Let's Think!
Me
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Let's Think!
Me

About Us

When we created NextLevel Thinking, we set out to build a virtual firm that combines the disciplines of marketing strategy and creative thinking.

That is our core competency!!!

Our Client Experience Team

Eric Poerschke

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Tara Lockhart

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Kristen Dyson

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Kate Buchanan

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Emily Hemenway

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Angie De La Cruz

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Scott Blair

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Oana Borcoman

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Kyle Poerschke

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Our World Headquarters is located in Houston, Texas and our associates are located all over the US. For each of our projects, we put together a team that is specially qualified to address your unique needs.

Creative Thinking

Website Design and Development

Copywriting

Competitive Intelligence

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)

Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

Graphic Design

Logo Creation

Photography

Qualitative Marketing Research

Quantitative Marketing Research

Media Planning and Placement

Our Purpose

Challenging organizations to discover who they are, understand what business they are actually in, and confidently articulate their why.

Our Core Values

Giving the client what they need, not just what they want.
Seeing the needs of a client is our specialty. Being able to help the client understand what they need beyond what they want is our distinctive approach.
We listen before we lead.
We listen to our client, study their marketplace, and talk to their customers. It’s only after this communication takes place that we are fully equipped to lead them on a journey of discovery and growth.
Everyone needs what we offer. They just may not be ready for it.
Clients usually understand that real sustained growth requires work and plenty of company soul searching. Not every organization is currently equipped to take on this type of initiative. We’re willing to wait until the timing is right for both of us.

Copyright © 2023, Next Level Thinking. All rights reserved.

Eric Poerschke

In another life, I’m pretty sure I was a psychologist!

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?

My absolute best days are when we’re able to help a client see their business differently. It’s usually at this point when things begin to take off and the effectiveness of what we can do for them begins to be realized both internally and externally in a very powerful way.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is don’t get too high on the highs and too low on the lows. This advice was from my high school basketball coach.
If you could possess one super-human power, what would it be?

I think it would be so cool to be able to fly. The different vantage points would be amazing and the ability to get places quickly would be awesome.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

As a young fella, I probably wanted to be the usual things like a policeman, fireman, etc. But from high school on, I have always wanted to own my own business. In graduate school, my buddies were sure that I would make a living helping people/organizations see things from a different perspective. They were right!

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars?

Be prepared to deliver absolute excellence, while being part of a very caring, results-oriented, drama-free work environment.

What one food do you wish had zero calories?

There are a whole bunch of food categories that I wish had zero calories. If I had to pick one, it would definitely be tortilla chips with guacamole, chili con queso and/or salsa.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

My favorite thing to do, by far, is to hang out with my family…Tracy, Erin, Trey and Kyle. My peeps!

Which of the three NextLevel Thinking core values resonates the most with you?

I think giving the client what they need, not just what they want really defines NextLevel Thinking. We have seen some extraordinary results from those clients that have really embraced this collaborative approach.

Tara Lockhart

In another life, I’m pretty sure I was an au pair. I’m good with kids- especially those that belong to other people. I love traveling and anything having to do with arts and crafts.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?

For me, I always feel the most inspired by clients who have a true passion for their unique product or service. Passion is infectious and leads to some of the greatest creative ideas.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is you can’t control other peoples’ actions, but you can control your own reaction.
If you could possess one super-human power, what would it be?

Easy. I choose to use the force like a Jedi.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

As a young girl I wanted to be an attorney. I loved watching Matlock with my grandmother.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars?

While you may think you’re joining a cool strategy firm, you’re actually going to become an integral part of many different companies.

What one food do you wish had zero calories?

Braum’s chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time I spend time with my family attending baseball games, horseback riding shows, or playing in the treehouse outside. I also love to complete DIY projects at our house. From refinishing furniture to painting rooms, I’m always making some kind of an update.

Which of the three NextLevel Thinking core values resonates the most with you?

Giving the client what they need, not just what they want is highly important to me. We owe it to our clients to push their limits and show them what is possible.

Kristen Dyson

In another life, I’m pretty sure I was a horse wrangler on a dude ranch in Montana. In my spare time, I enjoyed penning novels, boating, making casseroles and cake decorating for the town’s local bakery.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?

Working with a variety of different clients in different industries. I always say having clients is like having children; each one is unique, and I learn so much from them!

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is you can be right or you can be dead right.
If you could possess one super-human power, what would it be?

