About Bonsai Media Group

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 team

  • Jason Labaw

    CEO/Founder

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    Jason Labaw

    CEO/Founder

    What I love about my work: Bonsai is creating an environment where designers, developers and marketers collaborate and thrive. A place where learning is a core value, creative expression is championed and the best ideas win. The Ford Model A came out 20 years after the first commercial automobile; Facebook appeared 20 years after AOL. What’s next? What’s the next great Ferrari of the online space? Who’s the first Shakespeare of e-books? I want to be a part of that discovery. … read more »

    About Jason Labaw: I love challenges, figuring things out and pushing boundaries. I’ve always had an intense desire to know how things work, so I’m very empathetic in developing web strategies and designing user experiences. Like many, I've had lots of jobs: DJ, janitor, waiter, barista, developer, and Internet Marketing Director... and they're all relevant to my current position in some way. What I love about my job? I get to help people grow and further their careers.… read more »

    Favorite Quote: "The hardest metals are forged in the hottest flames." - Chinese wisdom

  • Elliott Omlin

    Design Ninja/Founder

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    Elliott Omlin

    Design Ninja/Founder

    What I love about my work: The word 'design' means many different things to people. Traditionally, design is associated with art and graphic design. To me the fascinating thing about the design field is the depth of the word design and what it really means to design. To design a user experience, to design a user interface, design a brochure, a website. There are so many things in life that can be designed, I love showing clients that they can design much more than their website and have that impact their company in a positive way. … read more »

    About Elliott Omlin: Pacific Northwest Born & Bred, AIS educated, Seattle sports fanatic.

    Favorite Quote: "Good artist copy, great artists steal." - Elliott Omlin

  • Gus Zadra

    Founder/Project and Account Manager

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    Gus Zadra

    Founder/Project and Account Manager

    What I love about my work: I have always been inspired by individuals and companies whose messages and products influence the masses. On the Internet reaching the masses has never been easier, and as a result, anything is truly possible. That’s where my passion lies in the work I do at Bonsai. Helping companies reach the masses in innovative (and profitable) ways is incredibly fulfilling. I live for the days when I get calls or emails from a happy client who proclaims, "It's working! It's working!" … read more »

    About Gus Zadra: I have a communications degree from Western Washington University, where I also played collegiate soccer. I've worked in marketing and sales for over 10 years for companies like AT&T, Clear, and KISW. I coached soccer at the collegiate level, as well as the youth level for Washington Rush, and as a director for the Sounders YPD programs. You can find me on weekends on adventures around the Puget Sound—at theme night costume parties, speaking in foreign accents or teaching kids to be excellent soccer players.… read more »

    Favorite Quote: "It's not the size of dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog. " - Mark Twain

    Twitter

  • Ryan Markham

    Director of Internet Marketing

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    Ryan Markham

    Director of Internet Marketing

    What I love about my work: I’m a success-driven person, so I enjoy hearing from clients that Bonsai’s work has made a positive impact on their business. A growing business is a happy business -- that’s how we measure success at Bonsai. We live in a rapidly-changing industry, so watching my co-workers learn, grow and innovate is super rewarding. We’re constantly learning and experimenting --it’s like going to school every day.… read more »

    About Ryan Markham: I graduated from Western Washington University with an MBA, so I love to read and learn about new ideas and approaches. Interesting fact: I became an Eagle Scout at age 14. My wife and I enjoy hiking, fishing, cooking and foreign films. My favorite days are comprised of spending time with my family and close friends, laughing, creating happy memories and loving life.… read more »

    Favorite Quote: "We earn a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give." - Winston Churchill

  • Phil Ng

    Lead Developer

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    Phil Ng

    Lead Developer

    What I love about my work: Web development combines continual learning with the spirit of being a pioneer. It changes that fast. Today the trend is toward Responsive Design, easy-to-update content, more robust analytics and overall simplicity in design and development. It makes sense, given the rise of tablets and mobile devices. What will it be next? We’re here to help our clients figure it out, make it happen and pioneer new ways of making the online space improve their business performance.… read more »

    About Phil Ng: Likes: Sports, food, comic books, skiing in fresh powder, memes, video games ("Spawn more Overlords"), suspense/thriller movies, semantic markup, HTML5/CSS3. Dislikes: Hangovers, large crowds, traffic, GMOs, the Bonsai Swear Jar, extraneous markup, table layouts, slow downloads. … read more »

    Favorite Quote: "All will be well" - Saint Walker

  • Sabrina Gaughran

    CFO/Project Manager - Web Development

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    Sabrina Gaughran

    CFO/Project Manager - Web Development

    What I love about my work: The team of people I work with. We are constantly challenging ourselves to learn and integrate new technologies to improve the services we provide to our clients. I like that our team works hard, is super creative, and likes to have a laugh. I have really enjoyed seeing this company grow and being a part of that growth, innovation and energy.… read more »

    About Sabrina Gaughran: Although I am an Accountant by trade, I graduated with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University. I lived in Australia for 10 years and learned a thing or two about the quality of life and a good beer! I have two kids who keep me really busy and a husband who keeps me grounded. I enjoy spending time with my family, gardening, and eating dinner on the lake!… read more »

