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WHO WE ARE
Left Hand Agency is a strategic CPG media agency founded by former in-house marketers who understand what real accountability feels like.
Our team has worked inside brands, managing budgets, shaping strategy, and carrying responsibility for results that extended far beyond a campaign report.
That experience shapes how we approach CPG media planning and buying today. We know performance metrics matter. We also know sustainable growth depends on building memory long before the purchase moment.
We built the kind of agency we wished we’d had on the brand side. One that balances brand strength with measurable performance, thoughtfully and intentionally.
You’ll work directly with experienced strategists who treat your investment with the same care and discipline they would their own.
TEAM
EXPERIENCED. ACCOUNTABLE. BRAND-SIDE BUILT.
We’ve led marketing from the inside. Now we bring that perspective to the brands we partner with.
CARISSA POLO
DIGITAL MEDIA BUYER
Carissa Polo brings 10 years of diverse media experience to Left Hand Agency as a digital media buyer. She's passionate about creative content, thoughtful storytelling, and forming genuine client and brand connections.
Before joining Left Hand Agency, Carissa worked as an Emmy-winning producer in live television production for local news, sports, and entertainment.
Carissa loves traveling, reality TV, hikes with her dog, and learning new languages.
GOOGLE CERTIFICATIONS:
Google Video Certification
TRADE DESK CERTIFICATIONS:
Trade Desk EDGE Trading Essentials Certification
Trade Desk EDGE Executive Program Certification
Trade Desk EDGE Marketing Foundations Certification
META CERTIFICATIONS:
Facebook Blueprint
MAGNITE CERTIFICATIONS:
CTV is for Everyone: A Buyer's
Connected Guide to Connected TV & Audience Data for Advertisers
LOCATION:
Dallas, TX
Carissa Polo brings 10 years of diverse media experience to Left Hand Agency as a digital media buyer. She's passionate about creative content, thoughtful storytelling, and forming genuine client and brand connections.
Before joining Left Hand Agency, Carissa worked as an Emmy-winning producer in live television production for local news, sports, and entertainment.
Carissa loves traveling, reality TV, hikes with her dog, and learning new languages.
GOOGLE CERTIFICATIONS:
Google Video Certification
TRADE DESK CERTIFICATIONS:
Trade Desk EDGE Trading Essentials Certification
Trade Desk EDGE Executive Program Certification
Trade Desk EDGE Marketing Foundations Certification
META CERTIFICATIONS:
Facebook Blueprint
MAGNITE CERTIFICATIONS:
CTV is for Everyone: A Buyer's
Connected Guide to Connected TV & Audience Data for Advertisers
LOCATION:
Dallas, TX
EMILY SOMAN
INTEGRATED MEDIA COORDINATOR
Emily Soman is a marketing professional with over a decade of experience bringing integrated campaigns to life across digital and traditional channels. She’s always enjoyed the behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything moving, from organizing timelines and assets to catching the small details that make a big difference.
Over the years, Emily has worked in both agency and in-house roles, supporting marketing initiatives for organizations across nonprofit, utilities, travel, retail, and financial services. She’s especially proud of her time at United Way Miami, where she helped promote programs that created meaningful impact in the community.
At Left Hand Agency, Emily works closely with Media Buyers and Project Managers to keep campaigns organized and on track, bringing a razor-sharp attention to detail and a love of a well-formatted spreadsheet to every project.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys exploring trails and dog parks around Colorado with her husband and their two dogs, and is always happy to swap TV recommendations.
LOCATION:
Superior, CO
Emily Soman is a marketing professional with over a decade of experience bringing integrated campaigns to life across digital and traditional channels. She’s always enjoyed the behind-the-scenes work that keeps everything moving, from organizing timelines and assets to catching the small details that make a big difference.
Over the years, Emily has worked in both agency and in-house roles, supporting marketing initiatives for organizations across nonprofit, utilities, travel, retail, and financial services. She’s especially proud of her time at United Way Miami, where she helped promote programs that created meaningful impact in the community.
