Ryan and Melissa Spelts with family.
Connection Publishing was founded in 2016 as a community magazine company. We set the goal to create more connection in our own community. Today we have grown and now have 5 magazines in 5 different communities.
in 2022 Connection Publishing realized that there is a great need and opportunity in Digital Marketing and Video Marketing for their primary customers, local small businesses. Connection Publishing has now become a primary partner for local businesses to advertise in print, digital, search engine (PPC), Social Media and Video platforms (CTV, OTT, Pre-Roll, and YouTube. We even use our creative experience to shoot video on location to help clients create videos for their businesses. Our company has grown from a simple idea, to create connection in our community to now delivering magazines to 65,000 homes and reaching hundreds of thousands of potential customers digitally for our advertising clients. Learn about our team below.
in 2022 Connection Publishing realized that there is a great need and opportunity in Digital Marketing and Video Marketing for their primary customers, local small businesses. Connection Publishing has now become a primary partner for local businesses to advertise in print, digital, search engine (PPC), Social Media and Video platforms (CTV, OTT, Pre-Roll, and YouTube. We even use our creative experience to shoot video on location to help clients create videos for their businesses. Our company has grown from a simple idea, to create connection in our community to now delivering magazines to 65,000 homes and reaching hundreds of thousands of potential customers digitally for our advertising clients. Learn about our team below.
Founders
Ryan Spelts - CEO - I have spent 25 years selling various products and building sales teams. With a varied background from selling Cutco Kitchen Knives to animated scriptures DVDs, I have learned to only sell things I love. I have always wanted to have my own company and build something from scratch. When Melissa and I were in transition in 2016, we decided now was the time to venture out and create a company. After pondering many things, and trying some things that didn't work for us, we had the idea to create a magazine for our community. We did and it worked, so when other surrounding cities started approaching us to make magazines for them, we have done so and our company continues to grow. We are excited to see what the future holds for us.
Read Ryan's Full Bio Here
Read Ryan's Full Bio Here
Follow Ryan for Marketing Tips
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Melissa Spelts - Chief Content Officer - When Ryan and I were first married, we both decided that I would stay home and raise our children and so I spent 16 years doing so and Ryan worked to provide financially for our family. When Ryan came to me with the idea to start Connection Publishing, I told him it would be a great idea and thought I would just cheer him on as I had done in all of his other careers. About a week before the first magazine was due in 2016, I realized he was still out selling advertising and the content wasn't getting completed. I dove in and helped pull everything together. Since that day, I have helped curate and gather the content we love creating every month. I also love photography and work hard to make sure our covers are beautiful and draw in our readers. Melissa is also a primary contributor to WhatToEat4Dinner.com our recipe and meal plan website.
Follow Melissa and WhatToEat4Dinner.com
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Design Team
Robert Dodd
Magazine Layout and Design
Fresh out of high school, a complete stranger at the time, who became a close friend over the years, introduced me to my first career ambition in radio broadcasting. I married my wonderful wife a few years later. We have now been married for 30 years but a few years after getting married, I watched my wife's brother designing things on a computer using graphic design software. I became increasingly obsessed with computer graphic design. The only previous design I knew were of the true "cut and paste days" with actual scissors and paste when I helped with our school newspaper and yearbook.
I have self-taught most of the design software but also attended college courses in graphic design. Most of the classes teachers would turn to me asking for help with software because I knew it better than them. I have always wanted to become as successful a designer as much as I hoped to prosper in broadcasting.
Almost twenty five years later, I continue to build on the skill and talent of graphic design. I often receive praise for my designs and I derive strength from those accolades. My passion for the work drives me to create both beautiful and effective designs.
I am thankful for the opportunity to work with Ryan and Melissa and all the other great people here at Connection Publishing. There is vigorous feeling of fulfillment that emanates with a project that becomes productive for any of our clients. It reinforces my determination and preserves the focus of the goals I have set as a successful designer.