    Favorite Quote: "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt

  • Tom Horton

    Senior Strategist

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    Tom Horton

    Senior Strategist

    What I love about my work: Collaborating to solve problems, gain insights and create programs and campaigns that help clients grow. I believe that to succeed in today’s world you need to have a mindset of constant learning and a never-ending curiosity about technology, business, people and the world in general. … read more »

    About Tom Horton: A Seattle native my entire life, I attended Whitman College and the University of Washington, where I studied English and Creative Writing. I’ve worked with lots of iconic Northwest brands, including Rainier Beer, Ivar's, Starbucks, Taco Del Mar, Microsoft, Seattle's Best Coffee, Amazon and Cinnabon. I’m also a winemaker, clam farmer, fly fisherman, hiker and early riser.… read more »

    Favorite Quote: "Good guys finish lunch." - Unknown

  • Jesse Andrews

    Web Developer

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    Jesse Andrews

    Web Developer

    What I do: The Wizard is thinking

    What I love about my work: The Wizard is thinking

    About Jesse Andrews: The Wizard is thinking

    Favorite Quote: "" -

  • Leif Johnson

    Project & Account Manager

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    Leif Johnson

    Project & Account Manager

    What I love about my work: I love the fact that I get to build businesses online. It gives me a sense of accomplishment to know that I am helping clients succeed in today’s ever-changing online business market. Local or national, big or small, the internet is the new frontier for business. With solid planning and wise online marketing decisions, anything is possible. Every day brings new changes and new challenges –new things to learn. It’s what fuels my fire.… read more »

    About Leif Johnson: I graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Digital Technology & Culture. I started at Bonsai in March of 2012. When I am not working, you can find me hanging out with friends and family, usually quoting any number of movies and/or TV shows. I enjoy being outdoors and am an avid winter sports enthusiast (I am a volunteer Mountain Host at Stevens Pass). Other things I like to do are camping, 4-wheeling, art, making videos, concerts, travel, and any other activity that leads me on fun adventures. I recently moved to Alki Beach and am enjoying every minute of it. … read more »

    Favorite Quote: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take." - Wayne Gretzky - Michael Scott

  • Spencer Heinzel

    SEO Specialist

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    Spencer Heinzel

    SEO Specialist

    What I love about my work: It’s amazing how little changes to a website can make huge improvements to a company’s rankings and traffic. I also love logging into content management systems and optimizing, updating and formatting information for better results. It's cool to have complete control over a site’s content and watch it change before your eyes.… read more »

    About Spencer Heinzel: I'm a recent graduate from Western Washington University with a degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Marketing. I started as an intern at Bonsai and then they signed me up for the real deal and I’ve never looked back. I love to play soccer and the occasional video game when I'm not hanging out with friends or eating copious amounts of sugary delights.… read more »

    Favorite Quote: "I don't stop eating when I'm full. The meal isn't over when I'm full. It's over when I hate myself." - Louis C.K.

  • Dana Bentsen

    Project Manager

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    Dana Bentsen

    Project Manager

    What I love about my work: At Bonsai I work collaboratively in all aspects of business operations and I also have the freedom to work independently. I love it! Bonsai's lifestyle is definitely a ' work hard, play hard' mentality which allows us to push ourselves and then reward ourselves. I’ve worked with many businesses, large and small, and have watched their dreams of success come true. That makes me smile.… read more »

    About Dana Bentsen: I have my bachelors in law from Central Washington University and have used my skills in marketing and law for over 8 years with companies big and small. Interesting fact: I grew up as a competitive ice skater. I am not a Washington native, and most of my family still resides on the East Coast. I have learned to appreciate rocky beaches and rain over the years, and now can proudly say Washington is where I belong. If I am not at work, I am outdoors somewhere—skiing, boating, enjoying it all!… read more »

    Favorite Quote: "Life's a trip, keep your toes up." - Unknown

  • Stanislav Zinkov

    Manager of Business Development

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    Stanislav Zinkov

    Manager of Business Development

    What I love about my work: I enjoy meeting new people and working with clients who have a new idea or a unique business problem that needs to be solved. I get a thrill out of collaborating and providing them with a solution that allows them to grow and excel in a digital space. At first many clients are skeptical about the online space, but when we bring them the results, the joy on their faces is just amazing. That’s what keeps me out there, finding new opportunities.… read more »

    About Stanislav Zinkov: I was born and raise in Russia, educated in the US (MBA @ WWU). Climbed Rainier 12 times, Denali 3 times, and training to climb Mt. Huntington in the Alaska range this spring.