At Left Hand Agency, Emily works closely with Media Buyers and Project Managers to keep campaigns organized and on track, bringing a razor-sharp attention to detail and a love of a well-formatted spreadsheet to every project.
Outside of work, Emily enjoys exploring trails and dog parks around Colorado with her husband and their two dogs, and is always happy to swap TV recommendations.
LOCATION:
Superior, CO
LAUREN RIDGLEY
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Lauren Ridgley is the CEO and founder of Left Hand Agency, where she helps brands crack the code on what’s working, especially in places where it’s hard to tell.
With 20+ years in advertising and media, she’s built a reputation for translating big-picture goals into custom plans that actually move the needle.
Her specialty is retail marketing—making the messy measurable across channels like out-of-home, programmatic video, paid search, and retail media. If a platform is hard to track, she’s probably already working on a way to make it accountable.
Lauren’s career began in television, where she earned an Emmy and led marketing at top stations. Today, she’s known for bringing the same creative rigor and strategic clarity to CPG brands, nonprofits, and founders who want smart media without the fluff.
She also serves on the board of NextNW, helping build community and mentorship among the next generation of creative leaders in the Northwest.
When she’s not building media plans, Lauren is usually reading a novel, testing a new recipe, or exploring the world with her husband, daughter, and her dog Homer.
LOCATION:
Portland, OR
Lauren Ridgley is the CEO and founder of Left Hand Agency, where she helps brands crack the code on what’s working, especially in places where it’s hard to tell.
With 20+ years in advertising and media, she’s built a reputation for translating big-picture goals into custom plans that actually move the needle.
Her specialty is retail marketing—making the messy measurable across channels like out-of-home, programmatic video, paid search, and retail media. If a platform is hard to track, she’s probably already working on a way to make it accountable.
Lauren’s career began in television, where she earned an Emmy and led marketing at top stations. Today, she’s known for bringing the same creative rigor and strategic clarity to CPG brands, nonprofits, and founders who want smart media without the fluff.
She also serves on the board of NextNW, helping build community and mentorship among the next generation of creative leaders in the Northwest.
When she’s not building media plans, Lauren is usually reading a novel, testing a new recipe, or exploring the world with her husband, daughter, and her dog Homer.
LOCATION:
Portland, OR
LEXIE THOMAS
DIGITAL MEDIA BUYER
Since joining the team in 2022, Lexie has helped drive strategic digital growth through programmatic and social media advertising. As a Digital and Social Media Buyer, and Social Media Lead, she helps deliver campaigns that convert.
From Google Search to connected TV, our digital team helps build full-funnel media strategies that maximize results. With a deep understanding of audience behavior and data-driven targeting, Lexie plays a role in shaping impactful campaigns that help our clients scale with confidence.
GOOGLE CERTIFICATIONS:
Google Search Certification
Google Shopping Certification
TRADE DESK CERTIFICATIONS:
Trade Desk EDGE Trading Essentials Certification
Trade Desk EDGE Executive Program Certification
Trade Desk EDGE Marketing Foundations Certification
META CERTIFICATIONS:
Facebook Blueprint
MAGNITE CERTIFICATIONS:
CTV is for Everyone: A Buyer's
Connected Guide to Connected TV & Audience Data for Advertisers
LOCATION:
Salem, OR
Since joining the team in 2022, Lexie has helped drive strategic digital growth through programmatic and social media advertising. As a Digital and Social Media Buyer, and Social Media Lead, she helps deliver campaigns that convert.
From Google Search to connected TV, our digital team helps build full-funnel media strategies that maximize results. With a deep understanding of audience behavior and data-driven targeting, Lexie plays a role in shaping impactful campaigns that help our clients scale with confidence.
