Hello, fellow cat and creativity aficionados!

Today, we’re excited to introduce you to someone very special in our family – Dustin Keeslar, the new purr-prietor of Creative Cat Co! As of January 1, 2024, Dustin has taken the reins, ready to lead us into a future filled with innovative marketing strategies and tail-twitching success stories.

Dustin’s journey with us began back in 2018, when he joined forces with our founder, Nicole Hayden. Together, they transformed Creative Cat from a social media-focused kitten into a full-service marketing lion. While Nicole has now ventured on a new path, Dustin is here and he brought catnip to the party.

But who is Dustin? Well, let’s find out!

Dustin hails from the humble beginnings of Howe, Indiana — a place so quaint, you might need a cat’s eye to spot it on a state map. Raised on a farm and homeschooled until high school, he brings a unique blend of earthy wisdom and innovative thinking to Creative Cat Co. Dustin’s academic journey took him from Baker College in Michigan, where he studied IT and web development, to IPFW in Indiana, diving into visual communications and design, and a self-taught passion for photography and video production. Overtime, his passion grew beyond creative production, clients routinely requested his support in overarching marketing strategy. As a student, he earned over 19 AAF Fort Wayne awards and 7 ICPA accolades. Professionally, he has won over 24 awards, including notable ones like ‘Best In Show Digital’ and ‘Best In Show Print’ in 2022, and Gold in video broadcast commercials for the James Medical “It’s Always Go Time” campaign. 

But wait, there’s more! Dustin has a heart as big as his marketing brain. He’s been involved in missionary work, helping those in need on Native American reservations. Dustin currently serves on the board of the Fort Wayne Advertising Federation and is always pondering the best ways to give back to the community.

Now, let’s talk about the purr-sonal stuff. Dustin just married his wife, Shandi on New Year’s Eve 2023. They have two kittens, two-year-old Jackson, and 5-month-old Maisie. The family rescued a three-legged rescue cat named Zelda from the shelter when she was just a kitten. She’s a testament to his belief that the underdogs (or undercats?) of the world have a unique story to tell. And if you ever want to spice up a conversation, ask him about his love for hot peppers and dreams of starting a local hot sauce brand!

At Creative Cat Co, Dustin envisions a future where we not only create impactful marketing strategies but also cultivate a close-knit team of local talent. From design to development and marketing professionals, he aims to foster jobs in the Fort Wayne area. Dustin’s plan is bold and innovative. He envisions Creative Cat Co as a performance-based agency, where we get paid when our clients succeed. It’s about deep partnerships, not just transactions. Our focus? Lead generation, effective funnels, and making sure our clients’ investments turn into meow-jor returns. We’re not just about creating campaigns; we’re about nurturing long-term relationships and ensuring that every marketing dollar is an investment in future success.

So, there you have it, folks. Dustin Keeslar -– the man with a vision, a heart for service, and a soft spot for cats and hot peppers. We are thrilled to have him at the helm of Creative Cat Co and can’t wait to see where this adventure takes us.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates from us, and remember, in the world of marketing, it’s always cool to be a cat!