GET TO KNOW THE TEAM
THE SALT OF THE EARTH
— CO-FOUNDER, SALT MARKETING
“EV” KELLY SEARLE
“Ev” Kelly Searle is the visionary behind SALT Marketing, an agency dedicated to empowering nonprofits and businesses through impactful, mission-driven marketing.
With a strong background in advertising and a heart for service, Ev has long volunteered and served on multiple nonprofit boards in her community.
In 2019, she led the growth of a top automotive marketing agency, breaking records through bold strategy and vision. In 2021, she co-founded F&I agency SALT Automotive with her husband, Justin, to give dealerships a seamless full-service solution—from warranties to marketing and traffic generation.
Later that year, through her charity work, Ev recognized the overwhelming demand for better marketing support in the nonprofit sector. That spark led to the creation of SALT Marketing, built to help purpose-driven organizations grow their reach and impact.
Since 2021, SALT’s combined efforts have been directly responsible for helping their nonprofit clients raise over an astounding $6 million through creative campaigns, events, strategic promotions, and donor engagement.
Inspired by her daughter, who has special needs, Ev’s dedication to giving back is deeply personal—and fuels her mission to support the changemakers improving lives in their communities.
PASSION: Her Family.
MUSICAL ARTIST: “Listening to my husband play guitar.”
FOOD OF CHOICE: Popcorn
DRINK OF CHOICE: Diet Coke or Red Wine (sometimes both simultaneously depending on the day)
— CO-FOUNDER, SALT MARKETING
JUSTIN SEARLE
Justin Searle is the dynamic voice of SALT Marketing, dedicated to building lasting relationships with our clients based on an experienced understanding of their unique needs.
A proud U.S. Army veteran, Justin served for six years before embarking on a successful 20-year career in the automotive industry. Alongside his wife, Kelly, he co-founded SALT Automotive in 2021, blending his sales expertise with their shared vision for service.
Justin helped realize his wife’s vision for SALT Marketing as they mutually began branding and marketing for local non-profits.
As a dedicated father to a daughter with special needs, he is deeply motivated to support organizations that enhance the lives of individuals and families. Through SALT Marketing, he aims to give back to the community and champion the causes that matter most.
PASSION: Music, His Wife and His Family.
MUSICAL ARTIST: Stevie Ray Vaughan.
FOOD OF CHOICE: Thanksgiving Dinner.
DRINK OF CHOICE: Beer and Bourbon.
— CAMPAIGN AND STRATEGY DIRECTOR, SALT MARKETING
BELLA-ROSE SEARLE
Bella-Rose is the brains behind SALT Marketing, ensuring the realistic and tangible implementation of our clients’ campaigns.
She brings energy and compassion to her role as Non-Profit Campaign Director, working alongside organizations to highlight their missions and inspire meaningful connections.
Armed with a background in psychology and a passion for supporting meaningful causes, Bella-Rose is on a mission to help non-profits and businesses truly shine.
Whether she’s strategizing a campaign or connecting with organizations to learn more about their impact, she guarantees dedication and commitment in everything she does.
PASSION: Reading and Spending Time in Nature.
MUSICAL ARTIST: Lana Del Rey.
FOOD OF CHOICE: Pasta Bolognese.
DRINK OF CHOICE: Diet Coke with a Lime.
— VP OF CREATIVE AND STRATEGY, SALT MARKETING
AUSTIN M. URAM
Austin Uram is the creative lead behind SALT Marketing, shaping the real stories of our clients through personalized branding and meaningful advertising.
An experienced designer, copywriter and marketing director for multimedia brands, outlets and non-profits, Austin brings his extensive portfolio to sharing causes that truly matter.
After a working as a designer throughout western Pennsylvania, Austin spent six years as an Arts and English language teacher in Bratislava, Slovakia. Back in the United States, he worked jointly as a Journalist and Marketing Director for his hometown newspaper before joining SALT Marketing.