GOOGLE CERTIFICATIONS:
Google Search Certification
Google Shopping Certification
TRADE DESK CERTIFICATIONS:
Trade Desk EDGE Trading Essentials Certification
Trade Desk EDGE Executive Program Certification
Trade Desk EDGE Marketing Foundations Certification
META CERTIFICATIONS:
Facebook Blueprint
MAGNITE CERTIFICATIONS:
CTV is for Everyone: A Buyer's
Connected Guide to Connected TV & Audience Data for Advertisers
LOCATION:
Salem, OR
MAIA BRUSSEAU
MARKETING DIRECTOR
Maia Brusseau brings more than 25 years of experience in media, communications, public relations, and marketing. Over the course of her career, she has led award-winning marketing and creative teams in top 20 television markets and guided communications and marketing efforts for the largest animal welfare organization in the Rocky Mountain Region.
At Left Hand Agency, Maia helps shape how the agency shows up in the world—translating strategy into a clear, consistent brand presence across channels. She’s known for blending creative thinking with practical systems that help teams move faster, stay aligned, and scale with intention.
Based in Colorado, Maia lives with her husband, Todd, and their two cats. Outside of work, she’s usually planning the next trip, getting outside for a hike, or checking out local restaurants, craft breweries, and live music.
A lifelong animal advocate, Maia also serves as Vice President of the Friends of Foothills Animal Shelter Board of Directors.
LOCATION:
Denver, CO
Maia Brusseau brings more than 25 years of experience in media, communications, public relations, and marketing. Over the course of her career, she has led award-winning marketing and creative teams in top 20 television markets and guided communications and marketing efforts for the largest animal welfare organization in the Rocky Mountain Region.
At Left Hand Agency, Maia helps shape how the agency shows up in the world—translating strategy into a clear, consistent brand presence across channels. She’s known for blending creative thinking with practical systems that help teams move faster, stay aligned, and scale with intention.
Based in Colorado, Maia lives with her husband, Todd, and their two cats. Outside of work, she’s usually planning the next trip, getting outside for a hike, or checking out local restaurants, craft breweries, and live music.
A lifelong animal advocate, Maia also serves as Vice President of the Friends of Foothills Animal Shelter Board of Directors.
LOCATION:
Denver, CO
RYAN PITZ
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Ryan Pitz brings 20 plus years of award-winning business management experience to his role as our Chief Financial Officer.
With a people-centric mindset, Ryan's passion for operational excellence and talent development helps him to tackle whatever comes his way.
Before joining Left Hand Agency, Ryan served as a strategic advisor for multiple retail store openings and remodels, transitioning stores every 2-3 years to rebuild broken processes and implementing improvements.
ACCOLADES:
– Awarded Business of the Year by the state of Wisconsin and city of West Milwaukee, recognized by mayor and governor for being a leader within the community.
– Achieved Best Boss Award in Region 100 (recognized as top boss out of 400 in region).
– Received Company Golden Contribution (for excellence in P&L Management) award 14 times as Store Director.
LOCATION:
Portland, OR
Ryan Pitz brings 20 plus years of award-winning business management experience to his role as our Chief Financial Officer.
With a people-centric mindset, Ryan's passion for operational excellence and talent development helps him to tackle whatever comes his way.
Before joining Left Hand Agency, Ryan served as a strategic advisor for multiple retail store openings and remodels, transitioning stores every 2-3 years to rebuild broken processes and implementing improvements.
ACCOLADES:
– Awarded Business of the Year by the state of Wisconsin and city of West Milwaukee, recognized by mayor and governor for being a leader within the community.
– Achieved Best Boss Award in Region 100 (recognized as top boss out of 400 in region).
– Received Company Golden Contribution (for excellence in P&L Management) award 14 times as Store Director.
LOCATION:
Portland, OR
SARAH PHILPOTT
INTEGRATED MEDIA BUYER
Sarah Philpott is a marketing professional with over a decade of media experience and a strong foundation in local TV and digital sales. She spent several years at Tribune Media as a Digital Sales Manager, where she discovered her love for helping brands show up in strategic and meaningful ways.
