We are a unique blend of philosophers, artists, educators, musicians, scientists, and poets

We live, eat, and breathe strategy, UX, data and design thinking. We don’t simply make creative things; we are compelling storytellers. We have that unique talent to leverage emerging technologies to build a connection. So no matter what challenge you give us, we’ll take ownership of it, and we don’t give up. We call this our “warrior spirit,” one of three core values.

We have pets named:
Elly, Lila, Leroy, Jack, Ruthie, Lucille, Hank, Norman, Riley, Fritzi, Spike, Sugar, Missy Elliecat, Louie, Bailey, Mia, Crixus and Ziggy.

Certified Women's Business Enterprise

Our mission is to do good work for good people, and our 3 core values guide us every step of the way

warrior spirit

/1/ Warrior Spirit

When we commit, we persevere. And we've taken on some seriously complex challenges. 

be curious

/2/ Be Curious

Our lifelong learners have conducted 3,400+ hours of UX research, and all Sandstormers get $1,000/year to pursue their own passions.

have fun!

/3/ Have Fun!

The joy we derive from what we do is contagious, and it's one of the reasons why our clients love working with us. 

Sandstormers bring a range of interests, personality traits, and life experiences to the office, our clients, and our work

We asked our team, "What is one goal you’d like to accomplish in your lifetime?" Roll over our photos to see what they said!

Sandy Marsico
Sandy
founder & CEO
Go on a safari
Mike Marsico
Mike
Director of Finance
Live in another country
Alma Meshes
Alma
Executive Assistant
My concert venue bucket list.
Janna Fiester
Janna
Vice President of UX and Brand Innovation
Live in Spain
Costume Contest
On Halloween we dress up and get a half day off
Nick Meshes
Nick
Director of Analytics & Technology
Create a successful blog about technology and the future
Andy Cullen
Andy
Senior Engineer & Team Lead
Go peacock bass fishing in Brazil
Amanda Heberg
Amanda
VP, Business Development
Visit Greece
Andrea Wood
Andrea
Managing Director
Traveling to everywhere there is to go!
warrior spirit
supporting our community
Sandstorm partnered with the Night Ministry to make sack lunches for those in need
Susan
Vice President Strategy
Continue to visit the world's best art cities. Mexico City and Berlin are next.
Nathan Haas
Nathan
User Interface Art DIrector
Patent something
Emily
Senior Director of Client Delivery
A year where I remember and celebrate all of my friends' birthdays
guac off
annual guacamole contest
the winner takes the coveted "el champion" award
Jeff Umbricht
Jeff
Sr. Developer
Hike part of the Appalachian trail
Have Fun
Place your bets
Sandstorm's super-secret event was at Arlington International Raceway where we all placed our $10 bets on the best ponies!
Joe Ruel, Front End Developer at Sandstorm Design
Joe
Front End Developer
I'd like to become a more accomplished traveller.
Max
Senior Engineer
I'd like to complete a masterpiece in some field of art or technology
Eric Savage, JavaScript Developer, Sandstorm®
Eric
JavaScript Developer
Travel anywhere more exotic than Canada
having fun
birthday lunch, you rocks and random happy hours
James Wynne
James
UX Director
I'd like to live in Spain.
Konrad
.NET Developer
Own a summer house in Santa Monica.
Mel
Project Manager
be curious
sharing our knowledge
at GiGi's annual conference Sandstormers love sharing our expertise
Laura
Account Director
creating a new product
Joe
Product Owner
Not eat any more scorpions
Kathleen
QA Analyst
Bailey
Senior Account Executive
Cage dive with Great White sharks

Honors and recognition that humble us

Inner City Top 100
Chicago's 101 Best and Brightest Companies to Work For
Hermes Creative Award

Thanks to our incredible clients, we get to build amazing digital brand experiences every day