About Drum Creative

It's All About
the Relationship

Creative

Guides

Innovative

Thinkers

Effective

Communicators

We believe every client deserves an inspiring, creative partner who provides effective marketing solutions to build a brand's success.

Psst... that's us.

We Are

Creative Guides

We’ll cultivate a collaborative, exciting partnership led by our contagious motivation and creativity to guide your brand’s success.

Innovative Thinkers

We’re known for our innovative ideas, which we develop through intentional learning, creative brainstorming, and a curious mindset.

Effective Communicators

We’re committed to active listening, clear communication, and empowering others to achieve their critical objectives.

Our Team

Joe LaPenna

FOUNDER, CEO & STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE

Beth Hodges

Client Success Coordinator

Bruce Plourde

COO & Client Relations

Emilie Hunter

Client Success Manager

A.L. (Miggy) MacFarland

SXO Specialist

Brent Campbell

BRAND GROWTH EXECUTIVE

David Hantz

DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SUCCESS

Paul Weathers

Creative Director

Anthony Reese

Director of Web

Ryan McGatha

Web Developer

Johnny Petersen

PROJECT MANAGER

Mark Kamibayashiyama

Photographer & Videographer

Maci Burress

Graphic Designer

Matt Rushing

Graphic Designer

Julie Garner

Messaging Strategist

Sophie McCarthy

Social Media Manager

Meet Joe

Meet Bruce

Meet David

Meet Paul

Meet Beth

Meet Johnny

Meet Emilie

Meet Miggy

Meet Anthony

Meet Ryan

Meet Mark

Meet Maci

Meet Matt

Meet Julie

Meet Sophie

Join Our Team

I’ve always believed clarity wins. That belief is what built Drum Creative, and it’s what has guided our agency and our clients through some of the most disruptive seasons in modern business, including the 2008 recession, a global pandemic, and more platform and technology shifts than any of us ever saw coming, including AI today. Every time a company’s brand messaging got clearer, it came out stronger. The businesses that win don’t have the loudest campaigns or the biggest budget. They’re the brands that say the right thing to the right people at the right time. That sounds simple, but it’s not easy. As one of the few StoryBrand Certified Guides in Greenville, SC, I use a proven framework to help our clients cut through the noise and actually say what matters to their customers. At Drum Creative, we go further than most agencies by mapping every client’s competitive landscape before we write a single word. That context is what makes everything downstream sharper. When I’m not working, I’m usually out on adventures with my family, spending time with friends, or finding an excuse to get on my Triumph Tiger 1200 Rally Pro and see where the road takes me.

Super Power: Results Ninja

I enjoy connecting with clients, understanding their goals, and making sure their experience with our team is seamless and positive. I’m the one who focuses on clear communication, thoughtful solutions, and keeping clients feeling supported every step of the way. The ultimate reward for me is sharing our finished work with a satisfied client. In my downtime, I indulge in good food and fun adventures with friends. And, of course, coffee—lots of coffee.

Super Power: Relationship Positivity Champion

I am passionate about helping businesses grow and creating authentic connections with people. My role goes beyond developing processes; I’m deeply involved in nurturing a “people-first” culture at Drum. I focus on optimizing our internal operations to ensure they’re not only efficient but also contribute to the overall health of our organization. Creativity has always influenced my life, and if you’re in Greenville, you might spot my photography in various downtown businesses. Promise me good coffee and some great conversation, and I’ll be there!

Super Power: Culture Influencer

My favorite part of this job is the moment a client just knows I’ve got them. There’s nothing better than when that trust is established, and we can genuinely enjoy working through challenges together. I bring reliable, clear communication and a real passion for making marketing results feel approachable and easy to understand. I started out freelancing in social media, spent some time in account and project management, then led content teams for several years before finding my way back to agency life. Hospitality is woven into who I am, whether I’m making sure every single client feels seen, heard, and cared for, or I’m hosting friends and family at home. When I’m not working, you’ll find me on the back patio with my husband, our two dogs, and whatever fun drink I’ve mixed up while the grill does its thing. Fair warning: I’m the office Disney person, and yes, I met my husband at Disney World during the College Program.

