{ We’re an agency
. . . without the overhead. }

Thinkwell is a marketing and communications firm based in Memphis, Tennessee.
We organize and manage creative teams of writers, designers, event planners and programmers.
Our goal is simple:
We help our clients communicate effectively and efficiently . . . and have a little fun along the way.
Who We Are
Thinkwell is composed of two full-time employees and a myriad of creative freelance professionals we partner with. The result of this virtual agency set-up? We thoughtfully select the best team for each client and project.
Marissa Loper, President &
Chief Word Nerd
Marissa grew up in Birmingham, Alabama. She graduated from Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee. After pursuing a career as a portfolio analyst and French translator, Marissa joined an advertising agency. There, she served as an account manager and, later, as a copywriter. In 2001, Marissa founded Thinkwell Creative, merging her communications ability with her love of working directly with clients.
Marissa and her husband, Brook, live with their three children in the ‘burbs of Memphis.
Dawn McKay,
Senior Writer
Dawn originally hails from Green Bay, Wisconsin, but has called Memphis home for the past 15 years. Dawn holds a master’s degree in sociology from the University of Memphis. With a background in teaching and education research, Dawn brought her natural curiosity and writing skills to Thinkwell in May 2008.
Dawn and her husband, Orlando, have three children (all boys), so she’s a pro with logistics, multi-tasking and organization. She also throws a mean spiral.
The Thinkwell Style
To get a flavor for our writing style, read this website. We wrote it.
Need something a little more formal? No problem. Our desire is to speak with your voice and help you get your message out to your colleagues, employees and customers. We delight in transforming complex information into organized, highly-effective communications.
One of the key reasons clients look to us is because we are small and responsive. By opting for the freelance route rather than forming a traditional advertising agency, we’re able to leverage resources more effectively. This “virtual agency” setup also allows us flexibility in selecting the perfect team for any given job – matching a project’s requirements and the client’s desired outcomes with the talents and creative abilities of freelance professionals.
The benefits for our clients? A quick turnaround time, less formality and a dedicated team of professionals who are easy to work with. Oh, and did we mention that we stick to deadlines and budgets as well?
Our Work
One of the things we love about our work is that there’s never a “typical” day at Thinkwell. Our mission is to help our clients communicate effectively. Sometimes that task involves writing memos, newsletters or speeches. Other times, we create an entire branding campaign, including everything from logos to websites. Here’s the short list of what Thinkwell can do for you:
- Speechwriting
- Conference and meeting planning
- Brochures
- Newsletters
- Training materials
- Websites
- Direct mail pieces
- PowerPoint presentations
- Company naming, positioning, taglines and logos
- Focus group facilitation
- Memo writing
- Video scripting, shooting and editing
- Annual company strategy plans
- Ghostwriting services
Are you interested in hiring us for a project that doesn’t fall into one of the buckets above? Great! Contact us. If, by chance, we can’t help you with a project, we’ll be happy to point you to someone who can.
Clients
Who hires us? The greatest people in the world! Our client list contains large companies such as Hilton Worldwide, FedEx and BellSouth. We’ve also helped smaller, start-up companies as well as churches and non-profit groups.
Contact us if you’re interested in viewing samples of our work or if you’re a freelance professional interested in partnering with Thinkwell.
The great majority of our business comes from word-of-mouth. Click here to view a few comments from our clients.

The Buzz About Thinkwell
They like us! They really, really like us! Here are some of the lovely things our clients have said about Thinkwell. (We’re blushing.)
Thinkwell is a great business partner for Hampton Hotels, and for the entire Hilton focused service brands portfolio. They are easily and quickly able to grasp the needs and DNA of their clients, incorporating a depth of strategy and creativity to create WOW results. From the basics of crafting communications to the complexities of executing large events, Thinkwell’s expertise enables them to be great (and seamless) business partners.
Phil Cordell
Global Head of Focused Service Brands
Global Head, Hampton Brand Management, Hilton Worldwide
Marissa has assisted me with various speeches. With thoughtful research and attention to detail, she has delivered excellent work; however, it’s Marissa’s focus on client service that truly differentiates Thinkwell. Excellent work + Excellent client service = Thinkwell.
Tim J. Miller
EVP, CFO and Treasurer, TBC Corporation
Thinkwell is a trusted and valued partner for both of our brands. Several key points set them apart from their competitors:
- Their ability to deliver rock solid content, no matter what the project – and always before due dates
- An uncanny ability to match tone and personality effortlessly
- A delightful, positive and energetic company culture – you just want to work with them
I can’t say enough about Marissa and Thinkwell - we consider them extended members of our brand team!
Bill Duncan
Global Head, Homewood Suites / Home2 Suites by Hilton Brand Management,
Hilton Worldwide
I’ve had the pleasure of working with Marissa for more than eight years now. Whether you need print materials, conference planning or speech writing, Marissa has a knack for assembling the perfect team to communicate your brand’s vision and personality.
Jim Holthouser
Global Head of Full Service Brands
Global Head, Embassy Suites Brand Management, Hilton Worldwide
Thinkwell helps you sift through the corporate clutter to find the critical points that your audience needs and wants to hear. Marissa and Dawn are great thought partners!
Leslie Beck
Director of Owner Relations, Hilton Worldwide
Hampton values and leverages the strength of the Thinkwell team with initiatives ranging from interviewing key senior management stakeholders to develop copy for our annual brand strategy plan to developing customized hotel copy for over 1,000 hotels. Thinkwell can collaborate with a company to create the voice and tone/style required while supporting overarching strategic vision and messaging.
Judy Christa-Cathey
Vice President, Hampton Brand Marketing, Hilton Worldwide
If you’re looking for savvy marketers to help you get your message across to prospects and customers, look no further. The team at Thinkwell Creative has done a phenomenal job of putting together world class marketing materials for our consulting company. They are easy to work with, full of ideas and very professional. We are delighted with our results and plan to utilize them for future projects.
Penny Limoli
President, Reed Limoli Group, LLC
Contact Thinkwell
Would you like to learn more about our company or discuss your project needs? Are you a creative professional interested in partnering with us? Send us a message. We look forward to hearing from you!

