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Our Crew
Mark Locke
Founder/Owner & Director of Creative, Think Squared Creative
Mark Locke is the Founder, Owner, and Director of Creative at Think Squared Creative, where he leads with vision, heart, and an unwavering belief in the power of people and storytelling. He loves what he does, and just as importantly, he loves the people he does it with. The work is rewarding, sometimes difficult, and always done with joy.
Mark’s creative journey began with a challenge: taking mundane subject matter and finding ways to bring it to life through video and creative content. At a certain point, he decided to be bold and flip that model entirely, choosing to breathe energy, emotion, and humanity into the work. That decision became the foundation for Think Squared Creative.
Over the course of his career, Mark has completed more than 30 conventions, shaping live experiences that balance clarity, creativity, and impact. One pivotal moment came during a major convention in Orlando, when a training and creative initiative he had poured himself into was acknowledged on stage in front of thousands. It was both vindicating and clarifying, a signal that it was time to take everything he had learned and build something of his own.
Another defining chapter followed when Mark and the Think Squared team fully wrote and produced awards shows for a global brand in 2016 and 2017. They didn’t just support the show. They shaped it end to end — from scripts and presenter coaching to overall production. That was the moment Mark knew the work had evolved. Think Squared had arrived.
Mark describes himself as an “odd bird.” He thinks differently, moves to his own rhythm, and holds himself to an exceptionally high standard. He believes joy lives in the balance between discipline and creativity, and that the best work comes from pushing boundaries while staying grounded in purpose.
What energizes Mark most is the team. When the team is engaged, connected, and firing on all cylinders, there’s nothing like it. And when the show ends and everyone knows they left it all on the field, that shared exhaustion and pride is the reward.
Teammates rely on Mark for vision, steadiness in chaos, and the occasional well-timed laugh when the room needs it.
Outside of Think Squared, Mark unwinds by building things, tackling construction projects, hiking, working out, and creating. Lately, that creativity has expanded into acting, improv, and stand-up comedy. He is deeply grateful for life, perspective, and second chances, experiences that have shaped both who he is and how he leads.
- Known For: Vision, creative courage, and leading with heart
- Walk-On Song: “Dangerous” – Conroy Smith or “To Be Honest” – Young Dolph
- Guiding Principle: Slow. Steady. Enough.
- Fuel of Choice: Black coffee
Chad Lewis
Managing Director, Think Squared Creative
Chad Lewis leads Think Squared Creative with a mix of strategic instinct, creative confidence, and genuine on-stage presence. As Managing Director, he helps clients uncover the heart of their story and bring it to life in ways that connect, resonate, and actually stick.
A lifelong creative, Chad has always seen the world a little differently. He’s driven by curiosity and has a natural ability to discover the DNA behind ideas, brands, and experiences, then translate that into moments that entertain, challenge, and engage audiences.
Chad’s career spans both agency and in-house leadership, giving him a well-rounded perspective on building brands, shaping creative strategy, and leading live experiences. For more than 15 years, he served as Vice President of Brand, Advertising, and Marketing for a leading national brand, playing a hands-on role in shaping convention programming and leading major live events. In other words, he’s been in the room, on the stage, and behind the curtain.
When things get intense, Chad’s superpower is staying calm and asking the right questions. He brings clarity to complexity and keeps teams focused on what matters most: telling the right story, the right way.
At his core, Chad believes great work starts with being “authentically you” and allowing others to do the same.
Outside of show days, you’ll most likely find Chad on the golf course, watching college football, or enjoying a well-earned martini in a quiet corner (no vermouth, one blue cheese olive, and yes, that detail matters).
- Known For: Steady leadership, sharp instincts, and making the stage feel human
- Walk-On Song: “My House” – Flo Rida
- Guiding Principle: “Just be real.”
- Fuel of Choice: Martini. Clean. One blue cheese olive. Always one.
Kevin Phelan
Managing Writer & Producer, Think Squared Creative
Kevin Phelan is the primary writer for Think Squared Creative, responsible for shaping the voice, humor, and narrative arc of the work audiences experience on stage and on screen. As Managing Writer and Producer, he helps lead creative ideation and script development, staying involved through production to ensure every story lands as intended.
