Who We Are

We believe in the power of stories to forge connections, spark curiosity, and boost your bottom line.

Our approach is a perfect combination of expertise and innovation, but we're not just marketers; we're the heartbeat behind stories that stick.

We're not content with the status quo; we thrive on pushing boundaries and crafting narratives that leave a lasting impact.

We're not just about making things pretty; we're architects of connection, creators of experiences that resonate, and believers in the power of authentic stories to drive revenue. Unlike traditional agencies, we're a nimble crew, ready to meet you where you are on your journey—be it a bustling business or a startup dream.

Core Team

Find out more about each of our team members and the skills they bring to the table. Each team member manages and leads a team of 2 - 15 people—creatives, fellows, and interns.

Laura Quick

Founder, CEO & Lead Strategist

Laura boasts 18 years of marketing experience, having launched Good Grit Magazine and Agency, specializing in tourism, government, hospitality, and wellness marketing. Renowned for her storytelling prowess, she excels in understanding client goals, crafting strategic narratives, and fostering cohesive teamwork, epitomizing her commitment to impactful communication.
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Shivani Zuppardo

Creative Director & Co-owner

Shivani brings 14+ years of experience in visual storytelling, branding, and strategic leadership, having collaborated with Grammy award-winning artists and global brands. Renowned for her adeptness in understanding client visions and leading teams to deliver exceptional results within budget and timelines, her gentle yet assertive demeanor resonates with our clients.
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Linda Stone

COO & Strategy

Linda has 30+ years of experience in the organizational development of sustainable structures and systems. She is an expert in people development and identifying skill sets in others that will create maximum impact. She is a solution-oriented thinker, and she leads our team and clients in collaboration that produce clarity and creates a raise the bar mindset.

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Sarah Margaret Shelton

Chief Relationship Officer

Sarah Margaret has six years of experience in the agency/media industry and is an expert in account management and taking exceptional care of all clients. She has worked with a multitude of different types of clients since she graduated college, including a wide variety of nonprofits, cities, and tourism focused businesses. She currently lives in Birmingham, AL.
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Ashley Locke

Content Director

Ashley has 6 years of experience in editorial and digital marketing, and she’s an expert in storytelling. Ashley has curated more than 1 million story words specifically for our tourism partners. Ashley leads the team responsible for research and audits for our clients. Our auditing process lends itself to looking for what is working, what is not working, what is missing, and what is broken. We ask all of these questions often of ourselves and our clients.
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Cat Barnes

Lead Designer

Cat has 6 years of experience in creative marketing, editorial, and entertainment design and is an expert at visual storytelling. Cat leads a team of photographers, illustrators, and creative fellows in producing creative content for the magazine. She leads the graphic design team for both organic and promotional stories.
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Haley Chambers

Project Manager

Haley has five years of experience in administration, and she’s an expert in organization. Haley manages organization and project management for our internal team. She keeps all of our timelines on track and makes sure our team has everything they need to move projects across the finish line.
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Taylor McLain

Community Influencer Manager

Taylor has 6 years of experience in people management and social media management. She manages our influencer program and growth strategies. She’s an expert in community and relationship building, and she considers people her passion.
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Each team member is a powerhouse in their own right, but collectively we’re unstoppable. With Good Grit, you're not just getting a marketing team; you're gaining partners who are as invested in your story as you are.

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Our Core Values

We are meaningful and relational.

We are proactive communicators.

We do things on purpose and with purpose.

We set realistic expectations.

We add more value than we receive in compensation.

We are honest, even if it sucks.

Good Grit FAQs

What’s your favorite coffee shop in the Southeast?

Laura: Gallery Espresso in Savannah GA

Shivani: Waller’s Coffee Shop in Decatur, GA

Linda: I am an at-home coffee drinker

Sarah Margaret: Punch Love in Birmingham, AL

Ashley: Tempo in Nashville, Tennessee

Cat: Muchacho in Atlanta, GA

Haley: The Local in Cullman, AL

Taylor: Karmas Coffee House in Cullman, AL

Brittany: Cafe Flat in Duluth, GA
What book should I read next?

Laura: Think Again by Adam Grant

Shivani: Bringing Nature Home by Douglas Tallamy

Linda Stone: Three Feet From Gold by Sharon Lechter

Sarah Margaret: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

Ashley: The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman

Cat: The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl

Haley: Believe It by Jamie Kern Lima

Taylor: The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

Brittany: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
What’s your go-to meal when you cook dinner?

Laura: Everything and anything pasta—made from whatever I have, with or without meat protein.

Shivani: Sweet Potato & Black Bean Veggie Enchiladas

Linda: Salmon, squash & zucchini with a Ceasar salad

Sarah Margaret: Chinese takeout

Ashley: Pantry pasta—pasta made out of whatever fridge and pantry scraps I have.

Cat: Tacos for every meal, everyday

Haley: Rotisserie chicken, salad and mac & cheese

Taylor: Taco Bowls

Brittany: DIY Pepper Lunch with whatever protein and veggies I have
What drink is always on your desk?

Laura: Iced chai from a local coffee shop

Shivani: French press and water

Linda: Water

Sarah Margaret: Diet Coke

Ashley: Iced latte, a glass of water that I won't drink, and a coconut LaCroix that I will drink.

Cat: Obnoxiously large water bottle

Haley: Coffee

Taylor: Coke Zero

Brittany: Water in my Owala and a Good & Gather sparkling water
What’s on your work playlist?

Laura: focus playlist from Spotify or Headspace

Shivani: 70s and 90s Spotify radios

Linda: Trust in God, Elevation Worship

Sarah Margaret: All Taylor Swift songs on shuffle.

Ashley: Whatever is on my Spotify Daylist

Cat: Tunes are different everyday, but always some Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard

Haley: Brown noise so I can focus

Taylor : Song that make me feel like I’m strong enough to pick up a sword in battle

Brittany: Taylor Swift’s entire discography
How do you relax after work?

Laura: Long walk with my dog Bear or a good glass of Italian wine

Shivani: Yoga and gardening (& sometimes wine)

Linda: A walk or a boat ride depending on the season

Sarah Margaret: Walks (or Netflix/Wine) with my husband, Dan, and Golden Retriever, Archie!

Ashley: I go on a little walk and say hello to all the neighborhood pets

Cat: Melt at yoga, then melt by the pool, then melt with my puppies

Haley: CrossFit

Taylor: Reading, spending time with my husband or friends

Brittany: Explore the city, or melt into my bed with my kindle

Our Work

Visit Mississippi

Social media content, editorial content, photography, campaign building, and video content for Visit Mississippi.

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Story Arts

Branding, website development, social media, blog posts, marketing materials, and video content for an arts-based curriculum for students K-12.

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Pepsi Rock the South

Branding, digital marketing, social media management, influencer marketing, and on-site activations for a three-day music festival.

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