Super Power: Hospitality-Driven Connector

I got into this industry accidentally and a little against my will. A cosmetics brand told me to go learn HTML, and that one nudge sent me through PHP, SQL, .NET, Node JS, Python, WordPress, and more acronyms than I planned to collect. These days, I live at the intersection of strategy, design, content, and search, connecting the dots in real time rather than gathering them into a brief and hoping for the best. I’m a systems-level thinker who genuinely loves figuring out why a website is misbehaving, and I’m especially excited about how AEO, GEO, and LLMO are reshaping the SEO landscape right now. Outside of client work, I research AI governance and publish on where human-affecting decisions actually live inside these systems. I also love debugging my own apps until something breaks and starting it all over again. At home, I’m a homesteader in spirit and a grocery store loyalist in practice. So, the real question is, paper or plastic?

Super Power: Cross-Functional Dot Connector

I got my start in marketing back in 2001, and I’ve been passionate about helping businesses grow ever since. For me, the best part of my job is meeting new people, really listening to their challenges, and helping them find the right solutions. I thrive on building relationships and seeing clients succeed. Outside of work, you’ll find me with my family—whether that’s heading to the mountains, enjoying Folly Beach, or catching a good college football game. My family keeps me grounded and focused on what really matters in life (though I’ll admit, my two cups of coffee in the morning are a close second).

Super Power: Connector-in-Chief

I love helping clients turn great ideas into reality. My job is all about listening, communicating, and making sure every client feels confident in their journey. I first discovered my passion for how strategy and creativity transform a brand while running my own men’s fashion business. Now I help Drum’s clients uncover their fullest potential by turning their marketing efforts into profitable results. I get energized by collaborating with people and drinking strong coffee. When I’m not cheering for our clients’ wins, I’m traveling with my family, trying new foods, or rewatching The Office for the millionth time.

Super Power: Impact Instigator

I bring unwavering dedication and a people-first approach to my leadership and design. Fueled by a cup of coffee, my meticulous attention to detail, and a fervent passion for mentoring, I inspire Drum’s design team to fuse exceptional creative work with the power of the human experience. You can find me at home cherishing moments with my family or engrossed in a captivating book.

Super Power: Super Positivity Creator

My start in web development began at 11 years old, customizing MySpace profiles with HTML/CSS, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I’m passionate about connecting the dots—between a client’s goals, our creative team’s vision, and functional solutions that prioritize the user’s experience. It’s inspiring to work with a talented team and collaborate on projects for such a wide variety of awesome clients. Music is my constant companion both at work and home—it’s how I celebrate life’s joys and navigate its challenges. When I’m not lording over the digital universe, I’m likely spending time with my three kiddos, hiking, or watching Survivor episodes on repeat.

Super Power: Master of the Digital Ecosystem

I love bringing websites to life—turning ideas into functional, visually appealing digital experiences. With a strong background in both front-end and back-end development, I thrive on problem-solving and integrating new technologies. I always knew WordPress was a powerful tool, but I didn’t expect how much creativity and strategic thinking it would require to build customized, high-performing websites. It employs all my greatest strengths. When I’m not coding, you’ll probably find me fishing, spending time with family, or working on personal coding projects. Also, yes, I absolutely need my laptop—it’s always my trusty sidekick.

Super Power: Code Wrangler Extraordinaire

I’m passionate about building systems that help our team work smarter, faster, and more efficiently. Give me ALL the coffee and let me focus on ensuring projects run smoothly so our creative team has everything they need to do their best work and nothing falls through the cracks. I’m also not ashamed to admit that outside of the office, I’m an avid video gamer and play Dungeons & Dragons with my close friends. Did I mention coffee? Mmm…

Super Power: System & Workflow Warrior

Every client has a story. It’s my job to communicate it visually and emotionally. There’s nothing better than getting in the zone when shooting photography and video as I capture how a moment feels beyond any spoken words. I have strong convictions and beliefs, so in my free time, there’s nothing better than reading God’s Word and discovering His will for my life.

