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 :
​Partner, 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

Graduate of Central Michigan University
Major: Marketing
Minor: English ​

Hillary Eley :
Partner, Chief Mischief Officer

I think marketing was my first love. Perhaps it was the “I’d like to buy the world a Coke” commercial I saw on television as a child, but I’ve always been keenly aware of businesses and products and the effort being made to promote them. Marketing is often something small business owners neglect – they have no idea where to begin or how to execute a plan or they are simply too busy running their business to market their business. During a vacation in Mexico my husband dared me to do what I’ve been dreaming of for years, starting my own business to help other small businesses be successful through marketing. Since 2010, I’ve been living my dream of helping small businesses use marketing effectively to create a positive change. My clients never cease in giving me great challenges and amazing rewards by allowing me to do what I love.

 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.

Megan Uetrecht:
​Account Coordinator

I am happy to help 2nd Story Marketing as their 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

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Melissa Myers :
​Graphic Guru

I have always loved designing and being creative. I feel that good design will provide one great solution to a problem. Designer Paul Rand once said, "The public is more familiar with bad design than good design. It is, in effect, conditioned to prefer bad design, because that is what it lives with." My goal is to change this. As a graphic designer, I want to help create solutions in my own work that show great design; to produce things that in some way will improve people's lives and inspire them to create as well. 

Graduate of Spring Arbor University  
Major: Graphic Design ​​

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

Trienne Topp :
​Strategic Partner

I'm excited to partner with 2nd Story Marketing as a no-nonsense business growth team leader who believes that that leadership, culture and exceptional service are the pillars to sustainable business growth.  With experience and success building and developing teams with restaurants, retail and through group and individual coaching.  I look forward to providing 2nd Story Marketing clients with training curriculums, organizing and leading team retreats, and strategic leadership training.

Graduate of Western Michigan University
Major: Business Administration/Management