Meet the Team

Founded in 2013, 2nd Story Marketing was created in order to share the good in our community through marketing. We do this by helping businesses create a marketing strategy that enables their business to flourish.  We are a dedicated, energized, and fun group of professionals who want to impact the community in a positive way. The passion and expertise that goes into each marketing plan will help make your business thrive.  We have a variety of services including: Comprehensive Marketing Management, Public and Media Relations, Digital Marketing, Event Planning and Management, Website Design and Development, and Visual Direction and Creative Services.

​Learn more about 2nd Story Marketing team members here!

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Courtney Dirschell :
Owner, Marketing Maven

I’m blessed to have a 2nd story; a story I never would have dreamed would be possible. Every day I wake up and I’m excited to help, to promote, to educate, to empower, and to tell the community what great work our clients are doing. It’s a beautiful thing when a career and a passion come together. Do you still think your business is awesome? Do you still have the passion? I want to help write your story by developing effective public relations, growing your social media, and increasing your collaborative efforts in the community. There are so many small steps that business owners can take, but the first step is to contact 2nd Story Marketing. So slide on your flip flops, loafers, or tennis shoes and get ready for a great journey.

In 2015, Courtney was named the Branch County Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year.  In 2019, Hillary and Courtney were named Branch County Business Women of the Year by the Branch County United Way, and recognized at the Power of the Purse event.

Graduate of Central Michigan University
Major:  Integrative Public Relations
Minor: Commercial Recreation for Event Planning

Dennis Babjack:
Partner

Dennis brings a wealth of 40+ years of hands-on business development, ownership, and active community involvement.  He is well known for his practical knowledge, not only to the marketing and publishing arena, but has also received national and international attention with multiple businesses, products, and brands. These sectors include retail, promotion, manufacturing & distribution, and food/service.

Megan Uetrecht:
Chaos Coordinator

I am happy to help 2nd Story Marketing as their Chaos/Account Coordinator handling researching industry trends, assisting with the production of materials and collateral for clients, and assisting with social media campaigns and engagement.

I am a graduate of Quincy High School in 2009 and of Trine University in 2014 and married to my husband, Jaron and together we have one child, JJ.  In my spare time, I enjoy watching sports, spending time with family and friends and wine tasting!

Graduate of Trine University

Don Marx :
​Design Guy

I am the one thing...that is not like the others...here at 2nd Story Marketing, and could not be happier in that role. I bring over four decades of design and marketing experience working with or under contract with Fortune 500 Companies, Non-Profit Organizations, Government Agencies, and Locally-Owned Hometown Businesses. I am at a point in life where I choose to work with folks I enjoy. I find every day here at 2nd Story Marketing a treat working for the ladies who drive this company. Retirements over its time again to do the work I have always loved. 

Graduate of Western Michigan University
Major: Visual Communications
Minor: Photography

Annabelle Kling : 
Marketing Intern

I am happy to help at 2nd Story Marketing! I was given the opportunity to be the Marketing Intern through an OJT Position and I was ecstatic! I'm learning all about the business world by doing things such as website design, ad promotion, social media posts, and so much more! 2nd Story has proven to me that I want to pursue an ultimate career in Business.
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I currently attend Coldwater High School and the Branch Area Careers Center along with dual enrolling through Kellogg Community College. Once I graduate from high school, I plan on attending Saginaw Valley State University to Major in Accounting and Minor in Business General. With doing this, I would someday like to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA)  and work my way up to being a Chief Financial Officer (CFO).