Scotty LaLonde

Managing Member

Scotty LaLonde founded Podium Marketing in 1999 as an agency to assist in seeking, negotiating and servicing sponsorship agreements in the lifestyle, motorsports and the automotive events industries. For over a decade LaLonde and his team have worked to build Podium into an engagement marketing industry leader that top brands seek out to help bring their sponsorship and events to life.
LaLonde’s experience includes marketing and event work with: Toyota, Scion, Lexus, Audi, Red Bull, American Le Mans Series, Yamaha Watercraft, Yamaha Electronics, Anheuser-Busch, Bridgestone, Champ Car, ExxonMobil, Joe Gibbs Racing MX, Feld Entertainment, Alli Sports, AMA Pro Racing, Rally Art, RealTimeRacing, SCCA Pro Racing, SCCA Pro Rally and US Skiing.

Heather Otto

Director of Experiential Marketing

A true Colorado Native, Heather grew up just outside of the city and attended CU Denver to earn her degree in Business Marketing. After several years with Podium as a Brand Ambassador Heather joined the team full time in 2016. Now, you can find Heather taking the lead for most of the events from the West coast to the East, and everywhere in between. When forced to take a day off you might see Heather on the ski slopes or exploring a new time zone. 

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Carrie Axelberd

Director of Business Operations

Carrie joined Podium in 2013 and oversees the company’s daily business operations.  She was born and raised in Connecticut, attended high school in Puerto Rico, and graduated from Florida International University. Carrie and her husband always talked of moving to Colorado, and in 2013, they relocated here from Florida with their three kids. She loves the mountains and enjoys hiking and spending time with her family. Carrie also enjoys cooking and trying new recipes. Before moving into business operations, Carrie’s background included hospitality management and sales.

Rachel Lane

Senior Experiential Marketing Manager

Rachel joined Podium as the Experiential Marketing Manager in June of 2022. She was born and raised in Boise, Idaho and graduated from the University of Idaho in 2013 with a degree in Recreation/Sports Management. Rachel spent her years after college working in sports and community events in North Idaho before making the move to Colorado in 2020. She brings extensive experience in programing and event management. When not working, you can find her skiing, hiking, biking and attending any Colorado sports teams games. 

Alex Rietze

Experiential Marketing Manager

Born in Rochester, NY, educated in Connecticut, Alex now calls Philadelphia home,where he manages all Tri-State Toyota events on behalf of Podium. Alex joined the team in 2021, making a move from the auto show circuit.  Alex loves ultimate frisbee, cooking, and the Buffalo Bills.

Eric Coe

Experiential Marketing Manager

Eric was born and raised in beautiful Central New York. In 2012 Eric relocated to Colorado, chasing his passions in public lands planning for outdoor recreation. Eric brings diverse public relations and marketing experience from the conservation and outdoor sports industry to Podium. After supporting Podium for five years as a Product Specialist, Eric was brought on as an Engagement Marketing and Print Specialist full-time in the spring of 2022. Before and after work you can find him in the outdoors cycling, backcountry skiing, and fly fishing.

Augustus (Bam) Manwaring

Experiential Marketing Specialist​

Augustus aka Bam, has been with Podium Marketing since 2021, starting as a Product Specialist before transitioning to an Experiential Marketing Specialist in 2023. A proud Colorado native raised in Conifer, Bam graduated from Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in Marketing. He’s developed a strong passion for the automotive industry, whether it’s motorcycles, trucks, or anything with an engine. Outside of work, you can find him at the motocross track, catching a Rockies game or spending time with his dog, Dolly.

Nick Strong

Experiential Marketing and Print Specialist

Nick was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. Growing up with the Wasatch Mountains in his backyard, he grew a passion for many outdoor activities like skiing, mountain biking, and rock climbing. He aspired to incorporate these passions into a career in the outdoor industry. After finishing up a degree in Marketing, he spent the next five years working event operations for the premier mountain-running race “Cirque Series.” Following the move out to Denver to experience all that the Front Range has to offer, the announcer from the Cirque Series recognized Nick’s event expertise and connected him with the Podium team in November 2022. Following a day of work in Golden, you'll find Nick climbing at the North Table Mountain crags and afterwards in the kitchen cooking up a storm for friends and family. 

Westley Smith

Graphic Design / Print Production Manager

Wes was born in Ohio and raised in Missouri. After several road trips to the mountains Wes decided to relocate to Colorado in 2021. Since graduating from the University of Central Missouri with a degree in graphic and print technologies in 2017, he has held several roles within the print and design field. Outside of work, Wes likes to ride his motorcycle, hike, dj, produce music, and spend time with friends and family.

Yeti

Director of Nonhuman Activities

After graduation from Neanderthal University in the fall of 2008,  Yeti joined the Podium team in 2009 as an entry-level warehouse intern. Podium quickly learned that Yeti's passion and talent could not be contained. He quickly worked his way up to the position of Crowd Engagement Manager, and ultimately to Director of Non-Human Resources. Yeti's role at Podium includes fan engagement, grunting, general buffoonery, and eating everything in sight. During his free time, Yeti enjoys snowboarding, hanging with friends, and scrap booking.