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.
— NON-PROFIT CAMPAIGN 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.
— CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR, SALT MARKETING
AUSTIN URAM
Austin Uram is the artist behind SALT Marketing, painting the real stories of our clients through personalized branding and meaningful advertising.
An experienced designer and copywriter for multimedia brands, outlets and non-profits, Austin brings his extensive portfolio to marketing causes that truly matter.
After a successful career in graphic design, Austin spent six years working as an Arts and English language teacher in Bratislava, Slovakia. Back in the United States, he worked jointly as a Journalist and Marketing Specialist 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 visual.
PASSION: Illustration, Storytelling and His Wife.
MUSICAL ARTIST: The Doors.
FOOD OF CHOICE: A “very rare” Steak.
DRINK OF CHOICE: Red Wine and a Beer.
SALT IN THE COMMUNITY
