For Carol, XK3 is the culmination of over a quarter-century’s 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, Lady.

“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

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

How much does Darrel bring to our XK3 team? In addition to over two decades of sales and marketing expertise, extensive military credentials and time spent providing security for local and foreign dignitaries, 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

XK3 places a great emphasis on combining creative juices with business acumen and that’s exactly what Crystal brings to the table. She has nearly a decade of B2B marketing experience in the corporate arena across several industries, with a track record of leadership and results at every stop. Most recently, Crystal has led marketing campaigns and PR efforts for several of the country’s leading healthcare IT companies. She holds a BS in Communications and Political Science and an MBA with a concentration in Management.

With XK3, Crystal oversees our social media and PR efforts, while also providing consultative guidance for our clients. When she isn’t focusing on marketing she loves spending time with her two children, getting out on the water and taking in a local baseball game.

“Always do more than is required of you.”

- George Patton

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 two young children Coby and Chloe. 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

Although she’s officially XK3′s Director of Operations and Information Technology, Jackie’s contributions to our team are too numerous to fully list: she researches, repairs and maintains our ever-growing technology, and implemented XK3′s first Disaster Recovery plan. She also implemented XK3′s Project Management system which includes, project coordination, work orders, estimating, and invoicing; her attention to detail keeps all deadlines met – which as we all know is an important factor in our line of business. 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 running smoothly, Jackie and her husband Mike enjoy listening to music, playing sports and spending time with their two children Jakob and Jessika. 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

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 loves spending his time with his wife, Amber. He is a devoted follower of the Tennessee Titans and Vanderbilt Commodores, 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

Jennifer brings a variety of skills and experience to our team that help keep our ship running smoothly. A double major in graphic design and advertising, Jennifer started out as an Account Executive at a large agency in Atlanta. Upon relocating to middle Tennessee, she transitioned into working as a marketing consultant and graphic designer. Today she brings these talents to bear while helping our staff bring clients’ vision to life.

When she’s not helping manage projects for XK3, Jennifer loves spending time with her husband and their puppies. She’s also a force to be reckoned with on the Wii Bowling circuit. Whether it’s work, traveling, spirituality or playing the drums, Jennifer goes after life with a passion that few can match.

“Don’t take life too seriously. You’ll never get out alive.”

- Bugs Bunny

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