Murray grew up in Connecticut, where his parents had aspirations for him to become either a dentist or accountant.  Neither seemed particularly appealing since both felt like pulling teeth. Rather than follow the beaten path he embraced the rebellious spirit of the ‘60s, jumped in his Impala SS and set-off west to Berkeley, California.

After a few years of enjoying the California coast, Murray sharpened his teeth working in TV and film production. He eventually tried his hand at PR, working with major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox, and publications like The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and more. A passion for PR eventually translated to intrigue for how organizations develop and communicate their identity.

Never having had much appreciation for “standard procedure,” Murray founded Flying Horse Communication in 1999 and rewrote the rulebook on branding and strategic planning. Fast-forward to present-day and Murray has rebranded and optimized more than 85 organizations. Along the way, he repositioned companies like NorthWestern Energy and BlueCross BlueShield.

When not reading one of the dozens of books on his shelf, Murray may be found writing, hiking or exploring the emerging science of neuromarketing.

Paul’s academic career started close to home at Montana State University. He completed his Masters at Washington State and his Ph.D. at Indiana University with a Doctorate in the area of Mass Communication and Cognitive Science. Paul has been applying neuroscience and psychophysiology for more than twenty years in both industry and academia to help clients achieve “brain-friendly” communications. Paul’s clients have included Disney, The Washington Post, Visa, Merck & Co. and NBC Universal. In addition to serving as Flying Horse’s Director of Neuromarketing Science, Paul is Associate Dean of Research & Graduate Studies at the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University.

It takes one very special financial wizard to work at a full-service marketing agency, one who deals in the realities of money and finances while navigating the chaotic world of creative and media people. We are extremely lucky, because we have one of those in Deborah. She is the keeper of the key and minds the health of the company so the rest of us can flit here and there, to and fro, creating and researching and planning and such.

Like most of us, she also has a heart for the community. She co-founded a Montessori school with both a preschool and elementary program, then served as assistant administrator, office manager, and corporate treasurer. Talk about a multi-tasker! Deborah also likes spending lots of time in the outdoors. Hey, this is Montana after all.

Most of us can say that we paid our dues in less-than-desirable jobs before landing in advertising. We’ve waited tables, washed dishes and bagged groceries. Rafe dug graves. Relax, it was a legitimate job at the Bozeman Cemetery (he subsequently made sure the grass covering them was neatly trimmed and manicured). Eventually, Rafe realized that, unless you’re Wes Craven, working in a cemetery was not what a young creative individual stayed up nights dreaming about. Because if there’s one thing growing up in the “Deep East” of Montana–shooting potato guns at cows and smuggling illegal fireworks in from the reservation–teaches you, it’s that you’ve gotta love what you do. So he put down the shovel, picked up a Pantone swatch book and never looked back, earning himself a shiny new diploma from Montana State University. Since then, Rafe has kept himself busy volunteering for various non-profit groups in Montana, hiking, hunting, and writing and playing music.

It’s not all fun and games for Rafe, though. Design is his business and business is good. With numerous Montana and regional student ADDY Awards, an America Design Awards gold medal and named one of CMYK Magazine’s top 100 New Creatives in 2010, Rafe has a mind that’s passionate about killer advertising and design. But hey, growing up in Miles City, Montana, and working in a cemetery will do that to you.

Max Blum hails from Denver, Colorado, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Marketing at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Upon graduating, Max dove headfirst into the business world and immediately began coordinating national marketing plans for MillerCoors’ key retail accounts, working with brands like Coors Light, Coors Banquet, Miller Lite, Blue Moon and Keystone Light. Do you notice a pattern here?

After a few years of developing award-winning campaigns (and product testing), Max moved on to planning shopper and retail marketing campaigns for The Kellogg Company working on brands like Kellogg’s, Cheez-It, Pringles, and Keebler.

While he is not crafting award-winning strategies and ad campaigns, Max may be found on the slopes, hiking or in his home brewery crafting some beers.

Gatsby joined the Flying Horse Communication team after growing up (rather quickly) in Bozeman, Montana. He received his education at the University of California, Barkley where he was known for his impeccable lab work. His primary role at Flying Horse is to guide clients through the marketing process. Somewhat of an agency watchdog, Gatsby has an uncanny ability to sniff out communication issues and is always eager to fetch insight-driven solutions for clients.

Lisa attended the University of Utah and ingratiated herself in the independent filmmaking community at the Sundance Film Festival. It did not take long for people to notice her work, and she soon received her first job offer in Los Angeles. Films she worked on, “Surviving Eden” and “Steal Me,” were selected for Special Screening at South by Southwest and Jury Selection at Sundance Film Festivals, respectively.

Fast forward to the present day, and Lisa’s $100M+ studio film experience includes films like “Hollow Man” and “Just Go With It.” Almost as long as Montana winters, the list of premier talent she has worked with includes Jessica Chastain, Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Kidman, Kevin Bacon, Adam Sandler, Dave Mathews and directors Roland Joffé and Paul Mazursky. Eight years ago she focused her talents on advertising and has since enjoyed working with brands such as Cold Stone Creamery, Taco Time, and Blimpie.