Super Power: Visual Emotion Sparker

I’ve never met a challenge I was afraid to tackle. Although I’m a supportive, compassionate, and gentle person, my coworkers say I’m a beast when it comes to executing clean, sophisticated designs and understanding what our clients want. I’m also known for my keen eye for color pairing. When I’m not working, you’ll find me engulfed in a book, exploring new restaurants, and doing anything creative.

Super Power: Color Portation Specialist

Let’s talk about solving problems with creative solutions. That’s my thing. I use my attention to detail and unique aesthetic style to enhance customer projects and elevate their brands. Art has always been a big part of my life, and I enjoy collaborating with others to achieve the best results. Good food is my love language, and I enjoy new culinary experiences, especially when I get to share them with my wife.

Super Power: Maximum Creativity Guru

SEO is vital to a website’s success, and I use my knowledge and skills to build brands and grow companies. Efficiency is important to me, so I’m good at streamlining processes to keep projects moving smoothly. When I’m not evaluating keywords, you’ll find me on the basketball court, enjoying time at the beach, or exploring the outdoors with friends and family. I’m also a self-proclaimed foodie by nature. Pass me an epic burger, please!

Super Power: Search Engine Master

If something on a website clicks, that’s the goal I’m always chasing. I’m a writer and a strategist, which means I care just as much about why a message works as I do about how it sounds. At Drum Creative, I partner closely with our SXO Strategist to lead messaging with clarity and intention. I also guide clients through StoryBrand sessions to help them find the words that actually connect with their audience. I bring a sharp eye for language, a love of structure, and a genuine belief that every word should earn its place. When I’m not in messaging mode, you’ll find me spending time with family, hosting gatherings, and enjoying good conversation with good people. Fair warning: I will absolutely notice your word choices and may silently correct your grammar.

Super Power: Strategic Word Charmer

What excites me most about this work is helping brands get discovered by people who didn’t even realize they were looking for them. I bring market awareness, a sharp eye for organization, and creativity that keeps things fresh and engaging across every platform. I studied marketing at Clemson and honestly had no idea how much fun this job would be until I was in it. When I’m not building out social strategies, you’ll find me on a walk with my friends and my dog, lost in a Riley Sager thriller, or planning my next trip somewhere new. Two things I absolutely cannot live without: coffee and Jesus, not necessarily in that order.

Super Power: Brand Visibility Champion

Our Culture

We’re all about doing things differently by prioritizing people first. We believe in leading with empathy, because when work is loved and celebrated, great things happen. From work anniversaries to birthday lunches, Question of the Day, and Fun Friday planned outings, we’ve created a culture where having fun and connecting with others is just as important as getting great work done.

About Drum Creative

It's All About the Relationship

Creative

Innovative

Effective

We believe every client deserves an inspiring, creative partner who provides effective marketing solutions to build a brand's success.

Psst... that's us.

We Are

Creative Guides

Innovative Thinkers

Effective Communicators

Our Team

Joe LaPenna

FOUNDER, CEO & STORYBRAND CERTIFIED GUIDE

Beth Hodges

Client Success Coordinator

Bruce Plourde

COO & Client Relations

Emilie Hunter

Client Success Manager

A.L. (Miggy) MacFarland

SXO Specialist

Brent Campbell

BRAND GROWTH EXECUTIVE

David Hantz

DIRECTOR OF CLIENT SUCCESS

Paul Weathers

Creative Director

Anthony Reese

Director of Web

Ryan McGatha

Web Developer

Johnny Petersen

PROJECT MANAGER

Mark Kamibayashiyama

Photographer & Videographer

Maci Burress

Graphic Designer

Matt Rushing

Graphic Designer

Julie Garner

Messaging Strategist

Sophie McCarthy

Social Media Manager

Meet Joe

Meet Bruce

Meet David

Meet Paul

Meet Beth

Meet Johnny

Meet Emilie

Meet Miggy

Meet Anthony

Meet Ryan

Meet Mark

Meet Maci

Meet Matt

Meet Julie

Meet Sophie

Join Our Team

Our Culture

It's All About
the Relationship