TrailBlaze team.
Curators of “hmm.”
We strive for uniqueness in all that we do. Intrigue is the means to capture attention and change minds. Our team regularly (weekly at least) exercises our creative minds and critical thinking skills to ensure we can be at the top of our game for our clients. We are problem-solvers looking for ways to add intrigue, efficiency, and innovation to every engagement. We embody the brand of our clients for seamless representation to audiences and stakeholders–clients include us in staff meetings, board meetings, and even conferences and events. Our flexibility is your advantage. Each of our team members commits to our values and to building more vibrant communities in the places we work.
Trail Masters
Tim Hindes
Chief Trail Officer
tim@trailblazecreative.com | Linkedin
With a career spanning sales, marketing, strategy, nonprofit administration, communications, and entrepreneurship, Tim has a complete perspective on economic development through a marketing and communications lens. Tim has presented regionally and nationally on topics surrounding social media, marketing, and branding, and has worked with some of the country’s top brands throughout his career. As a strategist, he applies qualitative and quantitative data to develop recommendations, action plans, and comprehensive blueprints, focusing on impact and investment….read full bio
Erin Sogal
Vice President of Inspiration
erin@trailblazecreative.com | Linkedin
What sets Erin apart from others is her creative, efficient style blended with a detail-oriented approach that not only provides resourceful results but exceeds expectations. She has a passion for building successful relationships with clients, community leaders/activists and their teams to create the best possible solutions to any challenge or creative need. Serving small agencies, a broadcast television station, and several large companies, Erin draws on experiences from her unique career journey to deliver impact for clients. Erin always roots herself in purpose…read full bio
Jared Roberts
Director of Digital Worlds
jared@trailblazecreative.com | Linkedin
Jared Roberts is Co-Founder and Chief Marketing Officer of Right Brain + Left Brain, a Pittsburgh-based, marketing firm. In that capacity he provides integrated marketing for small businesses, associations, non-profits and professional service firms. With expertise in both traditional and new media, the firm’s services range from social media administration to complete communications packages.
Previously Jared served as Director of Member Programs for the Pittsburgh…read full bio
Trail Guides
Katie Luczak
Operations Manager
Katie has a BA in mathematics from Penn State and spent a number of years serving the community in a children’s ministry capacity. In recent years she has switched gears and has worked in various aspects of operations management.
When not working Katie likes to go on adventures with her family, feed her HGTV obsession, and daydream about travel destinations.
Katie has a love and passion for all things creative…read full bio
Hunter Smith
Data + Design Alchemist
hunter@trailblazecreative.com | Linkedin
Hunter brings his complex background to the team and our clients. From Biology to Studio Arts, to Marketing Science and Analytics, he uses this diversity to see situations in new ways and deliver creative solutions. Hunter brings clients and community leaders to the intersection of data and design – a unique space where they are able to thrive!
Hunter is a two-time graduate of the University of Pittsburgh. With a bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and a master’s degree in Marketing Science…read full bio
Gabrielle Tragon
Wayfinder + Special Projects
gabrielle@trailblazecreative.com | Linkedin
Gabrielle Tragon brings over a decade of expertise in fundraising, marketing, and strategy to her role at TrailBlaze Creative. A graduate of Grove City College with a B.S. in Business Economics, Gabrielle began her career at a marketing agency, where she spent six years crafting and managing multichannel fundraising campaigns for nonprofits, focusing on health and human services. Her work emphasized personalized donor engagement, strategic messaging, and leveraging data to deliver measurable results…read full bio
Grace Heaton
Marketing Intern
Grace Heaton is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at Duquesne University, majoring in Marketing and minoring in French. Her roles at Hyphn, Communitopia, and Entertainment Enterprises Group have equipped her with a knack for revitalizing social media strategies, developing compelling content, and executing impactful marketing campaigns for well-known brands. Grace’s global perspective is enriched by her study abroad experiences in Nantes, Vienna, and Dublin. She is fluent in French and proficient in German, bringing a unique cultural insight to her work…read full bio
Vidita Kanniks
Social Media + Content Specialist
vidita@trailblazecreative.com | Linkedin
Vidita Kanniks is a creative professional with a passion for fostering community. She holds over 10 years of experience as a classical performing artist, educator and arts administrator. Vidita enjoys weaving her love for digital media into arts and non-profit spaces through pushing the boundaries of social media strategy, design and messaging to create authentic connections. She has contributed to the digital growth of numerous organizations including Collegium Cincinnati, Pegasus Early Music, NYS Baroque, Early Music America, Soli Music Society, American Composers Orchestra and Asianati…read full bio
Trail Navigator
Connor Grieb
Navigator: Web Development + SEO
Connor Grieb launched SEO Vineyard in 2016 while attending Grove City College. After graduation, Connor was provided numerous opportunities for business growth as well as an entrepreneurial support system. Less than five years later, he works with over 100 businesses in Pittsburgh and throughout the United States. Connor’s goal is to increase his client’s presence by providing the most relevant content for customers as well as search engine bots….read full bio
Jeffery Karbowski
Navigator: Web Architecture + Development
Jeffery Karbowski has been developing websites for over 20 years. He specializes in anything and everything web related, there is no task large or small that he can’t tackle. Just as he is well rounded in web development, the career path that has led him to web development is not any different. From owning and baking in a French pastry shop to a lighting director for ESPN, there is virtually nothing that he hasn’t done…read full bio
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TrailBlaze believes actions and opportunities that create equity are critical to developing a society without division. Vibrant communities develop more efficiently and sustainably when division is acknowledged and reduced. We offer this perspective in every project we do.
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TrailBlaze believes actions and opportunities that create equity are critical to developing a society without division. Vibrant communities develop more efficiently and sustainably when division is reduced. We offer this perspective in every project we do.