Few things matter more than how we tell our stories, and Austin is dedicated to making your brand’s story cohesive, relatable and interactive.
PASSION: Interactive Storytelling, Coding and His Wife.
MUSICAL ARTIST: The Doors.
FOOD OF CHOICE: Hot Pot.
DRINK OF CHOICE: Red Wine and a Beer.
— META ADS DIRECTOR, SALT MARKETING
STEVE STAMATES
Steve is the driving force behind SALT Marketing’s paid social media work, responsible for Facebook and Instagram advertising that is clear, efficient, and accountable.
He brings more than a decade of experience managing organic and paid social campaigns, along with over 25 years in marketing communications. His background spans publishing, technology, and consumer brands across both B2B and B2C, giving him a broad perspective on what resonates with different audiences.
Having grown up around cars thanks to his father’s work as a mechanic, Steve has a natural familiarity with automotive-focused sweepstakes. He works closely with SALT’s nonprofit partners to execute campaigns that are focused, well-run, and built to perform.
PASSION: His Family and the San Francisco Giants.
MUSICAL ARTIST: The Beatles and Elvis.
FOOD OF CHOICE: A Good Sandwich.
DRINK OF CHOICE: Beer.
— PR AND CONTENT DIRECTOR, SALT MARKETING
IRINA BUCUR
Irina leads copy and editorial projects at SALT Marketing.
A former reporter, she brings a journalist’s instinct to marketing campaigns, working closely with the creative team to craft ethical, human-centered narratives that resonate with audiences and build trust. She is committed to helping your organization find its authentic voice and believes that the most effective stories can foster genuine connection.
Irina lives in Pittsburgh, Pa.’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood with her husband.
PASSION: Long-Form Journalism, Pittsburgh’s Arts and Culture (and Restaurant) Scene, Spending Time with Her Husband.
MUSICAL ARTIST: Fiona Apple.
FOOD OF CHOICE: Steak Tartare.
DRINK OF CHOICE: Rosewater Lemonade.
— CONTENT AND DESIGN ASSOCIATE, SALT MARKETING
MADISON DESTEFANO
Madison is the resident Pictionary expert of SALT Marketing. She is responsible for turning the team’s ideas into designs that engage and attract.
With a background in communications, professional writing and multimedia design, Madison ensures every visual SALT Marketing produces strikes its target.
Madison self-publishes fiction novels in her free time, a feat that demonstrates her drive to succeed in all endeavors. She applies this same level of determination to helping great causes achieve their goals.
A veritable chameleon of creativity, Madison is willing to learn everything and do anything to ensure organizations become even more successful than they ever imagined possible.
PASSION: Writing, Her Family, and Adventuring (Fictionally and Literally).
MUSICAL ARTIST: Ghost.
FOOD OF CHOICE: Sushi and/or Popcorn.
DRINK OF CHOICE: Rosé Wine.
— ORGANIC SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR, SALT MARKETING
DYLAN SEARLE
Dylan is a member of the SALT Marketing team, bringing creativity, curiosity, and attention to detail to every campaign. He’s always been drawn to marketing and entrepreneurship, having started and successfully run multiple ventures across marketing, social media, and e-commerce.
A U.S. Army veteran, Dylan served four years on active duty, where he developed a disciplined, detail-oriented approach that still shows up in his work today. He studied marketing and business at the University of Pittsburgh and is progressive by nature, always thinking outside the box and looking for fresh, effective ways to help brands connect with real people.
A lifelong car enthusiast, Dylan loves cars, car shows, and automotive culture, making him a natural fit for performance-driven campaigns and automotive-focused brands.
PASSION: Automotive Culture and Visual Storytelling.
MUSICAL ARTIST: Frank Ocean.
FOOD OF CHOICE: Steak and Rice.
DRINK OF CHOICE: Cold Brew Coffee.
SALT IN THE COMMUNITY
