Marketing
At The Rocket Group, our mission is both simple and ambitious: to forge powerful connections between you and your audience which builds actual engagement and effectiveness.
Under the leadership of Gus Wagner, the only five-time certified social media strategist in mid-Missouri, we've pioneered the #AstroNetTurfRoots approach. This unique strategy enables us to craft compelling relationships and messages for a diverse range of clients all across America, including nonpartisan campaigns, advocacy groups, organizations, government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses large and small and in between. With a lifetime track record of supporting over 800 election campaigns and securing victories in more than 85% of them, our expertise is proven and powerful.
We're dedicated to providing affordable, yet highly effective marketing tools tailored to meet the needs of businesses, organizations, and nonprofits both within Missouri and nationwide. Our roots run deep in Jefferson City, Missouri, positioning us perfectly to help propel your initiative forward. Gus Wagner, a lifelong Missouri resident, has spent decades contributing to the success of projects just like yours.
Every day, we're committed to launching success stories for our clients. We invite you to explore all the links and content on this website and send us any questions you may have!
Media Management
Explore The Rocket Group's media services, where tradition meets innovation to amplify your brand's presence. From engaging copywriting and strong press relations to impactful live media events and expert media training, we've got you covered.
Our advertising management services, including media placements and publication representation, ensure your message stands out in the traditional media landscape and more importantly connects to the correct audience.
Let us help you navigate the media world with confidence and clarity, making every communication count.
Our advertising management services, including media placements and publication representation, ensure your message stands out in the traditional media landscape and more importantly connects to the correct audience.
Let us help you navigate the media world with confidence and clarity, making every communication count.
Graphic Design for Print
At The Rocket Group, our graphic design expertise lies in crafting original and affordable visuals that truly resonate with your intended audience. Our professional team brings a unique blend of creativity and strategic thinking to every project, ensuring that each design not only captures attention but also speaks directly to the hearts and minds of viewers. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of audience perspectives, we create designs that are not just visually appealing but also highly effective in communicating your message.
Graphic Design for Web
At The Rocket Group, we understand that graphic design for web and social media platforms demands a distinct approach compared to traditional mediums. In the digital realm, designs need to not only catch the eye but also convey a significant message in a compact space, all while being instantly comprehensible at the mere speed of a scroll.
Videography
The Rocket Group's video production services are where we bring your stories to life with creativity and precision. While we don't own video equipment in-house, our strength lies in expertly managing all aspects of production logistics and providing innovative creative direction for your video projects. Additionally, we specialize in transforming your videos into perfectly sized nuggets for social media, optimizing them for engagement and impact on your audience's newsfeeds.
Web Design
Jeff City Web Design continues the legacy of design and development excellence established by The Rocket Group but focused on our hometown area.
For more than twenty years, our web design and development team has been at the forefront of launching innovative websites for a diverse range of clients, including campaigns, companies, nonprofits, and organizations. Our mission extends far beyond creating visually appealing web pages; we're committed to designing sites that not only captivate but also significantly enhance engagement, drive sales, and uphold the highest standards of security with the latest technology.
Whether you're in need of a sleek, brochure-style website to showcase your brand, or looking to dominate the digital marketplace with a robust e-commerce platform, our team has both the experience and tailored program packages to meet your exact needs. Plus, we love getting creative with custom projects! Let Jeff City Web Design be your partner in crafting a digital presence that stands out today and excels into the future.
Branding
Our approach to branding in marketing at The Rocket Group is holistic, focusing on developing a cohesive and authentic brand experience that engages, inspires, and stands out in the competitive marketplace. Let us help you craft a brand that not only defines your place in the market but also captures the heart of your mission and vision.
Presentations & Training
President.Owner Gus Wagner also offers creative insights through speaking and training appearances into the ways communication tools must work in this modern world to be truly successful.
Presentations:
Available for training and informational speaking for public and private appearances on Advocacy, Grassroots Organizations, Social Media, and Modern Marketing Methods.
Training:
Public Speaking Training, Social Media Training, Content Development Training, Media Training, and Internet Marketing Training.
About The Rocket Group
The Rocket Group is a full-service marketing firm launching success stories from Jefferson City, Missouri.
At The Rocket Group, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive suite of marketing services designed to propel businesses, organizations, and nonprofits of all sizes to new heights. From winning digital marketing strategies and successful social media campaigns to creative content- in words, video, and graphics - creation and impactful branding, our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to crafting solutions that drive results.
At The Rocket Group, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive suite of marketing services designed to propel businesses, organizations, and nonprofits of all sizes to new heights. From winning digital marketing strategies and successful social media campaigns to creative content- in words, video, and graphics - creation and impactful branding, our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to crafting solutions that drive results.
How can we help your success story, today?
