About Us
Meet The Minds Behind The Passion.
Defining Creativity Since 1985
Our story begins way before design went digital, during a time when print production included manual typesetting, stationary cameras, and black & white film. It also involved a landline phone, a folding table, and an unfinished room in Diane’s house. By 1992, we upgraded offices, established a team, and purchased our first computer system.
Fast-forward to the present and you will find us as a full-service creative agency that handles everything from strategy development and concept through execution. Our team is a creatively courageous crew with a knack for turning insights into intelligent design and a passion for life and the people, places, and brands that shape it.
A Colorful Bunch
Call us your creative consultants, thought leaders, or strategic partners. No matter how you slice it, we transcend the traditional with creative solutions that build companies and brands for the long haul (and we have fun while doing it).
Diane Fazenbaker
President
As the founder and owner, Diane worked tirelessly to take BrandFirst from a print production studio to a full-service branding and design agency. She oversees the day-to-day operations and makes sure business is always running smoothly.
- Has been retiring for 8 years, but still comes to work
- Visited 12 National Parks during a roadtrip across the US in an RV
Brec Morgan
Vice President & Partner
With a background in shopper marketing and category management, Brec worked with retailers across different channels to increase productivity and ROI before making BrandFirst her home. She was raised in the industry and has a natural enthusiasm for creative thinking and design. Brec is cross-functionally responsible for overall business development and project management.
- Allergic to mushrooms
- Addicted to reality TV and the Food Network
Dianna Rogers
Strategy & New Business Director
Inquisitive and analytical by nature, Dianna is a meticulous multi-tasker who is driven to develop cohesive brand experiences. She collaborates with the creative and business management teams to develop high-impact content, and is cross-functionally responsible for account leadership, project management, strategy development, and new business initiatives.
- Won a local pierogi-making competition
- Loves shooting sporting clays
Nikki Trusa
Creative Director
Motivated to solve any puzzle, Nikki is a detail-oriented strategic thinker with an innate ability to find unconventional solutions to creative challenges. She consistently blends intention with imagination to conceptualize memorable experiences. Nikki leads the development of brand strategies, innovative graphics, and insightful content to deliver award-winning & engaging visuals across industries and categories.
- Goes to baseball games just for the hot dogs
- Believes that being by the water is the best form of therapy
Devon Nittoli
Senior Designer
Devon is versatile and organized with a well-rounded background encompassing print and web design in both the CPG and nonprofit sectors. She applies her comprehensive skillsets to a variety of industries and categories, and leads the team’s digital front to create effective branding solutions that communicate the client’s vision.
- Goes to bed thinking about her morning cup of coffee
- Will stop to pet any dog
Ashlin Augustine
Designer
With previous experience at both agency and in-house settings, Ashlin applies her passion, knowledge, and skills to all things branding and design. Her creative and collaborative spirit results in impactful graphics for a range of brands across industries and categories.
- Says “y’all” regularly and not ironically
- Will never turn down a trip to Disney
Allison Knabb
Production Director
With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, Allison finalizes all elements of a file and prepares them for release to clients, vendors, and printers. In other words, Allison is our go-to person for all print, production, and quality control needs.
- Grows tiny varieties of tomatoes
- Only eats seafood if she can see the sea
