automotive/mobility ecosystem.

He is active with the Society of Automotive Analysts, an editorial advisor to Lightweighting World and is the former vice president, corporate relations and director, strategic program development at the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) in Ann Arbor, MI.

Outside of work, Brian enjoys spending time with his wife, Pia, who both enjoy mountain biking, traveling and spending as much time as possible in sunny San Diego. He also enjoys home renovations, landscaping and keeping up with automotive/mobility trends and innovation.

“Multimedia Veteran and Corporate Journalism Pioneer”

As Franco’s Integrated Media Consultant, Ed Garsten leverages his more than four decades of experience in all aspects of communications on media outreach strategies, social media tactics, writing development and video production skills.

Prior to joining Franco in 2018, Ed enjoyed a long career that started in 1973, spinning records at Central New York State and Tucson, Ariz. radio stations before moving to television news in 1979 as a reporter, anchor and newscast producer at Tucson ABC affiliate KGUN. He was hired in 1981 as one of 10 producers to launch CNN2, now known as HLN, quickly moving up the ladder over his 20 years with the company to supervising producer at CNN, southeast bureau correspondent, anchor and Detroit bureau chief and correspondent.

Following the closure of the CNN Detroit bureau in 2001, Ed joined the Associated Press as national automotive writer. He was recruited a year later by The Detroit News as General Motors beat writer, then tapped by DaimlerChrysler, now Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, to launch its first blog and ultimately establish its digital communications team that pioneered the concept of “corporate journalism.” Chrysler was one of the first automakers to webcast live its auto show product reveals.

Ed retired from FCA in July 2016. He’s now semi-retired, and in addition to his work with Franco, is a senior contributor covering autos for Forbes.com.

He cut his teeth in broadcasting as a radio and television major at the State University of New York at Oswego where he was program director at campus station WOCR, working with other budding broadcasters, including Al Roker. Ed decided to get serious about pursuing a career in news by earning his master’s in journalism at the University of Arizona.

Ed’s all about pushing forward, never relying on the same old ways of doing things and looking for innovative and effective methods and tactics. For him, the word “can’t” doesn’t exist. His passions are playing ice hockey, skiing, kayaking, playing the guitar and drums, and of course, his wife, son and daughter.

“Tenacious Trailblazer”

Emily Hebert is an integrated communications supervisor at Franco, specializing in project management, strategic planning, event planning and media relations. She is a diligent project manager, reliably executing high-quality work for her clients in the municipality, education, nonprofit, B2B and association sectors. While her work often changes from one day to the next, one common thread ties everything together: her passion for sharing the stories of organizations making their mark on the world.

Emily believes one of the most rewarding parts of her role is contributing to the growth and development of the agency itself. Throughout her time at Franco, Emily has played critical roles on Franco’s new business and marketing teams. She’s contributed to new strategies and tools to advance the agency’s business development and marketing initiatives and highlighted Franco as an innovator in integrated communications.

A steadfast advocate of Franco’s “Opportunity” core value, Emily has wasted no time honing her skills and actively seeking out new challenges throughout her time at Franco. She joined the Franco team as an intern in early 2020. The tenacious and positive energy she brings to every team and project helped her quickly progress from an intern to a senior-level role.

As a life-long Detroit lover, Emily graduated from Wayne State University with a Bachelor of Arts in public relations. She’s now continuing her Detroit journey, residing in Midtown with her dog, Mocha.

“Wordsmith. Doer. Advocate.”

Tracy Wolf has a passion for storytelling, which she uses to make an impact for her clients and the people they serve. As an integrated communications manager, Tracy develops and executes integrated communications strategies for Franco’s nonprofit and consumer clients.

Her motivation to get out of bed in the morning is simple: she wants a challenge. Clients rely on Tracy’s counsel, particularly when storytelling and fundraising. She brings program management, media relations, social media and content development expertise to her clients’ programs.

Since joining Franco in 2018, Tracy has helped the agency earn recognition for award-winning work, including the IABC Heritage Region Silver Quill Awards, PRSA Diamond Awards and a very special PR Daily Agency of the Year Award.

Tracy believes in Franco’s core value of Courageous Truth and carries that torch with her wherever she goes. She believes integrity is crucial, and while it’s not always easy to speak up, when we do, we show our true selves – both in our professional and personal lives.

Tracy serves as a board member for the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Detroit chapter. A proud alumna of Wayne State University, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in public relations with a minor in new media.

She resides in Livonia with her husband and two cats, Frankie and Milo.

“Digital Marketing Maven”

As an integrated communications manager – digital, Lexi Trimpe develops and manages data-driven, digital programming that “moves the needle” for her clients in tangible ways. Lexi works with a variety of Franco’s B2B, automotive and e-commerce clients, with vast experience spanning from social media strategy and email marketing to content creation for engineering and automotive retail audiences.

Before joining Franco in 2018, Lexi worked as web editor for Hour Detroit, with bylines appearing in DBusiness, Model D Media, Eater Detroit, Thrillist, Roads & Kingdoms and more.

A writer at heart, Lexi is always searching for the best way to tell a story — even in 280 characters or less. As a self-professed “professional nerd,” Lexi playfully attributes her lifelong love of the Internet to her parents buying her a Gateway computer in elementary school. With an early knack for HTML and a forever passion for hearing and telling stories, her digital marketing career is more than two decades in the making.

Outside of Franco, Lexi skates on multiple teams for Detroit Roller Derby and supports the 501c3 nonprofit as a sponsorship committee co-chair. She’s also part of the Direct Marketing Association of Detroit board. When not behind her laptop or on roller skates, you can find Lexi in her garden or crafting her own teas alongside her husband, Rob, and their four-legged kids, Rocko and Gooby.

Lexi holds a Bachelor of the Arts in journalism from Wayne State University.

“Chaos Coordinator With an Eye for Detail and Design”

Erica Swoish is an integrated communications manager specializing in strategic planning, program management, content development and event planning. After joining Franco in 2013, Erica advanced from an assistant account executive to her current leadership role. In addition to overseeing various accounts in the nonprofit, education, professional service and B2B sectors, Erica plays a critical role in Franco’s new business development and operations.

While not “officially” part of her job description, Erica uses her keen eye for graphics and precision to ensure every piece of content developed by her teams is expertly designed. She is known for taking new challenges head-on and using her creativity and persistence to introduce and explore new communication practices.

Prior to joining Franco, Erica honed her expertise in communications, marketing and public affairs through internships with Ally Financial, Dow Chemical and Tanner Friedman, merging her passion for art and technology. She also held an executive board position with Michigan State’s Public Relations Student Society of America and its student-run public relations agency, Hubbell Connections.

Committed to shaping the next generation of communicators, Erica previously served as the student relations and program chair for the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Detroit Chapter. She frequently speaks with university student organizations and has mentored students through Michigan State’s PRSSA.

Erica resides in Pittsfield with her husband Tyler, daughter Eliana and dog Mason. Weekday mornings you’ll find her with a cup of coffee in hand, a notebook and pen at the ready and listening to her favorite tunes to get energized for the day. When asked what she’s most thankful for, she’ll quickly tell you it’s the unwavering support from her team, who have become her closest friends.

Erica earned a Bachelor of Arts in communication with a specialization in public relations from Michigan State University.