Meet Our Team
Caitlynn Barnes, Digital Media Specialist
Education: Bachelor of Education, Central Methodist University
Qualifications: Caitlynn Barnes is a dynamic digital marketing professional with a proven track record of driving success in social media advertising. Since joining The Rocket Group five years ago, she has managed campaigns with a cumulative spend exceeding $1.5 million, delivering measurable results for clients across local, multi-state, and national initiatives and multiple popular and niche social and digital media platforms. Caitlynn specializes in creating and optimizing social media ad strategies that promote sales, advocacy, and awareness for a diverse range of clients.
With a sharp eye for analytics and a passion for audience engagement, Caitlynn has played a pivotal role in executing campaigns that have amplified brand visibility and driven action. Her expertise spans various platforms, ensuring impactful outcomes for businesses of all sizes.
Caitlynn’s commitment to excellence and innovation makes her a key contributor to The Rocket Group’s mission of empowering clients to succeed in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Caitlynn lives in Washington, Missouri.
Education: Bachelor of Education, Central Methodist University
Qualifications: Caitlynn Barnes is a dynamic digital marketing professional with a proven track record of driving success in social media advertising. Since joining The Rocket Group five years ago, she has managed campaigns with a cumulative spend exceeding $1.5 million, delivering measurable results for clients across local, multi-state, and national initiatives and multiple popular and niche social and digital media platforms. Caitlynn specializes in creating and optimizing social media ad strategies that promote sales, advocacy, and awareness for a diverse range of clients.
With a sharp eye for analytics and a passion for audience engagement, Caitlynn has played a pivotal role in executing campaigns that have amplified brand visibility and driven action. Her expertise spans various platforms, ensuring impactful outcomes for businesses of all sizes.
Caitlynn’s commitment to excellence and innovation makes her a key contributor to The Rocket Group’s mission of empowering clients to succeed in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Caitlynn lives in Washington, Missouri.
Rose Darauay, Project Manager
Qualifications: Rose has more than 5 years of project management experience working with IT solutions company, and digital marketing agencies. A certified Project Management Professional (PMP), A certified Asana Pro, and a Digital Marketing Mastery certified by DigitalMarketer, a member of PMI, she has helped several WordPress agencies and online business owners build long-term customer relationships, streamline business processes to improve productivity and overall happiness to every organization she joins. A natural leader and problem-solver, Rose is determined to help WordPress agencies find a reliable partner and support to their business, so they can scale and grow without worries.
Gabrielle Eisterhold, Director of Design
Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design, Missouri State University
Qualifications: Gabrielle Eisterhold is a seasoned graphic designer and creative leader who has been with The Rocket Group for nearly eight years. Her work has shaped thousands of social media and marketing campaigns, delivering impactful visuals that have driven engagement, elevated brands, and achieved measurable results. Promoted to Director of Design in 2022, Gabrielle brings a wealth of expertise in digital marketing platforms and advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite while managing a staff of six graphic designers.
Her creative direction has contributed to the success of political campaigns, small businesses, and large organizations by capturing attention and inspiring action. Gabrielle oversees all design work at The Rocket Group, including high-profile ad placements for Rural Missouri Magazine, the state’s largest print publication, comprehensive branding and content development for America's Electric Cooperatives, and almost daily graphic design efforts for The Missouri Plan.
A dynamic force in digital marketing and visual storytelling, Gabrielle continues to help clients stand out in competitive markets, delivering innovative designs that resonate with diverse audiences.
Gabrielle lives in Republic, Missouri.
Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design, Missouri State University
Qualifications: Gabrielle Eisterhold is a seasoned graphic designer and creative leader who has been with The Rocket Group for nearly eight years. Her work has shaped thousands of social media and marketing campaigns, delivering impactful visuals that have driven engagement, elevated brands, and achieved measurable results. Promoted to Director of Design in 2022, Gabrielle brings a wealth of expertise in digital marketing platforms and advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite while managing a staff of six graphic designers.
Her creative direction has contributed to the success of political campaigns, small businesses, and large organizations by capturing attention and inspiring action. Gabrielle oversees all design work at The Rocket Group, including high-profile ad placements for Rural Missouri Magazine, the state’s largest print publication, comprehensive branding and content development for America's Electric Cooperatives, and almost daily graphic design efforts for The Missouri Plan.
A dynamic force in digital marketing and visual storytelling, Gabrielle continues to help clients stand out in competitive markets, delivering innovative designs that resonate with diverse audiences.
Gabrielle lives in Republic, Missouri.
Ginger Merritt, Content and Engagement Specialist
Education: Bachelor of Agriculture Journalism, University of Missouri-Columbia
Qualifications: Ginger Merritt is a creative and accomplished content specialist with extensive experience in crafting engaging narratives and visuals for diverse audiences. Since joining The Rocket Group, she has brought a fresh perspective to client campaigns, leveraging her expertise in tools like HeyOrca and Canva to design and execute dynamic social media strategies that resonate.
In addition to her creative responsibilities, Ginger leads our inbound monitoring and outbound engagement efforts across social media on behalf of our clients.
