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Celebrating the 2025 Bredon Jones Utopia Award Winner

Every year, our team at 1905 New Media comes together to celebrate individuals who truly embody the spirit of our late friend and colleague, Bredon Jones. His vision for a workplace that values both personal and professional fulfillment lives on in the way we support each other, push creative boundaries and make time for what matters both inside and outside of work. In remembrance of Bredon’s vision, we recognize a team member who best exemplifies his dream of a workplace utopia. This year, we are thrilled to honor Kelsey Wuertz as our 2025 Bredon Jones Utopia Award recipient! 

The Legacy of Bredon Jones

Bredon believed deeply in work-life balance, creativity and community. He was a passionate traveler, musician and advocate for finding purpose in both work and life. Even today, his vision continues to shape our culture. Following his passing in January 2023 after a courageous battle with advanced appendiceal cancer, we knew we had to keep his spirit alive in the best way we could — by celebrating those who, like him, make our workplace truly special.

Meet the 2025 Honoree: Kelsey Wuertz

Kelsey Wuertz joined our team in 2021 and has been an integral part of our success ever since. As a marketing strategist, she builds relationships with her clients learning their organization and industry, develops comprehensive marketing plans and ensures all marketing strategies are aligned to achieve the client’s goals. But Kelsey’s impact goes far beyond her work. She is a constant source of positivity, always showing up for her team and others — offering support in the office, dropping a thoughtful message in Slack or bringing her incredible energy to meetings. She makes work fun, always has a story and reminds us of the importance of prioritizing a healthy work-life balance.

Most importantly, she leads by example, just as Bredon envisioned. Whether it’s an annual beach trip to Gulf Shores, weekends out on the water with family or simply spending time with her husband (high school sweethearts), their two children and their chocolate lab, Kelsey embraces life to the fullest.

Special Recognition: The 2025 Committee’s Choices

Each year, our selection committee faces the challenge of choosing just one award recipient, often deciding among multiple nominees. This year, two additional team members made such an impact that they deserved recognition for their contributions. Congratulations to the 2025 Committee’s Choices, Alex Lamy and Sarah Hagen!

Alex Lamy

Since joining our team in 2023 as a Paid Media Manager, Alex has quickly become our resident AI wizard. Always in the know for the latest in AI and ready with innovative solutions, his passion and enthusiasm for problem-solving have led him to spearhead a groundbreaking marketing platform for 1905 New Media. 

Outside of work, you’ll find him exploring virtual reality, playing board games or escaping into the great outdoors for hiking and camping. Most importantly, he’s a dedicated dad to his lovely daughter and their cat, Remus. 

 

Sarah Hagen

Sarah also joined our team in 2023, bringing more than a decade of experience as a Social Media Manager. Her positive energy, leadership and collaborative spirit make her an incredible asset to our clients and internal team! Her quick-witted mind and strategic expertise shine in every brainstorming session, client meeting and campaign. 

While based in St. Louis, Sarah’s adventurous spirit often takes her across the globe — sometimes working remotely from another country before heading off to ski mountain slopes. She has also built a loyal following on her personal Instagram, @TheGingerAndThePom, where she shares her travels alongside her husband and their adorable Pomeranian, Yoshi. He frequents the office and is a team favorite. He even has his own chair!

Looking Forward: Inspiration for the Future

The dedication, creativity and passion that Kelsey, Alex and Sarah bring to 1905 New Media inspire and guide us all. They remind us what makes our company special is not how we help companies grow, but the way we work together, push boundaries and cultivate a culture of inclusivity and innovation.  

As we celebrate these incredible individuals, we also carry forward Bredon’s legacy, ensuring his vision remains at the heart of everything we do.