THE LAND OF
INFINITE
VARIETY
You can't always fit everything in your carry-on. That's why we packed a few extra items on this handy microsite.
Scroll to learn more about L&S or click a sticker and take the scenic route
Uncommon grit. Undeniable passion. And award-winning work that's a lot of fun to scroll through.
About Our Agency
THE LAND OF
INFINITE
VARIETY
You can't always fit everything in your carry-on. That's why we packed a few extra things on this handy microsite.
Scroll to learn more about L&S or tap a sticker and take the scenic route.
Uncommon grit. Undeniable passion. And award-winning work that's a lot of fun to scroll through.
About Our Agency
Straight-talkin' tacos with no-bull bold flavors: that's what we're bringing to Taco John's across social, video, point of purchase and brand campaigns.
We spread the joy of winning across Idaho with campaigns promoting scratch tickets, lotto games and beneficiary messaging that shows all the good "Wooh!" can do.
5.5 Creative Work Samples
By promoting the 988 Lifeline and mental health resources, we're proud to help remind South Dakotans that they matter, no matter what.
Our AI philosophy is focused on harnessing its capabilities responsibly. In the RFP, we outlined areas where we maintain protocols against using AI. Now feast your eyes on a few places where AI makes sense and adds efficiency.
5.8 Philosophy on the use of AI in tourism
On a trek for tourism insights? tap to Read
The Rambler,
our quarterly email on all things travel —>
South Dakota expertise meets industry experience. L&S has worked in the travel and tourism space for 40 years, bringing places, purpose and people together.
5.6 Tourism specific advertising & Marketing
Length of service:
9 Years at L&S; 5 Years in Marketing & Nonprofit Sectors
Experience
Idaho Lottery, Pizza Ranch, City of Duluth, South Dakota Lottery, Taco John's
Role on Travel South Dakota
Media Partnerships & Innovation
25% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Idaho Lottery, Taco John's
Favorite Family Memory
Taking the Kids to Reptile Gardens
Director of Media
Dara Klatt
Length of service:
8 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, MTDOC, City of Duluth, Delray Beach, TRMF
Role on Travel South Dakota
Media Strategy
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
TRMF, Taco John's
Favorite Splurge
Dimock Butter Cake at Skogen Kitchen
Media Strategy Manager
Kyrie Bussler
Length of service:
8 Years at L&S
Experience
Delray Beach, Pizza Ranch, Dakota State University, Taco John's, South Dakota Lottery
Role on Travel South Dakota
Media Strategy
25% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Delray Beach, Pizza Ranch, South Dakota Lottery
Favorite South Dakota Event
Corn Palace Festival
Media Strategist
Alexis Tomek
Digital
Length of service:
9 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, City of Duluth, Liv Hospitality, MTDOC, Delray Beach, TRMF
Role on Travel South Dakota
Digital Strategy
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Taco John's, SD Dept. of Labor
Favorite Hidden Gem
Palisades State Park
Senior Digital Strategist
Mariah Hanten
Length of service:
3 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, City of Duluth, Delray Beach, Visit Roseville
Role on Travel South Dakota
Digital Strategy
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
South Dakota Trade, Merit Financial
Favorite Road Trip Refuel
Vivian Gas Station
Digital Coordinator
Harleigh Deville
Length of service:
14 Years at L&S; 2 Years Prior Experience
Experience
Travel South Dakota, City of Duluth, Dakota State University
Role on Travel South Dakota
Lead Developer
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Dakota State University, SD Behavioral Health
Favorite Holiday stop
Visiting Lemmon with Family
Lead Developer
Carl Gorton
Digital
Length of service:
7 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, City of Duluth, SD Game, Fish & Parks, MN Dept. of Natural Resources, Delray Beach
Role on Travel South Dakota
Creative Director
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Taco John's, Leisure Hospitality
Favorite South dakota Event
Deer Opener
Creative Director & Copy Manager
Matt Sebert
Length of service:
9 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, City of Duluth, TRMF, Leisure Hospitality
Role on Travel South Dakota
Art Director
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Taco John's, Leisure Hospitality
Favorite Book Nook
Full Circle Book Co-op
Art Director & Design Manager
Katelyn Short
Length of service:
9 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, City of Duluth, TRMF, Pizza Ranch, Taco John's, Love is Blind
Role on Travel South Dakota
Filming, Directing & Editing
20% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Taco John's, SD Office of Highway Safety
Favorite Spot to Film
High Above Needles Highway
Senior Cinematographer
Mason Horacek