Magazine Layout and Design
Fresh out of high school, a complete stranger at the time, who became a close friend over the years, introduced me to my first career ambition in radio broadcasting. I married my wonderful wife a few years later. We have now been married for 30 years but a few years after getting married, I watched my wife's brother designing things on a computer using graphic design software. I became increasingly obsessed with computer graphic design. The only previous design I knew were of the true "cut and paste days" with actual scissors and paste when I helped with our school newspaper and yearbook.
I have self-taught most of the design software but also attended college courses in graphic design. Most of the classes teachers would turn to me asking for help with software because I knew it better than them. I have always wanted to become as successful a designer as much as I hoped to prosper in broadcasting.
Almost twenty five years later, I continue to build on the skill and talent of graphic design. I often receive praise for my designs and I derive strength from those accolades. My passion for the work drives me to create both beautiful and effective designs.
I am thankful for the opportunity to work with Ryan and Melissa and all the other great people here at Connection Publishing. There is vigorous feeling of fulfillment that emanates with a project that becomes productive for any of our clients. It reinforces my determination and preserves the focus of the goals I have set as a successful designer.
Crystal Rappleye
Graphic Design
My name is Crystal. I'm married to the love of my life. I like dance parties in the kitchen with my 2 boys. I love creating through design, crafts, painting & upcycling. I like reading nonfiction, napping, spray paint and chocolate. I like learning new things as long as I'm good at it. I love sitting around the table laughing and playing games as a family. I am cheerful and like to be around happy people. Oh and Oreos, can't forget that! I love oreos.
Graphic Design
My name is Crystal. I'm married to the love of my life. I like dance parties in the kitchen with my 2 boys. I love creating through design, crafts, painting & upcycling. I like reading nonfiction, napping, spray paint and chocolate. I like learning new things as long as I'm good at it. I love sitting around the table laughing and playing games as a family. I am cheerful and like to be around happy people. Oh and Oreos, can't forget that! I love oreos.
Content Team
Cindy Jones
Editor
Hi, I’m Cindy! I’m a mom of two daughters, a wife, a nature-enthusiast, a history-lover, an old-house stalker and a self-proclaimed seeker of ordinary miracles.
Throughout my different roles in life, I have written training manuals, newsletters, employee bios and automated answering system scripts. I have worked as a correspondent at the Standard Examiner, a contributor at Wasatch View, written for Utah Life Magazine, and had my poetry published in two anthologies. I also enjoy graphic design.
I think I am ever drawn back to the written word because it captures things we can’t speak. Our written words reveal our unique qualities, our secret dreams, our quiet contemplations, and at the same time our words connect us to others, who read and gather our thoughts to mesh with their own.
I am excited to be a part of the communities the Connection Magazines serve, making connections through the sharing of words and stories.
Editor
Hi, I’m Cindy! I’m a mom of two daughters, a wife, a nature-enthusiast, a history-lover, an old-house stalker and a self-proclaimed seeker of ordinary miracles.
Throughout my different roles in life, I have written training manuals, newsletters, employee bios and automated answering system scripts. I have worked as a correspondent at the Standard Examiner, a contributor at Wasatch View, written for Utah Life Magazine, and had my poetry published in two anthologies. I also enjoy graphic design.
I think I am ever drawn back to the written word because it captures things we can’t speak. Our written words reveal our unique qualities, our secret dreams, our quiet contemplations, and at the same time our words connect us to others, who read and gather our thoughts to mesh with their own.
I am excited to be a part of the communities the Connection Magazines serve, making connections through the sharing of words and stories.
Hailey Minton
Writer
Multimedia Journalist
At the beginning of 2017 I was at a media conference as I was wrapping up my internship at the BYU-Hawaii campus magazine. I graduated the year previous with a degree in business management with a focus in marketing and returned to my passion of interviewing people and writing their stories. A man at this conference had his own hyperlocal news outlet and everything he talked about resonated deeply with me. Upon returning to Utah I met Ryan and immediately knew I could use my craft to help people feel more connected with their community through his magazines. I love getting to know the people who are willing to share their stories with me. It is my goal to first understand the person or people as best I can and then to pass that understanding on to everyone who reads my work. I absolutely love what I do.
