About MQ&C Advertising

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.

Co-founded MQ&C in: 1982

Industry experience: Ben graduated from college in 1982 and decided to do advertising “for a while.” Without any experience he felt he was not hirable, so he went to work for himself. That “while” has now stretched into over 25 years as the co-founder and co-owner of MQ&C. During that time, Ben has handled the full range of small, local clients and national clients. Ben has never looked back since.

Strengths: Ben’s strongest suits include market and media research, strategy and media buying. He is also an expert at leveraging sophisticated, third-party market segmentation software to help clients maximize their marketing expenditures.

Interesting fact: Ben lives in downtown Austin with his wife, Kristal.

Joined MQ&C in: 2008

Industry experience: Manasseh is an accomplished finance and technology leader. Over the course of his career, he has served in the management of financial and IT operations for companies in multiple industries, including in the areas of education, healthcare, technology, HR, retail, agribusiness, and advertising and marketing.

In the position he held immediately prior to joining MQ&C, Manasseh progressed from finance and technology manager to controller, where he worked to meet that company's financial and productivity goals. He holds two advanced degrees, an MBA and a Masters of Accounting and Financial Management. Manasseh has cut operating costs, increased profits and efficiencies for multiple companies. Currently, Manasseh oversees and manages the accounting operations of MQ&C Advertising. His duties include the planning, organization, implementation and tracking of several ongoing accounting and software projects.

Interesting fact: Manasseh has maintained an adjunct faculty position with Franklin University (Columbus, OH) since 2004, and he still teaches as an instructor there in the area of global issues in international business.

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: 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.