Our Team:

Carol Bourque

Founder and CEO

For Carol, XK3 is the culmination of 22 years worth of work in the marketing, graphic design and printing industries, so you can be sure that if there is a way to effectively help our clients sculpt and promote their message, she has already done it successfully! Earning a degree from Middle Tennessee State University, Carol works tirelessly to use her unique fusion of experience, knowledge and vision to provide our partners with marketing services that blend beauty and success.

When business hours are over, Carol focuses on nurturing her family and faith. Whether it's her grandchildren, someone from the community, an employee or a client, she loves helping people reach their goals and fulfill their potential. Every chance she gets, Carol can be found cheering on her Tennessee Titans and Vanderbilt Commodores on the gridiron. Still a kid at heart, Carol also enjoys going to Disney World and spending time with her border collie, Katie.

“One ship drives east, and another west
With the self-same winds that blow: ’Tis the set of the sails
And not the gales,
Which decides the way we go.

Like the winds of the sea are the ways of fate,
As they voyage along through life;
’Tis the will of the soul
That decides its goal,
And not the calm or the strife.”
- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Christopher Bourque

Vice President of Operations & Account Management

There are few things as effective in marketing as the combination of an analytical mind and a creative flair, and Christopher brings both of these to the table. After earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Tennessee Technological University and working as an engineer for over 4 years, Christopher found the left side of his brain needed more stimulation that schematics could provide. With his love of writing and a keen sense of great messaging, Christopher quickly found success as a copywriter and helping create new marketing plans with XK3.

When we can get him to quit working after-hours, Christopher enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. He's a voracious reader of history and fiction of a wide variety. Raised a die-hard Vanderbilt football and basketball fan by his grandfather and parents, Christopher also enjoys rooting for the Tennessee Titans.

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”
- Eleanor Roosevelt

Darrel Mullins

Vice President of Marketing & Sales

How much does Darrel bring to our XK3 team? In addition to his 20 years of sales and marketing expertise, extensive military credentials and time spent providing security for Presidents Ford and Carter, Darrel brings a unique perspective and eye for details that has always served our clients well. We think of him as somewhere between Jack Bauer and Hawkeye, but our clients know he's the one to call for whatever they need.

Darrel enjoys spending time with his wife, three children and two grandchildren. He can also be found working out daily, or cruising a highway near you on his beloved Harley motorcycle. Darrel has earned doctorate degrees in Theology and Political Science, the former of which has served him well as a long-time devotee to the Cleveland Indians and Browns. Our own Cleveland native also follows The Ohio State Buckeyes.

“When I stand before God I will not ask for Justice but for mercy.”
- Anon

Amanda Young

Senior Designer

She'd probably deny it if you asked, but Amanda sets the tone for how creative, reliable and dedicated we all strive to be here at XK3. Since she joined XK3 in 1999, Amanda has been a leader in our design and creative direction for clients in too many different industries to name. A BFA graduate from Austin Peay State University, Amanda's skills extend beyond design to encompass the day-to-day direction and implementation of marketing items for our clientele.

Away from the office Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband of 11 years, Pat, and loves to explore new restaurants. She is an avid music lover; you absolutely never know what may be coming from her headphones if you drop by her office or catch her working out at the gym. Amanda is also our resident Harry Potter expert, though she provides this service for free.

“Realize that there is no such thing as failure. You never fail, you simply produce results.”
- Dr. Wayne Dyer

Brad Smith

Senior Designer

A unique artistic flair and diverse experience are what make Brad such an integral part of XK3. In addition to his natural artistic talents, Brad has created design work for clients in the gospel music, healthcare and even custom motorcycle industries. Brad also brings experience with photo shoots, printing, prepress and many more elements that help us help you.

Outside of work, Brad spends as much time as he can with his wife Heather and their 3 year old son Coby. On the rare chance that he's not wearing his designer, father or husband hats, Brad also loves to work on his own paintings and use his green thumb in the yard. A life-long appreciator of the greats, Brad follows the work of Richard Serra, Frank Stella, Robert Raushenberg and architect Frank Gerry.

“Not too much of any one thing. Experience many different things. Go outside your comfort zone.”
- Anon

Benjamin Scott

Content Writer & Assistant Account Manager

As a graduate of Austin Peay State University with an emphasis in Creative Writing, Benjamin is the one we turn to with all our questions regarding the meaning of this odd English language we all speak and write. As a part of his love of all things writing, he generates and refines creative content and direction on many different marketing projects for XK3 clients. A winner of APSU's Rachel Maddux Award for Creative Writing Excellence, his keen insight and quick wit make if fun for us to ask him the questions, sometimes just to see what the answer might be.

When not involved in the latest writing or marketing project, Benjamin spends his time devoted to the Tennessee Titans and his Vanderbilt Commodores both on the court and the gridiron, but rumor has it he truly bleeds for his beloved Houston Astros. A true music affection-ado loves a good live show and as astounding as his music collection is, we dare you quiz him about music you wouldn't think anyone else would know about (honest, we dare you) just don't bet money on him not knowing the answers.

“Every sentence has a truth waiting at the end of it and the writer learns how to know it when he finally gets there.”
- Don Delillo

Jackie Conner

Director of Operations & Information Technology

Although she's officially XK3's Director of Operations, Jackie's contributions to our team are too numerous to fully list: she helps with our technology upkeep, project coordination, estimating, answers phones and generally makes sure all deadlines are kept. Jackie holds degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering from Austin Peay State University and Nashville State Technical Institute respectively.

When she's not helping keep our train on the tracks, Jackie and her husband Mike enjoy listening to music, playing sports and spending time with their 3 children Jakob, Jessika and Cody. To keep up with the young ones, she and Mike work out nearly every day, and they enjoy spending time with friends whenever possible. Jackie and her family also avidly follow University of Kentucky athletics, the Tennessee Titans, Dallas Cowboys and her long-suffering Chicago Cubs.

“Family bonding is the thread that ties society together.”
- Anon

Louise Thompson

Accountant

As an integral part of our team, Louise keeps our books straight and makes sure the financial side of our business is healthy. Her experience at managing the complex accounting tasks of the marketing, design and print industries make Louise an invaluable link in our business.

If you think all accountants are dry, you've obviously never met Mrs. Thompson. She moved with her husband Glen to the Nashville area in 2001 to be closer to the Grand Ole Opry, which she and her husband have been involved with for many years. Calligraphy and scrapbooking are her passions and you will find her teaching both every chance she gets. Louise enjoys spending time with her kids and grandchild as well as being chairman of the Welcome Committee at her church.

“Art is both creation and recreation. Of the two ideas, I think art as recreation or as sheer play of the human spirit is more important.”
- Lin Yutang