Writer
Multimedia Journalist
At the beginning of 2017 I was at a media conference as I was wrapping up my internship at the BYU-Hawaii campus magazine. I graduated the year previous with a degree in business management with a focus in marketing and returned to my passion of interviewing people and writing their stories. A man at this conference had his own hyperlocal news outlet and everything he talked about resonated deeply with me. Upon returning to Utah I met Ryan and immediately knew I could use my craft to help people feel more connected with their community through his magazines. I love getting to know the people who are willing to share their stories with me. It is my goal to first understand the person or people as best I can and then to pass that understanding on to everyone who reads my work. I absolutely love what I do.
Abraham Tinklepaugh
Writer
Originally from New York, Abraham Tinklepaugh has been plying his craft as a Copywriter and Graphic Designer in the start-up space since graduating from the University of Utah in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication. According to family legend, Abraham’s love of language and communication began when he started using complete sentences at the ripe old age of eighteen months. Now living in Northern Utah, Abraham continues to write for a variety of brands while working on developing a series of graphic novels based on time he spent growing up in Africa.
Writer
Originally from New York, Abraham Tinklepaugh has been plying his craft as a Copywriter and Graphic Designer in the start-up space since graduating from the University of Utah in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Strategic Communication. According to family legend, Abraham’s love of language and communication began when he started using complete sentences at the ripe old age of eighteen months. Now living in Northern Utah, Abraham continues to write for a variety of brands while working on developing a series of graphic novels based on time he spent growing up in Africa.
Nathaniel Loomis
Copy Editor / Proofreader
My name is Nathaniel and I’ve been in Utah for four years. I was a military brat growing up who signed up for service right after high school, so I’ve moved around more often than I’ve ever sat in one place. I came to Utah on a whim and wound up staying longer than expected; the sunsets and snow-capped mountains, the schools, and the wonderful people have all made me stay.
I joined the Connection Publishing team in January as a proofreader where I ensure our magazines are error free, grammatically. It’s been a pleasure working with everyone here; I couldn’t imagine any other way to finish out a college degree. When I’m not working or learning, I like to spend time with my puppy, Mana, read, or stuff my face with any and all foods you could imagine!
Copy Editor / Proofreader
My name is Nathaniel and I’ve been in Utah for four years. I was a military brat growing up who signed up for service right after high school, so I’ve moved around more often than I’ve ever sat in one place. I came to Utah on a whim and wound up staying longer than expected; the sunsets and snow-capped mountains, the schools, and the wonderful people have all made me stay.
I joined the Connection Publishing team in January as a proofreader where I ensure our magazines are error free, grammatically. It’s been a pleasure working with everyone here; I couldn’t imagine any other way to finish out a college degree. When I’m not working or learning, I like to spend time with my puppy, Mana, read, or stuff my face with any and all foods you could imagine!
Kim Crook
Media Manager
After receiving her Associates Degree from Utah State University in the Art Education program, Kim put her education on hold so she could work to put her husband through school. She got a job in customer service, which lead to promotion into Management and Marketing roles. She found she loved customer interaction, problem solving, and utilizing technology to help a company grow.
After Kim's husband graduated, they moved to Weber County. Kim joined the Connection Publishing team, where she manages the magazine's websites and social media.
When she's not working, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband, playing with their dog, drawing, painting, playing the piano, photography and baking. Her favorites treats to make are beautiful cakes and intricate royal icing sugar cookies.
Media Manager
After receiving her Associates Degree from Utah State University in the Art Education program, Kim put her education on hold so she could work to put her husband through school. She got a job in customer service, which lead to promotion into Management and Marketing roles. She found she loved customer interaction, problem solving, and utilizing technology to help a company grow.
After Kim's husband graduated, they moved to Weber County. Kim joined the Connection Publishing team, where she manages the magazine's websites and social media.
When she's not working, Kim enjoys spending time with her husband, playing with their dog, drawing, painting, playing the piano, photography and baking. Her favorites treats to make are beautiful cakes and intricate royal icing sugar cookies.
Sales Team
Ann Park
Sales Operations Director
Ann Park is a long time resident of Northern Utah. She loves the outdoors, especially the mountain peaks. She loves adventure, hiking, and mountain climbing. She is deeply committed to creativity, loves writing, and is a published author. She loves the spirit of entrepreneurship, and loves to see great business concepts launch and fly. Working with people is always one of her favorite things.