    Favorite Quote: "" -

  • Staci Smith

    PR Ninja 5000

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    Staci Smith

    PR Ninja 5000

    What I love about my work: Helping people and organizations get the attention they deserve to grow and succeed in the online space. There are billions of websites and blogs, so how do we cut through the clutter and say something that is meaningful, and gets the attention of customers and search engines? It’s a daily challenge and we’re constantly learning new methods and technologies for communicating great ideas. But it works, and it’s worth it for our clients.… read more »

    About Staci Smith: I was raised in New Jersey but called New York City home after graduating from New York University's Stern School of Business. As a recent transplant, I LOVE Seattle and at least once every day I feel like I'm on vacation. I can be crazy obsessive compulsive and will research exhaustively until I find a way to solve whatever obstacle or question I have. Dogs are the most awesome animals on earth, with otters and cuttlefish being very close runner ups.… read more »

    Favorite Quote: "The trouble with trouble is it starts out as fun." - Anonymous

  • Robert Burgess

    Web Developer

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    Robert Burgess

    Web Developer

    What I love about my work: Technology is changing faster than ever before and I like the challenges that new and emerging technologies put in front of me. There are multiple ways to solve each problem, so developers have an opportunity to be artists as they craft and sculpt the best, sometimes most elegant, solutions to a particular technology issue. At Bonsai, developers are a lot more than just lines of code. They add value at every level of the process.… read more »

    About Robert Burgess: I grew up in the Bothell, WA area and graduated from Lynnwood High. Most of my education was on the job since.Outside the computer world, I like outdoor activities, cooking, spending time on the beach, exploring all that the Great Northwest has to offer. … read more »

    Favorite Quote: "I have a dream." - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

  • Jake Sikma

    Web Developer

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    Jake Sikma

    Web Developer

    What I love about my work: I like taking a work of art (a website design) and translating it into languages that a browser speaks. Something like: Machines + Code = Communications. I also enjoy helping clients understand how a Content Management System (CMS) allows them to unlock this formula so they can manipulate websites easily.… read more »

    About Jake Sikma: Born and raised in Seattle, I studied Creative Writing at Seattle University and took some elective classes in web design that sparked my interest in front end web development. Now I can build a website and put great content on it.… read more »

    Favorite Quote: "My view is that if your philosophy is not unsettled daily then you are blind to all the universe has to offer." - Neil deGrasse Tyson (on Reddit lol)

  • Kevin Hawley

    Creative Director

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    Kevin Hawley

    Creative Director

    What I love about my work: The great thing about Bonsai is our vast landscape of skills. Because of the awesome and talented people who work here, we can accomplish just about anything. With this in mind, we are constantly presented with amazing opportunities to unleash our awesome ninja-like web skills and create some really incredible things.… read more »

    About Kevin Hawley: Raised in the Puget-Sound area and currently a resident of Seattle, I graduated The Art Institute of Seattle with a degree in Interactive Media design and Graphic Design in 2011. I specialize in designing custom websites for entrepreneurs, organizations, corporations, mom n' pop stores, manufacturers and distributors, and gaming and hobby stores. I love to consider the art, design, and science of nearly every aspect of life. I'm also an armchair biology nerd/enthusiast, and an avid drummer.… read more »

    Favorite Quote: "If you want to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe." - Carl Sagan

  • Ananda Shaha

    SEO Specialist

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    Ananda Shaha

    SEO Specialist

    What I love about my work: I always want to learn and do new things. When I work, I learn, which helps me to do a lot of new things. 24 hours is a long time and I like to work to make sure I use my time the wisest way possible.

    About Ananda Shaha: I'm Ananda from Dhaka, presently studying BBA (Major in MIS). I've always been interested in doing something IT related, which is why I started doing Internet Marketing and Web Development. I started at Bonsai in 2012 and finally feel like I've found the right place where I can do something great. I'm a big fan of movies and every week I watch at least 2-3 movies. I am a man of very little words, but I'm an honest man and so far that has helped me excel in the things I do in my life.… read more »

    Favorite Quote: "Work hard to reach your destination." - Self

  • Finn

    Chief Executive Moral Support Officer.

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    Finn

    Chief Executive Moral Support Officer.

    What I love about my work: They give me minimal paperwork. ....Mmmmm paperwork.

    About Finn: I specialize in eating frisbees, sitting, rolling over, and making the office a much cooler place.

    Favorite Quote: "I believe in integrity. Dogs have it. Humans are sometimes lacking it." - Cesar Millan

 

About Bonsai

Bonsai Media Group is a group of designers, developers and marketing ninjas. We stealthily navigate complex codes, Photoshop, and search engine algorithms to provide clients with a website that kicks ass, gets noticed, and drives business.

Bonsai Media will always speak your language. If you're new to the online world, we'll clearly explain your options without using buzz words and tech talk. If you prefer to speak geek, we can nerd out over Jquery user enhancements and obsess over miles of plug-ins and code.

Bottom line, Bonsai will custom-build a website that:

  • Speaks to your target market
  • Is easy for you to maintain and your customers to use
  • Drives business and gets top rankings on Search Engines
  • Integrates cutting edge and wise Social Media strategies to turn curious visitors into happy and loyal customers


Bonsai Media does all of this and more by building websites that will grow with you. One provider, an integrated solution, built right, built to last. Imagine the possibilities when your website is built and marketed by Bonsai.

 Our Clients

OurClients

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