'Take the Leap.
You've got the Wings.'

Erin Thomas,
Founder

Erin Thomas is an acclaimed professional writer, sought-after storyteller and creative messaging consultant who has seen time and time again the incredible power of compelling language. For the last 20 years, she has worked with entrepreneurs, brands and speakers from around the world to elevate their ventures using bold, scroll-stopping messaging to increase their impact, revenue and visibility, all while ensuring that it FEELS in perfect alignment with who they are, what they’re doing and WHY.

A storyteller at heart, Erin’s style of writing is all about connection as it’s the key to business growth: connecting the client, authentically, to their own message and then connecting them to their audience using the undeniable power of the written- and spoken- word.

Often referring to herself as a Professional Leaper, Erin has made it her mission in life to take big leaps and has a gift for helping others do the same- in their businesses, in their lives and in their stories.

A Charleston, SC, native, Erin is currently living her dream expat lifestyle in Europe, with her husband, daughter, a Boston Terrier, a French Bulldog and two cats who think they own the place. (They’re probably right.)

What is ETC.?

Erin founded Erin Thomas Communications– ETC.- nearly 20 years ago with the same goal that she still has today: helping folks get crystal clear on what they offer (because confused people don’t buy!) and then taking their ventures to the next level through the creative, concise, compelling messaging.

In her commitment to offer clients streamlined, one-stop-shop solutions (alleviating for them the tedious task of tackling all the moving parts themselves!), Erin has assembled an intentionally-small network of ridiculously talented, badass creatives from around the world to help with all facets of communications, including web building, light graphic design, niche content and copy writing, media and public relations.

Meet the Team

Whitney McDuff

PR Rockstar,
Speaker Expert &
Co-Founder of the STAR experience

Whitney is a speaker brand strategist and content specialist, PR navigator, published author, blogger, and poet. She helps entrepreneurs, influencers, thought leaders, and authority experts build their public speaking brands. She and Erin together founded the STAR Experience. Passionate about extracting what makes each of her clients extraordinary, Whitney works with leaders around the globe to build their speaker and company brands for measurable impact. An avid lover of language, Whitney knows the strongest content tells a compelling story that moves people to lead remarkable lives. Her mix of cheer-leading and ass-kicking for clients gets them clear on messaging and connected to the people they need to get results.

Carly Oduardo

Lead Messaging MagiciaN,
ETC. Co-pilot

Summoning her passion for both people and language, Carly is a genius at finding the exact phrasing that lights up the audience and inspires them to take ACTION. She's also the yin to Erin's yang. With a Master's degree from the University of Colorado, Carly approaches the process of learning, growth, and self-expression in writing with the same care she held for her students in her former life as an elementary literacy teacher. She and her husband are homebodies-turned-travelers, raising their two children as global citizens and joyously preparing to move from Colorado to Spain later this year!

Valerie Passerini

Wordsmith Extraordinaire

Valerie is a Lakewood, CO-based writer with a law degree and seven years of experience as a copywriter and content manager for organizations and herself. She gravitates toward working with female-led businesses that embrace the unconventional, from leadership to messaging style.
When she’s not tap-tap-tapping away (her son’s view of what she does!), you can find her trail running, paddleboarding and practicing yoga, which helps with the previous two. After a Midwestern upbringing on Carl Budding turkey, processed cheese product and many sleeves of Chips Ahoy!, she now enjoys trying her hand at delicious cuisines far and wide, doing her darndest to avoid cutting her hand on her mandolin slicer.

Jenny Gallegos

VA Superstar,
Etc. Ground Control

Jenny is a systems and processes rock star and all about creating order through creative, outside-of-the-box thinking. Her superpower is bringing clarity, detail and organization to everything she does, all with her signature creative flair. With a background in Design and Marketing, her motto is that rarely is a 'one-size-fits-all' approach the right one. She specializes in seeing each project as an opportunity for unique consideration and personalization. Jenny is passionate about travel, culture and creative endeavors. Building a life- and a career- that allow her to celebrate both personal and professional goals is her North Star. Originally from Mexico, she currently calls Cologne, Germany home after living for years in Spain. You can find her practicing photography, creating art or devouring a delicious meal.

Tharun Kongara

Website &
Digital Guru

Tharun specializes in crafting cohesive brand experiences across all digital touch-points, from websites to emails and everything in between.

With a Master's Degree in Marketing from a French Grande Ecole, Tharun's approach to website design is always through a marketing lens. A sought-after and highly-skilled web designer, his true passion lies in the intricate process of bringing designs to life through development.

A fan of long drives without destinations, Tharun recently moved from France to India and considers himself a 'technology nerd and movie buff.'

We’re likely to be a good fit if you are

Aware of the vital role that messaging plays in the growth, sustainability and revenue of your business.
Excited to maximize your visibility, impact and revenue through public speaking.
Ready to think outside the box, ready for something new.
Tired of the ‘same old, same old' - tired of following the ‘rules.’
Open-minded and free-thinking.
A fan of powerful, FUN collaboration, as well as healthy professional boundaries.
Looking to work with a truly GLOBAL team.
Not offended by the occasional foul language or middle-school humor.

We’re likely NOT a good fit if you are:

On a shoestring/tight/limited budget (We are not budget copywriters and typically work with clients who are able to invest in quality messaging.)
Looking for '‘just a copywriter.' (We are strategists and an extension of your team.)
Desperate for a quick fix. (This isn’t how messaging works. Commitment and Consistency are the names of the game!)
A micromanager, a know-it-all or a Negative Nancy. (That’s not how awesome collaboration works.)
Unwilling or unable to receive direction, feedback and guidance. (You’re hiring us for a reason.)
Not a fan of cake. (OK, so maybe this isn’t actually a deal breaker, but have you tried a giant slice of homemade Dulce de Leche topped with fresh whipped cream and drizzled in salted caramel?)

'Take the Leap.
You've got the Wings.'

Erin Thomas,
Founder

What is ETC.?