Meet the Team
the creative powerhouse Josh Kandle
Josh double majored in Communications and Psychology at Washington State University. Since then, he has continually sought to build out his skill set with experience in marketing, search engine optimization, graphic design, coding, web design, photography and videography. All while logging an eight-year Alaskan adventure, a lettuce/flower farm, countless IPAs, one wedding and three small humans that look a little like him.
Josh loves design, cameras and computers — slapping them together between a couple slices of perfectly baked client relations for a great big marketing hero sandwich. He’s also known in some circles for killing Comic Sans with a single blow to the typeface.
Josh enjoys connecting with the community outside of work and has volunteered time with The Children’s Reading Foundation of the Mid-Columbia, Girl Scouts, Junior Achievement, Vibe Music Center and Family Friendly Soccer.
Fun Fact
Josh thinks that not enough people realize that rainbows are really just fancy gradients.
the campaign wizard Ashley Hite
Ashley earned a dual-major bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing and Spanish from Missouri State University after just three years of study. With more than 10 years in the marketing industry, Ashley helps businesses stand out among their competition with Google and programmatic advertising, unique website design, and killer copywriting. Using advanced conversion tracking, she helps us measure the success of all our marketing campaigns, so our clients are able to see real-world results from their investment.
Ashley is certified in Google Analytics, Google Ads, and Amazon Advertising. She enjoys listening to podcasts, watching baseball, playing softball, taking walks with her family, and volunteering for the Children's Heart Foundation.
Fun Fact
Ashley's all-time favorite song is "You Can Call Me Al" by Paul Simon
the shutterbug Mykaela Faulconer
Mykaela earned her bachelor’s degree in Human-Computer Interactions (a combined degree of Computer Science and Graphic Design) from Whitworth University in Spokane. It was at Whitworth, with the help of her advisor, that she discovered she could take her love for technology and creativity and make a career of it. Mykaela stays up-to-date with new trends in the design world to ensure clients are getting only the best. She has also expanded her photography skills to become a Google Street View Trusted Photographer.
In her spare time, Mykaela enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband and their two dogs, traveling, and enjoying a good cup of coffee.
Fun Fact
Mykaela is a published member of the Professional Photographers of Washington organization.
the social media guru Tracy Iseminger
Tracy discovered website design, social media, and SEO while starting her own small food blog which eventually grew into a full size daily online lifestyle magazine which has taken her on journeys to NYC for Food Network Events all the way to Montana Dude Ranches, Aruba for Carnival, Costa Rica and Nicaragua for some luxury resort retreats.
While growing Daily Dish Magazine, Tracy learned the in's and outs of digital marketing, took countless courses, and found this is where her passion is. Tracy joined Cougar Digital when she decided to take her hobby and turn it into a career.
When not at the computer, Tracy still works part-time in her formally trained profession as a Registered Dental Hygienist and spends much of her time hanging out with her family, three dogs, and four cats. She loves to travel, experience new foods and sip on Washington State wine!
Fun Fact
Tracy has been to 9 K-pop concerts (so far...).
the dynamic designer Nick Ellis
Nick graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, IA where he received a degree in Graphic Design and Magazine Media. He built up his repertoire writing and designing for several magazine publications, the most notable of which being Traditional Home Magazine. This background eventually paved the way for interest in user experience design, which became a career focused on website design.
Nick, an Iowa native, has enjoyed exploring the Pacific Northwest one weekend trip at a time! He can also be found at your local hardware store scrounging together the materials for yet another DIY or art project.
Fun Fact
Nick appreciates the finer things in life—particularly the crispness of McDonald's fountain drinks.
administrative & sales queen Ashley Kreps
Ashley earned a degree in Mass Communications from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, with a focus on both Public Relations and Media Writing. Once graduated she found herself working in banking for 12 years, both in sales and credit underwriting. She found that she really enjoyed sales, especially getting to know people and helping them achieve their long-term goals.
Four years ago, her husband took a job that moved their family from Moorhead, Minnesota to Prosser, Washington. The weather is warmer, the wine is better, and meeting new people is an adventure that she is always willing to take on.
In her free time, she enjoys watching movies with her family, squeezing in workouts on the bike, and enjoying a glass of red wine or an IPA with her husband.
Fun Fact
A pancake breakfast is not complete without a piece of cheese to dunk in your syrup. Seriously, try it!
our fearless leader Travis Hartliep
Travis founded Cougar Digital in 2012. His passion for marketing and web design started more than twenty years ago while taking a web programming class at Washington State University. Since then his drive to become a marketing guru has never stopped. Before starting his own company, Travis held positions as an advertising assistant, senior graphic designer, IT technical support, web developer, and a 1-year hiatus as a landscape manager.
Travis is most proud of the team he has built over the years. His passion is fueled by coming together as a team to help our clients achieve their marketing goals. When he isn’t working, Travis’ two kids keep him and his wife busy with community and sports activities. You can find him enjoying the powder on the slopes, working off some beer calories at the gym, or enjoying the latest seasonal sport with his kids. And of course, if the Coug game is on, his only priority is to cheer on the Cougs!
An Interesting Fact
You need to keep this on the down-low, but I was a Husky fan in High School.