We are an agency of people who believe in what we do. This is not just another job for us. We know that marketing and advertising play an important role in the success of any organization. We know that if we do our job well, it can make a tangible difference for our clients. That sounds like very serious stuff. And it is. But we also believe that the best work comes from people who have fun doing their work, who enjoy their co-workers, and who look forward to collaborating with clients. It takes a special group of individuals to create advertising that works. And lucky for us, we have that group.
Meet the Executive Team who leads the Freestyle Marketing crew.
Erni Hernandez Armstrong
PRINCIPAL/FOUNDER
From writing copy to serving as Chief Financial Officer, Erni has navigated the diverse landscape of the advertising industry. After more than 17 years in the business, she finally struck out on her own, fulfilling a lifelong dream of successfully running her own business. She built her perfect vision when Freestyle Marketing Group opened its doors in 2000. Today, in her role as President and CEO, she manages the executive team and leads the agency’s Account Planning efforts.
Her agency experience began with Williams & Rockwood, a full-service advertising agency. After serving as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for several years, she discovered the magic of the Internet. She was so convinced of the brand-building potential of this new medium that, in 1996, she persuaded the agency principals to let her head the Interactive Division, while continuing to serve as CFO. The new division soon began providing services for some of the agency’s largest clients.
Her background also includes several years in senior marketing positions with high tech companies, including stints as Vice President of Marketing for Axiom Technologies and Director of National Sales and Marketing for Park City Group.
Erni holds a Business degree from Utah State University. She served on the Board of Trustees of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah. She is also the past Chairman of the Board of Prevent Child Abuse Utah and the current Chairman of the Board of Philippines Humanitarian. In 2013 she was recognized by the Asian Chamber of Commerce as an Outstanding Business Owner and in 2015 was honored by Utah Business Magazine as one of 30 Women to Watch.
Jason Harrison
PRINCIPAL/CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Jason is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in information design and a proven track record of spearheading award-winning advertising campaigns. With a history of working as a design and creative lead for successful agencies such as Williams and Rockwood, Dahlin Smith White, and Euro RCSG, Jason brings a depth of insight and expertise to every project he undertakes.
As the visionary architect behind Freestyle’s portfolio of notable work, Jason offers strategic leadership and high-level conceptualization to our creative team. His grasp of business dynamics, marketing trends, and branding principles serves as the foundation for shaping our overarching creative strategies that empower our clients’ marketing efforts with impactful messaging that consistently delivers.
Jason’s expertise lies in his experience collaborating with a diverse group of clients, including industry leaders such as Intel, Red Lobster, Zions Bank, Knight-Swift Transportation, and University of Utah Health, among others. This versatile background has honed his ability to strike the delicate balance between fostering innovation and meeting client objectives seamlessly.
Jason holds a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design from Brigham Young University. He was born and raised in Colorado, but Utah has been home for the majority of his adult life.
Shawna Gunther
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
Shawna is a professional with more than 14 years of experience in the advertising industry. She heads up Client Services at Freestyle Marketing and has been instrumental in helping our agency grow with her unparalleled skills at nurturing relationships with our clients.
As the liaison between the Account Team, Creative Team and clients, Shawna leads with poise and optimism. She motivates our Account Team to develop and implement marketing strategies designed to achieve each client’s specific goals. With our Creative Team, she uses her knowledge of customer behavior to help shape campaigns that resonate with target audiences and yield positive outcomes.
Prior to her current role, Shawna has held leadership positions within the agency, perfecting her skills in client management and account planning.
A native Californian, Shawna came to Utah to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications, specializing in Public Relations, from the University of Utah. She has made Utah home since 2006.
Outside of work, Shawna shares a passion for sports with her husband, a former captain of the University of Utah football team, and their two active children, who are equally engaged in various athletic pursuits.