"I love discovering amazing businesses right here in the city, and I love meeting the people who run them. I learn so much every day. I've been a huge fan of Connection Publishing since they started. I have written for them for years just because I loved to share and hoped to bring the community closer together. I have thought about working for Ryan Spelts for a long time, but as he was preparing to launch the Ogden Connection, the timing was right. I'm excited for this new creation to go out to everyone, and the more new people come on board, the more amazing it will be."
Sales Operations Director
Ann Park is a long time resident of Northern Utah. She loves the outdoors, especially the mountain peaks. She loves adventure, hiking, and mountain climbing. She is deeply committed to creativity, loves writing, and is a published author. She loves the spirit of entrepreneurship, and loves to see great business concepts launch and fly. Working with people is always one of her favorite things.
"I love discovering amazing businesses right here in the city, and I love meeting the people who run them. I learn so much every day. I've been a huge fan of Connection Publishing since they started. I have written for them for years just because I loved to share and hoped to bring the community closer together. I have thought about working for Ryan Spelts for a long time, but as he was preparing to launch the Ogden Connection, the timing was right. I'm excited for this new creation to go out to everyone, and the more new people come on board, the more amazing it will be."
Diane Liberator
Area Sales Manager - Ogden Connection
My name is Diane Liberator. I was born and raised in Northern Utah. I started my career in advertising at the Standard Examiner; it has been fun to see all of the changes over the years. I have spent 35 years in the print advertising and publication business. I love working with customers to find the right avenue to promote their business.
I am married to an amazing husband! We love to go on road trips on the Harley and golf whenever we can. We enjoy spending time with our grandchildren and watching their sports games.
Area Sales Manager - Ogden Connection
My name is Diane Liberator. I was born and raised in Northern Utah. I started my career in advertising at the Standard Examiner; it has been fun to see all of the changes over the years. I have spent 35 years in the print advertising and publication business. I love working with customers to find the right avenue to promote their business.
I am married to an amazing husband! We love to go on road trips on the Harley and golf whenever we can. We enjoy spending time with our grandchildren and watching their sports games.
Kendal Jensen
Area Sales Manager - Weber Connection
Kendal is a former state and national rodeo queen who has worked in sales for 15 years and in publishing for 4 years. She has previously created a popular western lifestyle magazine and has a passion for creating content that celebrates the community. She resides in Farr West with her husband Zach, their seven busy kids and stable full of horses and 4H animals. In her spare time she enjoys helping her kids pursue their rodeo dreams and rodeoing and roping with her husband and family.
Area Sales Manager - Weber Connection
Kendal is a former state and national rodeo queen who has worked in sales for 15 years and in publishing for 4 years. She has previously created a popular western lifestyle magazine and has a passion for creating content that celebrates the community. She resides in Farr West with her husband Zach, their seven busy kids and stable full of horses and 4H animals. In her spare time she enjoys helping her kids pursue their rodeo dreams and rodeoing and roping with her husband and family.
Danielle Arana
Area Sales Manager - Syracuse Connection
Danielle was born in Ventura, California. Due to the oil downfall and recession, she moved to Roy, Utah with her husband in 2015 to search for work. She calls this the "best move in our lifetime." Danielle and her family, including 7 children and 4 grandchildren, love the mountains, the people and the feeling of home.
With over 20 years of customer service experience, and a few small businesses of her own, Danielle knows the importance of taking care of her clients in a way that they know they are valued--they are like family.
In her spare time, Danielle sings in a band and hangs out with her family.
Area Sales Manager - Syracuse Connection
Danielle was born in Ventura, California. Due to the oil downfall and recession, she moved to Roy, Utah with her husband in 2015 to search for work. She calls this the "best move in our lifetime." Danielle and her family, including 7 children and 4 grandchildren, love the mountains, the people and the feeling of home.
With over 20 years of customer service experience, and a few small businesses of her own, Danielle knows the importance of taking care of her clients in a way that they know they are valued--they are like family.
In her spare time, Danielle sings in a band and hangs out with her family.