The ability to feel fully rested after approximately 38 minutes of sleep.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A veterinarian. I learned pretty quickly that wasn’t in the cards for me after discovering an intolerance for guts and blood.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars?

Ask questions, unleash your curiosity and don’t be afraid to be the odd one out.

What one food do you wish had zero calories?

Definitely cake.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Spend time with my family, read, work out, play with my dog, bake, enjoy the great outdoors, listen to podcasts and watch reruns of Mad Men.

Which of the three NextLevel Thinking core values resonates the most with you?

Giving the client what they need, not just what they want.

Kate Buchanan

In another life, I’m pretty sure I was probably a Christmas Elf. Friends and family tell me that I’m cheerful, upbeat, and notice my desire to help others.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?

The most inspiring part of my job is truly taking a business to the next level by better articulating who they are, and how their clients see them. We get to do some fun things that make a huge impact!

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is love God, love others, succeed at home first and always be grateful and gracious.
If you could possess one super-human power, what would it be?

A huge fan of Harry Potter, I’d love the ability to rearrange an entire room with the flick of my wand, or the ability to transport from one location to another, and the trickster in me would also have fun making a tail appear on family and friends.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was little, I loved creating things. One time I created a house, furniture, and people all out of pipe cleaners. So maybe an interior designer or artist? I’ve also always wanted to be a mom.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars?

Be ready for anything! We are learning new things everyday because we have awesome clients in a variety of markets. Not every project looks the same, in fact, most of them look very different. We meet our clients where they are at, and we help them grow in the direction they want to go.

What one food do you wish had zero calories?

My favorite dessert…Berry Cobbler and Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, you will find me working out at Pure Barre, enjoying beautiful New Braunfels by spending time outdoors by the Comal River with my golden doodle, Biscuit, or spending time with my church community, specifically my 6th and 7th grade girls I mentor and love dearly.

Which of the three NextLevel Thinking core values resonates the most with you?

We listen before we lead” resonates with me the most. On many occasions I find myself wanting to jump headfirst into a project. In order to deliver the best end result, it is critical for our team to listen closely and fully understand our client’s needs before executing on a project. Once we listen, we can then lead our clients in the best direction. Oftentimes, it is a direction they have not thought of before.

Emily Hemenway

In another life, I’m pretty sure I was I was most likely a deer because I am long and clumsy…or a cup of coffee.

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?

Seeing the impact our involvement makes on our clients inspires me to do my best on even the smallest of tasks.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is you change, and your circumstances change, but God never does.
If you could possess one super-human power, what would it be?

Mind-reading, but I’m sure I would get tired of it after a while.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A veterinarian, an ice skater, a gymnast…it changed weekly. 

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars?

This is a team that promotes healthy communication and a willingness to learn, so bring those things to the table.

What one food do you wish had zero calories?

Hot Cheetos with lime! I already act like they have zero calories.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love creative writing and photography and I do those as often as I can.

Which of the three NextLevel Thinking core values resonates the most with you?

“We listen before we lead” – mostly because that is the one I aim to grow in the most.

Angie De La Cruz

In another life, I’m pretty sure I was a bird! Maybe a tropical, colorful parrot or a peace-loving dove or an outgoing peacock. Or a combination of all three? Flying freely, discovering new places, having fun, and landing in different spots to hang out with other birds.

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?

Helping clients find creative and unique solutions to marketing problems they’ve been struggling with.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is passed on by my mother from my grandfather:

“La Verdadera inteligencia radica en saber utilizar las otras inteligencias” which translates to “True intelligence lies in knowing how to make use of other intelligences.”

Learning how to work as a team and take advantage of the different strengths each person brings makes all the difference.

If you could possess one super-human power, what would it be?

Teleportation. I actually find myself often saying “oh how I wish I could teleport right now”. I would love to be able to be in several places, events, and with loved ones in the blink of an eye.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A dancer! I grew up in a very musical family in a city on the Caribbean coast where music and dancing was a part of everyday life.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars?

Be prepared and open to work in different roles and different industries in a team-oriented environment.

What one food do you wish had zero calories?

Chocolate!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Lots of things! My favorite by far is spending time with my husband Nadim and my two kids Safi and Sara at home, at a park, having a nice dinner, or traveling together. I like to work out and dance. I also love organizing, it relaxes me. So, in my spare time you can also find me re-organizing closets, bedrooms, keeping things nice and tidy.

Which of the three NextLevel Thinking core values resonates the most with you?

We listen before we lead. I think it is very important that clients feel heard and feel that their opinions, doubts and ideas are taken into account.

