Our Story

Brave One was founded by life-long best friends Lukas B. Snelling and Jesse Mayhew. After college Jesse and Lukas seemed to embrace very differing paths; Lukas pursued a career in digital media marketing, radio, PR consulting and communications, while Jesse carved out a name for himself through writing, journalism, and brand development. Soon enough these two friends saw how their separate paths had in fact been parallel lines. They each had embraced a commitment to economic, social, and environmental justice, and both were working with companies to help them build a better world. Today they have combined their areas of expertise to better prepare tomorrow’s leading businesses for the challenges they face.

What’s with the Name?

Brave One was the name of a space dog that completed over 5 high altitude test flights between 1950 and 1960. We adopted Brave One as our logo and namesake because we felt she was the perfect emblem for an organization dedicated to bringing the good that businesses can accomplish to staggering and unprecedented heights.

The Team

Jesse Mayhew: Partner & Creative Director

 Prior to founding Brave One, Jesse owned and operated CSRcopy, a writing agency dedicated to helping corporations with their CSR and sustainability initiatives. Jesse has written and consulted for a vast range of companies including Capital One, Energizer, Freeworld Media, 3BL Media, Public Address System, and many more. In the past Jesse has served as Director of Editorial at CSRwire, a leading global source of corporate social responsibility and sustainability news, reports, events and information. A veteran cause marketing writer, thought leader and consultant, Jesse is the editor and primary contributor to the blog The CSR Writer. He is additionally the author of Corporate Storytelling and Your CSR Strategy, a highly regarded industry report dedicated to best practices in cause marketing and social media strategy.

Lukas Snelling: Partner & Strategic Director

An expert in digital media and communications, Lukas began his career at CBS where within just a few short years he ascended to the position of Director of Digital Media. While serving as Director, he was the recipient of the Web Marketing Award for Outstanding Achievement in Web Development. Lukas eventually left CBS to form his own marketing consultancy, Digital Media Army, a consulting company dedicated to helping businesses increase revenue through effective online communication.

While still at CBS Lukas founded the Green Radio Initiative, a program that created actionable messages for audiences to embrace more sustainable lifestyles across the full CBS portfolio of assets.

Lukas has overseen national media campaigns for both fortune 500 companies as well as non-profits, advised corporate executives on their PR and communications strategies, particularly those related to sustainable and environmental initiatives. He has assisted numerous organizations in the creation of press, fundraising, sales and marketing materials.

A native Vermonter, Lukas has a long-standing and continuous interest in alternative energy solutions that are in keeping with the unique character of his home state. He is the author of several reports, including The State of Digital Media Sales in the Radio Industry, 2010.

Alina Gross: Project Manager

Prior to joining Brave One Alina worked as a Researcher at the Center For Economic Development. She has acted as a consultant for plan-writing and policy efforts in several municipalities throughout Massachusetts. Alina has long been a student of public participation and policy and holds a masters degree in Urban Planning from the University of Massachusetts. Her particular areas of interest and research have included sustainability, environmental justice, redlining and minority public participation. A current PhD candidate, Alina’s recent research interest focuses on for-profit and non-profit organization’s engagement in community development and environmental stewardship – making her a perfect addition to the team at Brave One team of experts.

Angela Goleme: Chief Designer

A master of conveying complex messages in through simple, original and elegant design, Angela has worked for some of today’s top brands and advertising agencies. Past clients have included Sony Ericsson, Liberty Mutual, Time Warner Cable, Gap, Inc. and Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Angela Goleme works to make certain our client’s visual identity stays in keeping with and expressive of their core values.