A lifelong writer and performer at heart, Kevin believes great writing should do more than inform. It should entertain, surprise, and occasionally make people laugh without meaning to. Word choice is intentional. Laughter is involuntary.
Kevin’s path to creative work was anything but traditional. He first met Think Squared as a client and collaborator while working in corporate sales within the consumer-packaged goods industry. After several years collaborating on awards shows and live events, he joined Think Squared full-time.
Long before that, Kevin had been honing his creative instincts as a hobby writer and comedian. From improvised storytelling in elementary school to writing and directing live sketches for his college baseball team, he discovered early on that he was built for the moment an audience laughs and for helping to create that moment for others.
One of Kevin’s proudest milestones came with his first major project as a full-time creative, where he worked entirely behind the scenes. Writing, producing, and coaching content delivered by others on stage and watching it succeed reinforced his ability to translate humor and story through people, not just performance.
Kevin brings an audience-first perspective shaped by 15 years in corporate sales, presenting to major retailers, attending countless conventions, and living life on the road. When things get intense, his superpower is relentless positivity, whether that means a well-timed joke, a steady presence, or knowing when to step aside so the work can shine.
Outside of Think Squared, Kevin enjoys time with his wife, kids, and dogs, cheering on his children at sports and musical performances, traveling to Michigan, and participating in the long-running Phelan Green Chile Phest, an annual New Mexico tradition now more than 40 years strong.
- Known For: Writing that connects, sharp punch-ups, and keeping creative energy high
- Walk-On Song: “She Sells Sanctuary” – The Cult
- Guiding Principle: “Jokes are better when you have to explain them.”
- Fuel of Choice: Black coffee — and water. Constantly.
Kim Brooks
Director of Client Communications, Think Squared Creative
Kim leads client communications for Think Squared Creative with a deep belief in the power of storytelling, collaboration, and human connection. In her role, she partners closely with clients to help understand their vision, shape clear and compelling messaging, and deliver a truly white-glove experience from first conversation to final applause.
A natural creative from an early age, Kim’s love for storytelling began long before her career did, from recording childhood “radio shows” to eventually working in television news. Her time in media sharpened her ability to think on her feet, stay composed under pressure, and tell meaningful stories in real time. Those skills became the foundation of a career in communications, where she went on to serve as Director of Communications for a leading national brand, helping to promote, protect, and represent the brand through both opportunity and challenge.
With more than 25 years of professional experience in communications and messaging, Kim has also spent the past 15 years contributing to creative programming, live events, and on-stage production — experiences that continue to shape her calm, confident leadership style.
At the heart of Kim’s approach is collaboration. She loves workshopping ideas with people, asking thoughtful questions, and then empowering teams with the clarity and confidence to take those ideas forward and make them real. When things get intense, her superpower is empathy paired with perspective, helping reframe challenges, focus on what matters, and keep momentum moving in the right direction.
One of Kim’s proudest moments came when she overcame a deeply personal challenge to host an awards show, showing up fully for her team and the audience. It’s a moment that reflects what matters most to her: resilience, leadership, and the belief that when people support one another, the show really can go on.
Outside of production mode, you’ll most likely find Kim spending time with her daughter, listening to music, or watching college football (Notre Dame, always).
- Known For: Empathy, clarity, and empowering teams to do their best work
- Walk-On Song: “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen
- Guiding Principle: “Nothing good was ever achieved without enthusiasm.”
- Fuel of Choice: Iced caramel latte with oat milk… or a dirty martini, no vermouth, blue cheese olive
Brandon Edwards
Animator & Motion Graphic Designer, Think Squared Creative
Brandon brings ideas to life through motion, design, and experience. As an Animator and Motion Graphic Designer with Think Squared Creative, he solves problems visually, translating ideas into tangible moments that audiences don’t just see, but feel in real, physical environments.
A creative from an early age, Brandon’s path began with constant drawing, evolved through a love of video game design, and eventually led him to graphic design and event storytelling. What pulled him into events was the opportunity to tell a bigger story, one that shapes how people experience a moment from the first visual cue to the final impression.
His creative approach has been shaped by early agency experience, freelance work, and a deep commitment to personal excellence. Brandon is driven by discipline and intention, always pushing boundaries, uncovering the untold story behind an idea, and holding himself to a high standard whether anyone is watching or not.