Length of service:
19 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, TRMF, Visit Rapid City, Visit Roseville, SCHEELS
Role on Travel South Dakota
Creative Strategy Support
15% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
CJ Schwans, Montana Dept. of Commerce
Favorite Interstate Selfie spot
1880 Town (with the goats)
Chief Creative Officer
Kristy laue
Length of service:
2 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, TRMF, Visit Roseville, Delray Beach
Role on Travel South Dakota
Writing Support
75% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
TRMF, Merit Financial
Favorite Lunch spot
Sanaa's
Copywriter
Rose Hoogers
Length of service:
6 Years at L&S; 2 Years Prior Agency Experience
Experience
Travel South Dakota, Visit Roseville, Taco John's, SD Office of Highway Safety
Role on Travel South Dakota
Design & Production
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Taco John's, Merit Financial
Favorite Art Inspo
Faulkton Elevator Mural
Senior Designer
Taylor Hilmoe
Length of service:
3 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, TRMF, Delray Beach, MN Dept. of Natural Resources
Role on Travel South Dakota
Design & Production
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
TRMF, Taco John's
Favorite South Dakota Saying
"Knee-High by the Fourth of July"
Designer
Calli Schanzenbach
Length of service:
25 Years at L&S; 10 Years Prior Agency Experience
Experience
Travel South Dakota, South Dakota Lottery, Idaho Lottery, Taco John's
Role on Travel South Dakota
Video Director, Producer
15% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Idaho Lottery, Taco John's, First PREMIER Bank
Favorite Dive Bar
Carey's
Director of Video
Chris Matheson
Length of service:
2 Years at L&S; 6 Years Freelance & In-house Experience
Experience
Travel South Dakota, TRMF, South Dakota Lottery, Visit Keweenah, MI
Role on Travel South Dakota
Filming, Directing & Editing
20% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Idaho Lottery, Sanford Health
Favorite Watering Hole
Old Fashion Soda Fountain in Elk Point
Videographer & Editor
Erik Peterson
Length of service
25 years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, First PREMIER Bank, SD Behavioral Health
Role on Travel South Dakota
Motion Graphics & Animation
10% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Idaho Lottery, Sanford Health
Favorite Spelunking Spot
Jewel Cave
Motion Designer
Wade Thurman
Length of service:
20 Years at L&S; 10 Years Prior Experience
Experience
Travel South Dakota, City of Duluth, SD Office of Highway Safety
Role on Travel South Dakota
Audio Production
20% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Idaho Lottery, First PREMIER Bank
Favorite Summer Pastime
A South Dakota Campfire
Senior Audio Engineer
Kevin Phipps
Creative
Length of service:
5 Years at L&S; 7 Years at Visit Spearfish
Experience
Travel South Dakota, Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation (TRMF), MTDOC, BHB Board of Directors
Role on Travel South Dakota
Strategy & Insights
15% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
MTDOC, Idaho Lottery
Favorite Place for a pint
Fernson
Director of Insights
Brian Gebhart
Length of service:
10 Years at L&S; 8 Years in Higher Education
Experience
Travel South Dakota, MTDOC, City of Duluth, SD Game, Fish & Parks
Role on Travel South Dakota
Research
30% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
MTDOC, South Dakota Lottery
Favorite Scenic Drive
Spearfish Canyon
Director of Research
Matt Hammer
Research, Insights
& Strategy
Length of service:
20 years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, Montana Dept. of Commerce (MTDOC), City of Duluth, Leisure Hospitality, MN Dept. of Natural Resources
Role on Travel South Dakota
Senior Counsel & Strategic Advisor 20% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Leisure Hotels & Resorts, MTDOC
Favorite Parade
Belle Fourche on the 4th of July
President & COO
Laura Mitchell
Length of service:
2 years at L&S: 10 years in Nonprofit & Education Sectors
Experience
MTDOC, SD Dept. of Health, SD Chamber of Commerce
Role on Travel South Dakota
Account Supervisor & Strategic Lead
70% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
CJ Schwan's, Montgomery's
Favorite (Secret) Camping spot
Off Boles Canyon Road near the SD/WY Border
Account Supervisor
Cassi Severson
Length of service:
5 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, SD Governor's Office of Economic Development, SD Game Fish & Parks, Pizza Ranch
Role on Travel South Dakota
Account Management
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
SD Game Fish & Parks, Taco John's
Favorite Sights, Bikes & Hikes
Deadwood
Associate Account Executive
Sara Tvedt
Account Service
We'll support Travel South Dakota with the key personnel outlined in the written RFP, alongside this extended list of staff who will work on the account as needed.
