Shannon Plonta

About Shannon Plonta

I embarked on my entrepreneurial journey with Sprout Strategy Group in Alaska, where I spent the majority of my life. Coming from a proud military family, I draw inspiration from my grandparents, who met in Laredo, Texas, in 1958. My grandfather, an 85 year old retired Chief Master Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, and my grandmother, a 91-year-old retired CCU nurse, have profoundly influenced my values and aspirations.In May 2022, after thoughtful consideration and guidance from my family, my daughter and I relocated to Tyler, Texas. Captivated by the East Texas lifestyle and with family in nearby San Antonio, I enjoy the warm climate, swimming, and spending quality time with my soccer-loving daughter.​With over 25 years of experience in the advertising and marketing industry, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with some of Alaska and Texas\' most influential businesses and non-profits. A standout achievement in my career was serving as the art director and strategist for the historic Lisa Murkowski for Senate write-in campaign, where I directed impactful TV commercials and print materials. Murkowski’s victory was a landmark moment in U.S. electoral history, making her one of only two federal write-in candidates to win a U.S. election. This accomplishment underscores my expertise in political strategy and my ability to deliver results in high-stakes environments.​​I believe that success is built on collaboration and the strength of a dedicated team. My leadership and creative energy drive innovative ideas, a philosophy I have embraced since founding Sprout Strategy Group in 2010.

Experience

1. Agency Owner Creative Director Marketing Strategist Leadership

   Sprout Strategy Group, Inc

   Jan 2017 — Present · US

   Background: Sprout Strategy Group was born out of the evolution of my previous agency, Plontá Creative, following a strategic re-brand after taking a career pause to focus on family. Upon returning to the industry, I sought a fresh identity that reflected both my experience and a growth-driven approach to client success. Reconnecting with former clients was met with strong support, paving the way for renewed collaborations and reinforcing the enduring value of those partnerships.Responsibility: I am responsible for driving revenue growth for local clients through strategic sales, production, omni-channel marketing, and digital initiatives. I also consult with Texas-based businesses to enhance their internal marketing operations by creating and refining SOP’s, optimizing efficiency and impact across their marketing strategies.Success: I successfully expanded the client base and drove profitability by implementing targeted digital media strategies and improving the on-line branding of key accounts. In Texas, I established a strong presence by collaborating with clients in the healthcare, energy, and other vital sectors. By refining their marketing strategies and enhancing their digital footprint, I helped these businesses navigate the complexities of the evolving marketplace, driving growth and increasing their competitiveness in their respective industries.Highlight: I founded and scaled Sprout Strategy Group during the COVID-19 pandemic, growing it to serve 20+ clients across healthcare, telecommunications, resource development, and construction materials.Since relocating to Texas, I have partnered with businesses in the nonprofit, healthcare, retail, and energy sectors, including a major electrical cooperative. I’ve helped large Texas companies build long-term relationships, revitalize business structures, and implement modern marketing strategies that drive growth and adaptability in today’s dynamic market.

Education

• New Skills Academy

  Digital Marketing Certificate, Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia

  2020 — 2020

• Sessions College for Professional Design

  Masters Certificate, Adobe Creative Suite - Web Design

  2003 — 2004

• Palmer High School

  Diploma of Education

  1997 — 1998

Skills

• Photoshop
• Packaging
• Social Media
• Visual Communication
• Quarkxpress
• Marketing
• Image Manipulation
• Graphics
• Social Networking
• Multimedia
• Website Creation
• Social Media Marketing
• Creative Strategy
• Business Cards
• Brochures
• Creative Direction
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Graphic Design
• Branding & Identity
• Corporate Identity
• Posters
• Mac
• Illustration
• Interaction Design
• Image Editing
• Logo Design
• Indesign
• Entrepreneurship
• Layout
• Corporate Branding
• Photography
• Brand Development
• Advertising
• Flash
• Website Development
• Banners
• Dreamweaver
• Illustrator
• Art
• Catalogs