Scott Blair

(Digital Marketing Partner)

See My Website
In another life, I’m pretty sure I was working as a blacksmith or carpenter.
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?

The opportunity to be creative in generating solutions while analytical to discover the patterns for pivots or changes.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is don’t wait until retirement to travel. We’re not all guaranteed to make it or arrive fully intact.
If you could possess one super-human power, what would it be?

Teleportation

What did you want to be when you grew up?

Being a professional baseball player was always my dream as a kid.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars?

Maintain great communication, flexibility, and a positive attitude.

What one food do you wish had zero calories?

Tacos.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Spend time with the family, watching sci-fi series, hiking, and exploring National Parks..

Which of the three NextLevel Thinking core values resonates the most with you?

We listen before we lead!

Oana Borcoman

(Experiential Marketing Partner)

See My Website
In another life, I’m pretty sure I was a mind reader or a therapist. I am extremely sensitive to people’s emotions around me where I not only internalize their emotions but somehow, non-purposefully, invite them to share all their most intimate secrets with me. I often find myself in very personal conversations with strangers, but I am happy I can be that person for them!
What’s the most inspiring part of your job?

I love that everything we do makes people happy in the end. We give them memorable experiences, help make people feel appreciated, contribute to their fun and positive state of mind. No matter how hard working on an event gets or how frustrating supply chain issues are, it’s all worth it seeing the smiles at the end!

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is underpromise and overdeliver. I live by this in all aspect of my business and life to the point where I probably undersell myself too much. However, imagine the delight in the overdeliver afterwards!

If you could possess one super-human power, what would it be?

I would like the ability to do magic… to snap my fingers and make something I want appear or happen, to instantly transport myself wherever I want with a quick blink, and to control situations that I cannot otherwise control without magical abilities!

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I always wanted to be a lawyer, and to this day, more than ever, I think I should have been a lawyer. Boy, do I love a good argument and winning a point!

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars?

Qualities you must possess… accountability, reliability, self-starter, self-teacher, and intrinsically motivated. The rest can be taught but the qualities mentioned above are hard to find and even harder to fake if you don’t possess them.

What one food do you wish had zero calories?

Burgers… I love burgers. Oh and queso… or can my answer just be “junk food?” My weakness!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Anything that involves my dogs!

Which of the three NextLevel Thinking core values resonates the most with you?

Giving the client what they need, not just what they want – for sure! I am BIG on learning to manage the client because ultimately, they are hiring us for a reason. Having the strength and confidence in your work to tell a client that what they want is not what they need and that they should trust you instead is so important.

At the end of the day, as a consultant and service provider, we have experience that we stand by and value within ourselves. If we do not stand by what we think is best for the client, despite their opinion on it, then we are doing them a disservice.

Our job is to prevent the mistake rather than say “I told you so” if it’s made.

Kyle Poerschke

In another life, I’m pretty sure I was a race car driver. As a child, I had a desire to become a race car driver even though I didn’t have any particular exposure or introduction to the sport. It was just an early gut feeling I had. For some reason I felt like I knew it would be something I would enjoy!

What’s the most inspiring part of your job?

That feeling of getting to work on something you enjoy and are passionate about, and when finished, feeling like you did a good job. That just makes me want to do more!

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is don’t take any wooden nickels.

If you could possess one super-human power, what would it be?

I don’t see how you can answer anything other than flying. It would solve so many of life’s issues. There are obvious benefits like efficient travel and scenic views.

But think about this. It is a common thing to “go for a walk” to relieve some stress but how lame is that in comparison to someone who can take a couple minutes to “go for a flight”. Flying would provide a sense of joy and freedom that would allow me to forget about all of my current problems, allowing me to reset and return with a new focus. I’d never be stressed again.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A race car driver in my early ages, and then I shifted towards basketball when I realized I was pretty good. I wanted to go to the NBA. I was also inspired by Dude Perfect growing up, to the point where me and my friends had a YouTube Channel making trick shot videos. I wanted to be like them.

What advice would you give a candidate who wants to join our team of superstars?

Make yourself available!

What one food do you wish had zero calories?

Probably chocolate chip cookies. I eat them pretty much every night and I don’t think I will be able to do that much longer.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Play golf, tennis, listen to music, be with friends and family, eat good food. I am a person who enjoys having hobbies, so I am always open to trying new things.

Which of the three NextLevel Thinking core values resonates the most with you?

We listen before we lead. Those who give the best advice are the ones who listen well!