We also anticipate 1–3 new staff members joining the team to deliver the best work and service.
5.10 Personnel & Qualifications
Timely tourism market analysis, trend identification, and secondary research
Keyword research, AEO, competitive review, and traveler perspectives
Visual concept exploration, traveler persona critique, image generative fill and upscaling
Campaign performance analysis, data visualization and best practices
Data orchestration, synthesis, and formatting
Administrative task automation, brainstorming, and client support
We vet every AI tool for security and quality before we use it. Check out our greenlist of approved agency resources. —>
Account Supervisor
Cassi Severson
Length of service:
5 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, SD Governor's Office of Economic Development, SD Game, Fish & Parks, Pizza Ranch
Role on Travel South Dakota
Account Management
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
SD Game, Fish & Parks, Taco John's
Favorite Sights. Bikes & hikes
Deadwood
Associate Account Executive
Sara Tvedt
Length of service:
5 Years at L&S; 7 Years at Visit Spearfish
Experience
Travel South Dakota, Teddy Roosevelt Medora Foundation (TRMF), MTDOC, BHB Board of Directors
Role on Travel South Dakota
Strategy & Insights
15% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
MTDOC, Idaho Lottery
Favorite Place for a pint
Fernson
Director of Insights
Brian
Gebhart
Length of service:
10 Years at L&S; 8 Years in Higher Education
Experience
Travel South Dakota, MTDOC, City of Duluth, SD Game, Fish & Parks
Role on Travel South Dakota
Research
30% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
MTDOC, South Dakota Lottery
Favorite Scenic Drive
Spearfish Canyon
Director of Research
Matt Hammer
Research, Insights & Strategy
Length of service:
7 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, City of Duluth, SD Game, Fish & Parks, MN Dept. of Natural Resources, Delray Beach
Role on Travel South Dakota
Creative Director
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Taco John's, Leisure Hotels & Resorts
Favorite South Dakota Event
Deer Season
Creative Director & Copy Manager
Matt
Sebert
Length of service:
9 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, City of Duluth, TRMF, Leisure Hospitality
Role on Travel South Dakota
Art Director
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Taco John's, Leisure Hotels & Resorts
Favorite Book Nook
Full Circle Book Co-op
Art Director & Design Manager
Katelyn
Short
Creative
Length of service:
9 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, City of Duluth, TRMF, Pizza Ranch, Taco John's, Love is Blind
Role on Travel South Dakota
Filming, Directing & Editing
20% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Taco John's, SD Office of Highway Safety
Favorite Spot to film
High Above Needles Highway
Senior Cinematographer
Mason
Horacek
Length of service:
19 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, TRMF, Visit Rapid City, Visit Rosevile, SCHEELS
Role on Travel South Dakota
Creative Strategy Support
15% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
CJ Schwans, MTDOC
Favorite Interstate Selfie Spot
1880 Town (with the goats)
Chief Creative Officer
Kristy Laue
Length of service:
2 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, TRMF, Visit Roseville, Delray Beach
Role on Travel South Dakota
Writing Support
75% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
TRMF, Merit Financial
Favorite Lunch Spot
Sanaa's
Copywriter
Rose
Hoogers
Length of service:
6 Years at L&S; 2 Years Prior Agency Experience
Experience
Travel South Dakota, Visit Rosevile, Taco John's, SD Office of Highway Safety
Role on Travel South Dakota
Design & Production
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Taco John's, Merit Financial
Favorite Art Inspo
Faulkton Elevator Mural
Senior Designer
Taylor
Hilmoe
Length of service:
3 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, TRMF, Delray Beach, MN Dept. of Natural Resources
Role on Travel South Dakota
Design & Production
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
TRMF, Taco John's
Favorite South Dakota Saying
"Knee-High by the Fourth of July"
Designer
Calli
Schanzenbach
Length of service:
25 Years at L&S; 10 Years Prior Agency Experience
Experience
Travel South Dakota, South Dakota Lottery, Idaho Lottery, Taco John's
Role on Travel South Dakota
