Who we are?

Michael Wollner

How this all started. Michael received a double major with a BFA in Speech and Theatre and BS in Mass Communications from Briar Cliff University in Sioux City Iowa. After moving to Chicago to work for Target as a merchandise designer, he followed his creative path to DePaul University where he received his MFA in Theatre. He landed a number of TV roles and Commercials as an actor. In his down time he wrote commercials for “FUN” landing numerous Free lance copy writing jobs with Leo Burrnett, and JWT in Chicago. With a Second City friend he wrote a Jingle and a commercial for a midsized mattress company “THE BEDDING EXPERTS WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE” and soon after was asked to place the ad buys for the company with 85 locations. Other local companies came calling and the “HOTSPOTS AGENCY” was born, in 2000. Creative is where it all begins but if the ad buy is not right the best creative is only wasted. Buying media is an art and if done well the worst creative can still drive results. But when you couple great creative with great ad buys ….true growth happens. Our agency has flourished with both sides of this puzzle as our bedrock.

Allyson Voller

She has been with Hotspots since the beginning as the Head of Billing and Continuity. Her background as office manager at a corporate party planner, brings a level of detail that is unrivaled. This makes her perfectly suited to audit, and if necessary correct any challenges prior to billing our clients. She has a keen eye for detail that goes well beyond the Numbers. A talented Actress both on TV and Stage, Allyson has become a in house Voice Over for some of Hotspots biggest clients, utilizing her Speech and Theatre Degree from Lewis University. The most artistic, fashion fabulous, member of Hotspots she brings a lot of color to our team.

Kelly Bongratz

As a former small business owner, Kelly knows how to wear every hat. From inventory to marketing, managing employees, and working with clients. She brings to our team the importance and value of excellent customer service. Going above and beyond in order to make her client’s comfortable and happy, (quite literally actually since she was a massage therapist). As an account planner, she often has to change hats, making sure her clients spots are delivered, media plans are executed, and delivers general happiness with abound. Plus her meticulous eye for detail keeps us organized, and her diligent doughnut delivery, keeps us nourished and content all while cracking the whip to keep all these creative crazies in line.

Eli Weatherby

After studying Theatre at Emporia State University, Eli moved to Chicago. With a background in improv comedy, radio sales and customer service Eli has a creative flexibility that allows him to find solutions to any challenge. As our master script writer and head creative type guy, he keeps our scripts up-to-date, relatable and downright fun. He is a people guy, and he loves working with people. Eli brings a small town work ethic and applies it to big time client service. His unique ability to marry the Rah Rah with the ROI makes him an asset for all of our clients. He is excited to bring his skills to the Hot Spots team and we are glad to have him.

Yezmin Parziale

With the ability to Speak 3 languages fluently: English, Spanish and Japanese and a Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and graduating top of her class from UNIBE University in the Dominican Republic, she is a great asset to Hotspots as the Graphic Arts Creative Director. 12 years of field experience and practical knowledge make her ideal to head any design big or small. Her career started as a graphic designer for a small design studio in 2002 and working as a graphic design instructor at CENACE Learning Institute in the Dominican Republic. Upon coming to Hotspots in late 2013 she has continued to show her skills in many aspects of graphic design including corporate identity (logo) design, web design, print design, branding and digital marketing.