Two New Fearless Thinkers
Meet Thiago Wimberly, our newest designer and Courtney Zuendel, the latest addition to our growing account team. Instead of writing a blog full of job descriptions and welcoming words, we thought we’d switch it up a bit. Instead, we sat down with our newest shipmates, Thiago and Courtney, to learn about who they are through the important things in life like Netflix, Amazon shopping carts, Cleveland favorites, hobbies, and their opinion on one of the world’s most polarizing topics: Is a hotdog a sandwich?
What are you most excited about working at TWIST?
Thiago: I am very excited about developing my design skills as well as learning the business processes and being around other “fearless thinkers” — sharing visual repertoire and helping brands achieve their best potential visually.
Courtney: I’m most excited about joining an organization that works with clients from so many different sectors. It’s been fun to see how TWIST tailors each strategy to the client and how that can vary between different industries.
What was your first day like?
Thiago: It was great! I was nervous and excited at the same time. Everybody was SUPER nice and patient which made me feel very comfortable.
Courtney: My first day was a download of all things agency! Having never worked in an agency before, my main focus was soaking up everything I heard and saw. I’m grateful for the opportunity to jump right in and learn through experience.
“I’m excited that Courtney has joined the team of Fearless Thinkers bringing her project management skills to the table to advance our client and internal projects and process. Not to mention I love having a fellow Lutheran West Longhorn on staff!”
– Charlene Coughlin, President
What’s the last thing you watched on Netflix?
Thiago: The current season of The Circle. Who doesn’t love good trivial reality tv?!
Courtney: It’s not Netflix, but my go-to show is Ted Lasso on Amazon. The concept is absurd and delightful at the same time.
What’s the last thing you ordered from Amazon?
Courtney: My husband and I ordered a laundry cart with four compartments, so we don’t just send clothes down the laundry shoot and pretend like they don’t exist.
Thiago: A set of Moleskine notebooks so I wouldn’t show up empty handed on my first day at work.
Is a hotdog a sandwich? Why or why not?
Thiago: A hot dog is NOT a sandwich as it belongs to its own food category like burgers and sandwiches.
Courtney: No, because the buns are connected. You wouldn’t call a soft taco a sandwich, would you?
Browns fan?
Thiago: Love brownies! Cookies! Cupcakes! Literally all the pastries! (No Thiago not brown… never mind.)
Courtney: Forever. My dad has been a season ticket holder for 30 years. I’ve inherited the pain and disappointment, but hopeful for this team! If not, there’s always next year.
Got a favorite Cleveland spot?
Thiago: Brunch in Tremont has become a tradition since I moved here earlier this year. Some of my fave brunch spots are Fat Cats, Hi and Dry and Southside.
Courtney: Really into the Metroparks and local playgrounds lately, especially Edgewater. You have incredible views of the lake and downtown, a giant nature playground, a beach, food, etc. What’s not to love?
“Working with Thiago is energizing! He brings enthusiasm, spark and a playful creative vibe that is wildly contagious to our team. He is an extraordinary conceptual thinker, collage creator and color enthusiast. I can’t wait to see his vision come forth in our client work.”
— Connie Ozan, Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer
Any hobbies?
Thiago: Yoga, video games (mainly Animal Crossing & Pokémon) and Iced Coffee.
Courtney: Hanging with my husband and son. Not really a hobby, but definitely my favorite thing to do.
How about a fun fact?
Thiago: I mentally categorize everyone I meet into Hogwarts houses. Lol
Courtney: I played D1 soccer at Miami University and served as the team’s captain for two years. I coached at the premier level as well as high school for 5 years until I had my son.
Lastly, tell me a little bit about yourself: Where are you from?
Thiago: I am originally from the north of Brazil—think exotic Amazon Rainforest! The vibrant colors, energetic patterns, and warming energy is part of who I am as a person, and it’s reflected in my work too. I am very proud of my origins and the beautiful culture from where I came from.
Courtney: Lived in Cleveland my whole life and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I went to small Lutheran schools since I was in kindergarten, graduating from Lutheran West in 2011 and then Miami University in 2015. I’ve worked mostly in the nonprofit sector until now, and I’m excited for the opportunity to learn the industry and grow as a project manager.
