Nick West, MA  |  LinkedIn  |  Email
- Managing Partner

Nick West is a designer and advertising professional with extensive training and experience in the website and commercial advertising industry. Currently a designer in Shreveport, Louisiana by trade, but by profession Nick has many other skills in marketing, advertising, social media, media planning, software, computers, management, and client relations that reach far outside your typical designer's spectrum.

He earned his Bachelor of Art Degree in Graphic Design from Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Louisiana in 2002; and his Master of Art Degree in Commercial Art from Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana in 2004.

For nearly 20 years, Nick has worked with a number of clients, managing projects from conception to fruition. The ability to problem solve is also a great asset he possesses, enabling him to work out the best possible solutions and/or scenarios for his clients.

Nick has created and developed thousands of ads and marketing campaigns, in local and national publications, for a broad spectrum of clients. He has sold, managed and/or completed well over 300 website/custom software projects over the years. Nick has also earned numerous Addy Awards for print and web projects over the years.

Nick enjoys business networking and is an active member of BUILD (Businesses United in Local Development). He has been named BNI Elite - Notable Networker of the Year in 2014 and 2015. Nick has been a board member of Jay Vera's International Realistic Martial Arts Association since 2012. He has also enjoyed working with the Humane Society of Northwest Louisiana since 2013. In his spare time, he was also an adjunct professor at Centenary College of Louisiana in 2014.

When not working, he enjoys spending time with family and friends. His hobbies include: restoring his Jeep CJ7, working on four-wheelers,  his many boat-building projects, martial arts, hunting and fishing.
Chris Hemingway  |  LinkedIn  |  Email
- Partner

Chris Hemingway is an entrepreneur, investor, and business professional with a broad range of diverse leadership experience that spans the professional and personal divide. He opened his first company, Hemingway’s Collision, in 2005 located in Stonewall, Louisiana. Three years later he expanded Hemingway’s Collision with a second location in Shreveport. In 2013 he co-founded Lock Busters, a locksmith company located in North Louisiana. Chris also owns and operates Bretheren Records, a private Record Label/Recording Studio that centers around his personal creative endeavors as well as studio leasing and production to professional music acts and business/financial opportunists seeking audio recordings.

Chris is an extremely talented, solution-driven business executive having a wealth of experience in change, startup, turnaround, revitalization, and accelerated growth. His methodology includes client cultivation and solicitation, sales and marketing, risk management, staff management and recruitment, cost and budget management, investment management, contract negotiations, infrastructure development, and transformative, strategic vision.

His experience as a business leader and having served as director of various boards and committees over the years adds wealth to the future success of Hemingway West.
​DJ Thomas  |  Email
- Director Sales & Marketing / Partner

DJ Thomas is a sales and marketing professional who has worked in sales since 2008. Before his move into the technology industry, DJ has specialized in sales and marketing for the oil & gas industry. He started his sales ventures serving as an account manager for Weatherford International, one of the five largest oil and gas service companies in the world. Since then, he has assisted in acquiring and progressively managing monthly sales accounts of over 4 million dollars per year.

His areas of expertise include: sales management, client relations, contract negotiations & cost governance.

He holds a Business Management Associate's Degree of Applied Science. Overall, DJ has a solid perception of economics, finance, marketing and management principles which he leverages to help the clients of Hemingway West and it's business partners grow. 

DJ also lives a very active lifestyle. He enjoys Crossfit, weight training, and has been training in mixed martial arts since 2009. He is also a certified personal trainer and sports nutritionist. In his spare time, he enjoys helping others with their journey to a healthier lifestyle.
Taylor Akers
- Social Media Manager / Sales

Taylor Akers grew up in a small town called Haughton where she graduated from Haughton high school. She grew up across the street from her now husband of 2 years after dating as high school sweethearts. They now have a 5yr old yorkiepoo who brings so much joy into their lives.
 
Before working at Hemingway West, Taylor was an Optometrist Assistant and Office Manager for that office where she used her people skills, time management skills and caring for others. She has a passion for learning new skills and achieving new goals. She is now a social media manager and works in sales. She has great relationships with each of her clients.
 
Outside of work Taylor enjoys traveling with her husband and friends, Fashion and hiking. She has a passion for experiencing something unfamiliar and leaving with new skills or knowledge.
Brandy Kemelek
- Photographer

Brandy is an award-winning photographer, and has been featured in magazines and various newspapers. Studying under Master photographers, her work stands out from the rest.

She continues to master her craft in Creative Photographic Arts, Real Estate Photography, and Commercial Event Photography.

​Being a part of the Hemingway West Team is a dream come true for her while creating stunning images for Creative Marketing Design and ensuring clients are fully satisfied.