What really drives Sarah is finding and implementing the right advertising plan for each client because, “a prescription without a diagnosis is malpractice.” She’s passionate about listening first, understanding each client’s unique needs, and building thoughtful, effective solutions that actually work.
At Left Hand Agency, Sarah blends her industry knowledge with a genuine enthusiasm for collaboration, both with her clients and her team. She’s all about building relationships, staying curious, and finding smart, creative solutions that make an impact.
Outside of work, you can find Sarah hanging out or traveling with her best friend and husband of 14 years, and their 6-year-old firecracker of a daughter who brings them endless joy.
LOCATION:
Bentonville, AR
Sarah Philpott is a marketing professional with over a decade of media experience and a strong foundation in local TV and digital sales. She spent several years at Tribune Media as a Digital Sales Manager, where she discovered her love for helping brands show up in strategic and meaningful ways.
What really drives Sarah is finding and implementing the right advertising plan for each client because, “a prescription without a diagnosis is malpractice.” She’s passionate about listening first, understanding each client’s unique needs, and building thoughtful, effective solutions that actually work.
At Left Hand Agency, Sarah blends her industry knowledge with a genuine enthusiasm for collaboration, both with her clients and her team. She’s all about building relationships, staying curious, and finding smart, creative solutions that make an impact.
Outside of work, you can find Sarah hanging out or traveling with her best friend and husband of 14 years, and their 6-year-old firecracker of a daughter who brings them endless joy.
LOCATION:
Bentonville, AR
SARAH WILLIAMS
MEDIA STRATEGIST
Sarah Williams is an Emmy Award-winning Producer with more than 20 years of experience in the creative and marketing industries.
With a demonstrated track record for leadership, Sarah is an expert at implementing cutting-edge marketing plans, brand development, and communications strategies.
Sarah is a rare combination of both data-driven strategic marketer and highly effective creative producer.
She is also an award-winning wedding photographer, speaks a little Italian, and has worked for three of the top TV networks in the world.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling the world and spending time with her family.
LOCATION:
Portland, OR
Sarah Williams is an Emmy Award-winning Producer with more than 20 years of experience in the creative and marketing industries.
With a demonstrated track record for leadership, Sarah is an expert at implementing cutting-edge marketing plans, brand development, and communications strategies.
Sarah is a rare combination of both data-driven strategic marketer and highly effective creative producer.
She is also an award-winning wedding photographer, speaks a little Italian, and has worked for three of the top TV networks in the world.
In her spare time, she enjoys traveling the world and spending time with her family.
LOCATION:
Portland, OR
STACY WOELBER
SENIOR MEDIA BUYER
Stacy Woelber is a results-driven Senior Media Buyer and Strategist with extensive experience in media planning, account management, and strategic media buying across broadcast TV, radio, OOH, and digital platforms.
She specializes in driving high-impact, data-informed campaigns for broadcasting and media agencies, leveraging deep analytical skills and market insights to optimize audience targeting, enhance brand visibility, and deliver measurable ROI.
Stacy is renowned for her strong negotiation abilities, budget optimization, and cross-functional collaboration that brings innovative strategies to life.
When Stacy’s not negotiating killer deals for our clients, you’ll find this nature-loving and thrill-seeking mom of two either relaxing in the outdoors or heading out on her next big adventure.
LOCATION:
Van Buren, AR
Stacy Woelber is a results-driven Senior Media Buyer and Strategist with extensive experience in media planning, account management, and strategic media buying across broadcast TV, radio, OOH, and digital platforms.
She specializes in driving high-impact, data-informed campaigns for broadcasting and media agencies, leveraging deep analytical skills and market insights to optimize audience targeting, enhance brand visibility, and deliver measurable ROI.
Stacy is renowned for her strong negotiation abilities, budget optimization, and cross-functional collaboration that brings innovative strategies to life.
When Stacy’s not negotiating killer deals for our clients, you’ll find this nature-loving and thrill-seeking mom of two either relaxing in the outdoors or heading out on her next big adventure.
LOCATION:
Van Buren, AR
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