Rising Stars: Meet Kari Fletcher of Berkeley Lake

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kari Fletcher.

Hi Kari, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I didn’t start out in marketing. My early career path pointed toward engineering — a field that appealed to my love of math and the elegant logic of calculus. But as much as I appreciated the structure, I quickly realized that engineering wasn’t where my passion lived.

That realization came into focus when I launched my first company: a home inspection firm in Upstate New York. While the technical side of the business was important, I found myself drawn to something else entirely — building awareness, designing the brand, crafting the messaging, and connecting with the community. I was doing marketing without even knowing it. Once I recognized that spark, I pursued it relentlessly, layering education and experience to build a career rooted in strategic communication.

Every step since has been a calculated risk — and a potential reward. Taking the helm at Chandley Communications has been the biggest leap yet. Leading a boutique agency with a diverse client portfolio is the most challenging role I’ve ever taken on, but also the most rewarding. It’s stretched me in new ways, and I’m proud to say I’m finding my rhythm, building momentum, and helping others do the same.

My leadership philosophy is simple: be different. Inspire passion. Create space for people to grow. I believe teams thrive when they feel safe, seen, and empowered — when they know their individual strengths contribute to a larger vision. That’s the culture I’m building at Chandley, and it’s the foundation of *The Chandley Way*.

*The Chandley Way* is more than a tagline — it’s a framework for how we show up, serve, and succeed. It’s about clarity with creativity, strategy with soul, and relationships built on trust and transparency. It’s how we partner with clients, how we support each other, and how we stay grounded in purpose while pushing for excellence. It’s a living philosophy that guides our work, our culture, and our growth.

As an Adjunct Professor at SNHU, I teach my students that successful marketing is never one-size-fits-all. It’s a mix — a thoughtful blend of digital and traditional tactics, grounded in strategy and brought to life through storytelling. That philosophy guides my work at Chandley, too. Whether I’m in the classroom or the boardroom, I’m always looking for ways to connect, uplift, and create impact.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road?

Not at all — but every bump in the road taught me something valuable.

When I realized marketing was my calling, I was a single mom with four young children, including one with significant disabilities. I knew where I wanted to go professionally, but the path to get there was anything but easy. My days were packed with work, caregiving, school pickups, homework help, and keeping the household running. And then, when the house finally quieted down, I’d open my laptop and dive into coursework — often late into the night, fueled by determination and a deep belief that I could build something better for all of us.

There were moments of exhaustion, doubt, and overwhelm. But there was also purpose. I wasn’t just pursuing a degree — I was building a future. Every class, every assignment, every late-night study session was a step toward the career I envisioned and the life I wanted to create for my family.

Those years shaped me as a leader. They taught me how to prioritize, how to stay focused under pressure, and how to lead with empathy. I bring that perspective into every room I enter — whether I’m guiding a team, supporting a client, or teaching a class. I know what it means to juggle, to persevere, and to show up with heart.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
What do I do? What sets me apart?

As Executive Agency Director at Chandley Communications, I lead with strategy, creativity, and heart. My role blends high-level vision with hands-on collaboration — guiding our team, shaping client campaigns, and ensuring every project reflects both excellence and authenticity.

I specialize in integrated marketing strategy, with deep expertise across traditional and digital channels — from paid search and email to social media, branding, and visual storytelling. I’m known for connecting the dots between tactics and outcomes, helping clients not just “do marketing,” but build meaningful, measurable momentum.

What sets me apart is my ability to lead with both structure and soul. I bring operational clarity to complex projects, but I also create space for creativity, growth, and human connection. I’m most proud of the culture we’re building at Chandley — one that’s rooted in *The Chandley Way*: strategic, supportive, and relentlessly client-centered.

I also teach marketing at SNHU, which keeps me sharp and grounded. It’s a joy to help students understand the full marketing mix and see how their ideas can shape real-world impact. That teaching lens influences how I lead — with clarity, encouragement, and a belief in people’s potential.

Whether I’m guiding a rebrand, mentoring a team member, or helping a client navigate change, I show up with intention. I’m here to make marketing meaningful — and to make leadership feel like a shared journey.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Lessons Learned: My Three Rules for Marketing (and Leadership)

Over the years, I’ve learned that successful marketing isn’t just about strategy and execution — it’s about people, purpose, and a little bit of joy. I’ve boiled it down to three simple rules that guide how I lead, teach, and build campaigns:

1. Without customers, we’re without jobs.**
It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget. Every tactic, every message, every design choice should serve the customer. If we’re not solving their problems or sparking their interest, we’re just making noise. I remind my team often: we’re here to create value, not just content.
2. Take care of your employees.**
Marketing is a team sport. The best ideas come from people who feel safe, supported, and empowered. I believe in building a culture where creativity thrives and individuals are seen as whole people — not just job titles. When your team feels valued, your work reflects it.
3. If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.**
Marketing should be energizing. Yes, there are deadlines and deliverables, but there’s also room for play, curiosity, and celebration. Whether we’re brainstorming a campaign or wrapping up a big win, I want my team to feel the joy in what we do. Because when we’re having fun, our clients feel it too.

These rules aren’t just slogans — they’re part of *The Chandley Way*. They shape how we show up, how we collaborate, and how we make marketing meaningful.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chandleyinc.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kari-konecky-fletcher/