boatBurner

curious

fearless

committed

We’re not order takers. We are explorers of the unknown. We take our own deep dive to unearth insights that will position your brand differently so it stands out.

We’re comfortable with being uncomfortable. Too many brands play it safe. This comfort zone leads brands straight into the sea of sameness. To drive engagement we create ideas people talk about.

Our purpose is to help our clients win. With brave ideas. No matter the problem or opportunity, our focus is on the idea. Ideas that perform.

curious

We’re not order takers. We are explorers of the unknown. We take our own deep dive to unearth insights that will position your brand differently so it stands out.

fearless

We’re comfortable with being uncomfortable. Too many brands play it safe. This comfort zone leads brands straight into the sea of sameness. To drive engagement we create ideas people talk about.

committed

Our purpose is to help our clients win. With brave ideas. No matter the problem or opportunity, our focus is on the idea. Ideas that perform.

A BRAVE IDEA IGNITES THE SOUL OF A GROWING BRAND.

Brave ideas are strategically designed to be exciting, empowering and entertaining. They start conversations with consumers to build brand engagement, loyalty and advocacy. Brave ideas connect brands with culture.

At boatBurner, we grow winning brands with a brave idea first, and flawlessly execute branding, advertising and the digital channel du jour second.

In that order.

Analytics & Data Mining
Art Direction
Global Brand Strategy
Branded Content
Branding & Identity
Brave Ideas
Concept Development
Consulting
Copywriting
Design System
Environmental Design
Event Design
Exhibition Design
Experiential
Film/Video
Media Planning & Buying
Media Strategy
Naming
New Brand Development
New Product Development
Packaging
Radio
Research
Retail Design
Social Media & Content
Website Design

Teddy Hobbins
CEO/Partner

Teddy built his career on growing brands through comprehensive launch and relaunch initiatives for a range of companies, from automotive and retail giants to med-tech and CPG startups. His diverse industry background has only fueled his constant pursuit of solving business problems. Teddy knows there is no way to build a powerful and cohesive brand without an intimate understanding of the business, the marketplace and the customer.

Teddy is our brand strategist and account director, overseeing every step of the branding process. He works directly with clients to identify the best opportunities to market themselves and align their brand essence with culture. Prior to boatBurner, Teddy was in senior account management and leadership roles at Periscope, Carmichael Lynch and Fallon.

Email Teddy

Doug Mickschl
Creative Director/Partner

As one of the founders of boatBurner, Doug has lived boatBurner’s winning purpose for over 24 years in the ever-changing world of advertising. The driving force behind his successful creative career has been his brave ideas and desire and willingness to push creativity where others don’t go.

Doug’s award-winning work spans a broad spectrum of clients like DreamWorks, Andersen Windows, Toro, Minnesota Twins, Bridgestone, Arctic Cat, MasterCraft and Buffalo Wild Wings. His work has been honored in many industry award shows, including The One Show, Communication Arts, AIGA and Effies.

Email Doug

Brandon Van Liere
Design Director/Partner

Dynamic. Intuitive. Imaginative. Brandon brings a wealth of design acumen to boatBurner as partner and design director. His brave perspective and simplistic approach complements his high visual standards for design and consistency. His client experience spans a broad range of companies, including DreamWorks, Arizona Diamondbacks, Best Buy, Target, Great Clips, Hormel, Sun Country Airlines, Miss Mary’s, Life Time Fitness and Formica.

Prior to boatBurner, Brandon was an associate design director at Periscope and BBDO in Minneapolis. He has received international acclaim from the design community, including Communication Arts, Luerzer’s Archive, Graphis and AIGA.

Email Brandon

Kenzie Loftness
Social Media Director

Kenzie has built her career by creating impactful social media strategies for both emerging brands and established giants across the outdoor, CPG, and lifestyle industries. Her deep understanding of social trends, paired with her knack for fostering authentic brand communities, has been key in driving measurable growth and brand loyalty for clients. With a background spanning influencer campaigns, paid media, and content creation, Mackenzie knows that successful social strategies are grounded in data, creativity, and a genuine connection with the audience.

As our Social Media Director, Kenzie leads the charge in crafting and executing high-performing social campaigns, managing everything from strategy development to influencer partnerships and community engagement. Before joining boatBurner, Mackenzie held senior roles at The Social Lights, where she led social media initiatives for brands like Pillsbury, Annie’s, and Betty Crocker, strengthening each brand’s presence in the digital space.