Co-founded MQ&C in: 1982

Industry experience: Cindy “CK” Carman’s professional aspirations began in the dark ages: in the ‘70s when there were virtually no women or minorities in broadcast. CK started her career with a Bachelor of Journalism degree from UT, where she wrote for the award winning Daily Texan as a film, music and dance critic. Her first paid media job was overnight DJ “Kay Carman” at KCSW-FM, an adult contemporary station in Buda. In the early ‘80s, CK was hired as the first female jazz show producer and DJ at KUT-FM, the Austin NPR station. This is when she met her future ad agency partners, Ben Morris and Tom “TQ” Quarles. CK has produced well over 500 television commercials and countless radio spots (from copywriting and editing to on-camera talent), directed print campaigns, and successful public relations projects. Under her supervision, MQ&C has won numerous AWRT, ADDY and TELLY Awards.

Strengths: Over the years, CK has established herself as a philanthropist and advocate for social issues, donating time and money to promote The Salvation Army, The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer foundation, Communities In Schools, Mobile Loaves & Fishes, Katrina Relief, the Red Cross and others.

Interesting fact: CK has seen total solar eclipses in Zimbabwe, Libya and the Gobi Desert.

Joined MQ&C in: 2004

Industry experience: Dorothy’s media career started in San Diego CA in 1970 as a business manager of a radio station - a position which continued for seven years. She then began work with a print media firm, a position which took her to Austin, TX. Dorothy continued to work as a financial manager at that organization until it was sold, and went on to help one of the previous owners work through finance-related aspects of purchasing another firm. She held the business manager position there until she joined MQ&C in 2004.

Strengths: Dorothy’s strengths include managing people, organizational skills, setting goals, finding solutions and working within deadlines. She fancies herself a good listener, a calming presence and a good team player.

Interesting fact: Dorothy has been an active member of a national media organization since 1987. She enjoys mentoring others and loves to travel as she learns about other cultures around the world.

Joined MQ&C in: 1998

Industry experience: Ilaria was born and raised in Italy, where she worked in international agencies in Milan for top-billing clients. In 1992, she emigrated from Italy to the United States on a work/study scholarship granted by the European Economic Community and the Italian Association of Advertising Agencies. She has experience buying radio for over 80 different markets in the U.S., including the top 10 markets. Ilaria has over 20 years of experience in planning and buying. She was a finalist for the Best Media Buyer in Austin 2007.

Strengths: Ilaria’s fortes include planning, negotiating, and implementing comprehensive media plans. She has a very high level of working knowledge of media buying software and maintains excellent relationships with top stations around the country.

Interesting fact: Ilaria loves to cook Italian food and to watch scary movies.

Joined MQ&C in: 2006

Industry experience: Darren has 15 years of strategic and integrated marketing experience on both the client and agency sides. He has experience in both B2B and B2C marketing, including the multi-location, food, logistics, building & construction and tourism industries.

Strengths: Darren is particularly strong at developing year-long strategic and integrated marketing plans designed to align business objectives with marketing initiatives.

Interesting fact: Fell asleep once atop the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Joined MQ&C in: 2008

Industry experience: Dan has worked for 14 years in the newspaper industry, holding the titles of Ad Director and General Ad Manager at two top 20 newspapers.

Strengths: Dan excels at negotiating, strategic planning, and project management.

Interesting fact: Former stand-up comedian and currently hosts an Internet podcast devoted to Indie music.

Joined MQ&C in: 1999

Industry experience: Liz has more than 15 years of account management, marketing and promotions experience. For the majority of that time, she has been directly involved in developing, planning, strategizing and managing specific accounts at MQ&C. Liz works with clients to develop advertising and marketing strategies and then sees those plans through to execution. Prior to joining MQ&C, Liz created and managed merchandising and “added-value” opportunities and events for local, regional and national advertisers.

Strengths: Liz believes that the first step in understanding a client’s goals and needs is to be a good listener, and she considers listening to be one of her strongest skills.

Interesting fact: Liz can still jump a mean trampoline - including the ability to do full backflips. She also enjoys world travel, having gone hiking in New Zealand.

Joined MQ&C in: 2002

Industry experience: Linda has developed advertising and promotional strategies for companies in a number of industries, including automotive, home building, education and medical products.

Strengths: Linda excels at strategy and creative development. She has particular expertise in interactive marketing.

Interesting fact: Linda sings jingles and has recently discovered the joys of sailing.

Joined MQ&C in: 2001

Industry experience: Juli has worked for 22 years in media, including with radio, TV and advertising agencies. She has experience in accounting, traffic and buying. Juli is presently in charge of buying media for the top 10 markets and various smaller markets for a variety of clients including colleges, restaurants and radio station groups.

Strengths: Juli prides herself on the ability to work and have fun at the same time.

Interesting fact: Three-time City Hula Hoop Champion.