Video Director, Producer
15% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Idaho Lottery, Taco John's, First PREMIER Bank
Favorite Dive Bar
Carey's
Director of Video
chris
matheson
Length of service:
2 Years at L&S; 6 Years Freelance & In-house Experience
Experience
Travel South Dakota, TRMF, South Dakota Lottery, Visit Keweenah, MI
Role on Travel South Dakota
Filming. Directing & Editing
20% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Idaho Lottery, Sanford Health
Favorite Watering Hole
Old Fashion Soda Fountain in Elk Point
Videographer & Editor
Erik
Peterson
Length of service:
25 Years at L&S
Role on Travel South Dakota
Motion Graphics & Animation
10% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Idaho Lottery, Sanford Health
Favorite Spelunking Spot
Jewel Cave
Motion Designer
Wade
Thurman
Length of service:
20 Years at L&S; 10 Years Prior Experience
Role on Travel South Dakota
Audio Production
20% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Idaho Lottery, First PREMIER Bank
Favorite Summer Pastime
A South Dakota Campfire
Senior Audio Engineer
Kevin
Phipps
Experience
Travel South Dakota, City of Duluth, SD Office of Highway Safety
Experience
Travel South Dakota, First PREMIER Bank, SD Behavioral Health
Length of service:
9 years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, City of Duluth, Liv Hospitality, MTDOC, Delray Beach, TRMF
Role on Travel South Dakota
Digital Strategy
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Taco John's, SD Dept. of Labor
Favorite Hidden Gem
Palisades State Park
Senior Digital Strategist
Mariah
Hanten
Length of service:
3 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, City of Duluth, Delray Beach, Visit Roseville
Role on Travel South Dakota
Digital Strategy
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
South Dakota Trade, Merit Financial
Favorite Road Trip Refuel
Vivian Gas Station
Digital Coordinator
Harleigh
Deville
Length of service:
14 Years at L&S; 2 Years Prior Experience
Experience
Travel South Dakota, City of Duluth, Dakota State University
Role on Travel South Dakota
Lead Developer
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Dakota State University, SD Behavioral Health
Favorite HOliday Stop
Visiting Lemmon with Family
Lead Developer
Carl
Gorton
Digital
Length of service:
9 years at L&S; 5 Years in Marketing & Nonprofit Sectors
Experience
Idaho Lottery, Pizza Ranch, City of Duluth, South Dakota Lottery, Taco John's
Role on Travel South Dakota
Media Partnerships & Innovation
25% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Idaho Lottery, Taco John's
Favorite Family Memory
Taking the Kids to Reptile Gardens
Director of Media
Dara
Klatt
Length of service:
8 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, MTDOC, City of Duluth, Delray Beach, TRMF
Role on Travel South Dakota
Media Strategy
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
TRMF, Taco John's
Favorite Splurge
Dimock Butter Cake at Skogen Kitchen
Media Strategy Manager
Kyrie
Bussler
Length of service:
8 Years at L&S
Experience
Delray Beach, Pizza Ranch, Dakota State University, Taco John's, South Dakota Lottery
Role on Travel South Dakota
Media Strategy
25% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Delray Beach, Pizza Ranch, South Dakota Lottery
Favorite South dakota Event
Corn Palace Festival
Media Strategist
Alexis
Tomek
Media
Now that you know our names, what's yours?
Now that you know our names, what yours?
Come and get your South Dakota nickname.
Length of service:
13 Years at L&S; 9 Years in Leadership & Management
Experience
Travel South Dakota, Sanford Health, Cambria, Mammoth Sports Construction, Taco John's, Leisure Hotels & Resorts, Montgomery's
Role on Travel South Dakota
Support & Advocacy
5% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
Taco John's, Leisure Hotels & Resorts
Favorite stretch of I-90
Cresting the Hill near the Missouri at Oacoma
CEO
Micah
Aberson
Length of service:
5 Years at L&S
Experience
Travel South Dakota, SD Governor's Office of Economic Development, SD Game Fish & Parks, Pizza Ranch
Role on Travel South Dakota
Account Management
50% of time
Other Accounts Assigned
SD Game Fish & Parks, Taco John's
Favorite Sights, Bikes & Hikes
Deadwood
Associate Account Executive
Sara Tvedt
land of infinite variety // tsd rfp #25RFP15823
land of infinite variety // tsd rfp #25RFP15823