Among his proudest projects is helping transform a small-town volleyball tournament into a national-level experience through event branding for Marshall Madness. He also contributed to the visual storytelling for the 2022 SONIC National Convention, bringing the experience to life through motion and design.
When things get intense, Brandon’s superpower is composure. Known for his ability to zoom in and zoom out, he visualizes ideas before executing them, balancing big-picture thinking with precise detail. Teammates rely on him for creative direction, steady support, and getting the work done right and on time.
Outside of Think Squared, Brandon can usually be found working out, at volleyball tournaments, or in the Rocky Mountains looking for a slope to ride down. If technology disappeared tomorrow, he’d be just fine.
- Known For: Disciplined creativity, composure under pressure, and visual storytelling
- Walk-On Song: “Rooster” – Alice In Chains
- Guiding Principle: Do the work. Do it right. Even when nobody’s watching.
- Fuel of Choice: Americano with half cream and half sugar or a straight black coffee
Stephen Hickey
Graphic Designer, Think Squared Creative
Stephen Hickey brings decades of creative experience, steady problem-solving, and thoughtful design to the Think Squared Creative team. As a Graphic Designer, he creates digital graphics, signage, and branding elements that don’t just look good, but help audiences connect in the moment.
Stephen’s creative career began as an illustrator at a small publishing house, where adaptability quickly became his not-so-secret weapon. When illustration work slowed, he taught himself graphic design software, stepped into a new role, and has been delivering polished, professional work ever since (despite joking that he’s still “faking it”).
Early in his career, Stephen was thrown into the fire, learning by doing and gaining experience the old-fashioned way. Over the past 25 years, he’s worked alongside talented teams and mentors who helped shape his approach to creativity: stay curious, stay flexible, and do the work well.
One of Stephen’s proudest achievements was launching his own product line, Keel Art, featuring postcards, t-shirts, maps, and blankets sold in Cracker Barrel stores and truck stops across the country. He also takes pride in every one of the 20 conventions he has helped design, each one a reminder that great creative work is built through consistency, collaboration, and care.
When projects intensify, Stephen’s superpower is versatility. Known as the team’s “Swiss Army Knife,” he steps in wherever he’s needed, bringing humor, calm, and focus to even the most demanding situations. Teammates rely on him to deliver excellent work on time, every time.
Outside of production mode, Stephen enjoys working around his home and yard, watching sports with his son and friends, and spending time near the water, whether it’s a pool, lake, or ocean.
- Known For: Dependable excellence and problem-solving with humor
- Walk-On Song: “It’s Tricky” – Run-D.M.C.
- Guiding Principle: “Inspiration is a guest that does not willingly visit the lazy.”
- Fuel of Choice: Black coffee or a dirty martini with two olives
Berris Teague
Social Media Manager, Think Squared Creative
Berris brings creativity, curiosity, and contagious positivity to the Think Squared Creative team as Social Media Manager. With a passion for storytelling and digital content, she thrives in an environment where fresh ideas are encouraged and imagination has no limits.
A graduate of broadcast journalism, Berris discovered early on that she loved being behind the camera as much as in front of it. While in college, she served as Executive Producer for her student-run newscast, leading production, and guiding a team through the challenges of live media. The experience sharpened her leadership skills and confirmed her love for video production and content creation.
One of her proudest early career moments came when a package she shot, edited, and wrote earned recognition from the Arkansas College Media Association. Today, she brings that same drive and excitement to Think Squared, eager to keep building meaningful work and memorable moments.
Teammates rely on Berris to keep energy high and spirits lifted, even when projects get challenging. Her resilience, humor, and optimism make her a steady source of encouragement on any team.
Outside of work, you’ll most likely find her exploring the Germantown area of Nashville, enjoying a great meal, or attending live theater and musicals (proud theater kid, always).
- Known For: Creativity, positivity, and keeping teams energized
- Walk-On Song: “Hungry Like the Wolf” – Duran Duran
- Guiding Principle: “If you wait till the last minute, it gets done in a minute.”
- Fuel of Choice: Peppermint chip milkshake from Chick-fil-A
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