Ginger’s professional journey includes leadership roles such as Director of Marketing and Development for a small hospital, Collegiate Development Specialist, Public Relations Supervisor, and Director of Communications for the Missouri Agribusiness Association. She also has a strong background in freelance writing, editing, and proofreading, showcasing her versatility and precision in content creation.
With a passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of audience engagement, Ginger excels at producing content that drives awareness and action. Her diverse skill set and creative vision continue to elevate The Rocket Group’s mission of delivering impactful marketing solutions.
Ginger lives in Eolia, Missouri.
Education: Bachelor of Agriculture Journalism, University of Missouri-Columbia
Qualifications: Ginger Merritt is a creative and accomplished content specialist with extensive experience in crafting engaging narratives and visuals for diverse audiences. Since joining The Rocket Group, she has brought a fresh perspective to client campaigns, leveraging her expertise in tools like HeyOrca and Canva to design and execute dynamic social media strategies that resonate.
In addition to her creative responsibilities, Ginger leads our inbound monitoring and outbound engagement efforts across social media on behalf of our clients.
Ginger’s professional journey includes leadership roles such as Director of Marketing and Development for a small hospital, Collegiate Development Specialist, Public Relations Supervisor, and Director of Communications for the Missouri Agribusiness Association. She also has a strong background in freelance writing, editing, and proofreading, showcasing her versatility and precision in content creation.
With a passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of audience engagement, Ginger excels at producing content that drives awareness and action. Her diverse skill set and creative vision continue to elevate The Rocket Group’s mission of delivering impactful marketing solutions.
Ginger lives in Eolia, Missouri.
Gus Wagner, President.Owner
Education: St. Louis Community College at Meramec
Qualifications: Gus Wagner is an award-winning communicator, five-time certified social media strategist, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and trainer dedicated to educating and engaging audiences online and offline. He founded The Rocket Group in 2001, following a decade in sales and marketing leadership within the manufacturing sector. With a deep understanding of the evolving communications landscape, Gus has successfully executed campaigns for clients ranging from Fortune 100 companies to Missouri small businesses, leveraging both organic and paid strategies to drive action.
He has also founded and sold numerous business efforts, including ARC Media, through which he created the marketing, education, and advocacy efforts of America's electric cooperatives nationwide, impacting the lives of 42 million Americans.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Gus has a rich history of civic and political service. He served as Chief of Staff in the Missouri State Senate, overseeing the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food Production, and Natural Resources. He holds the world record as the longest-serving State Chair of a statewide Young Republicans organization. He is currently actively involved in leadership roles with Downtown Jefferson City, Inc., Missouri River Relief, and Jeff Pretty, a new nonprofit he founded to enhance Missouri’s capital city, and has served on executive boards of numerous professional and civic boards throughout his career.
He lives in Jefferson City, Missouri with his wife, Farrah Fite, their corgi, cat, and Farrah's father.
He has also founded and sold numerous business efforts, including ARC Media, through which he created the marketing, education, and advocacy efforts of America's electric cooperatives nationwide, impacting the lives of 42 million Americans.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Gus has a rich history of civic and political service. He served as Chief of Staff in the Missouri State Senate, overseeing the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food Production, and Natural Resources. He holds the world record as the longest-serving State Chair of a statewide Young Republicans organization. He is currently actively involved in leadership roles with Downtown Jefferson City, Inc., Missouri River Relief, and Jeff Pretty, a new nonprofit he founded to enhance Missouri’s capital city, and has served on executive boards of numerous professional and civic boards throughout his career.
He lives in Jefferson City, Missouri with his wife, Farrah Fite, their corgi, cat, and Farrah's father.
Kelsey Winder, Content Specialist
Education: Associate of Applied Sciences in Digital Marketing, State Technical College
Qualifications: Kelsey Winder is a creative and driven content specialist who joined The Rocket Group in the spring of 2024. Since then, she has contributed to developing a wide range of digital and social media content across various brands and platforms, focusing on creating content that resonates with target audiences while staying true to each brand's voice.
With a strong foundation in the latest digital marketing technologies and graphic design techniques and platforms, Kelsey thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments, consistently delivering innovative content solutions that engage and inspire. Her attention to detail and commitment to staying ahead of trends in digital marketing make her a valuable asset to The Rocket Group’s mission of crafting impactful marketing strategies for clients.
Kelsey’s passion for storytelling and dedication to digital excellence continue to elevate the content she creates, helping clients connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.
A native of Cole County, Missouri, Kelsey recently relocated to Arizona.
Education: Associate of Applied Sciences in Digital Marketing, State Technical College
Qualifications: Kelsey Winder is a creative and driven content specialist who joined The Rocket Group in the spring of 2024. Since then, she has contributed to developing a wide range of digital and social media content across various brands and platforms, focusing on creating content that resonates with target audiences while staying true to each brand's voice.
With a strong foundation in the latest digital marketing technologies and graphic design techniques and platforms, Kelsey thrives in fast-paced, dynamic environments, consistently delivering innovative content solutions that engage and inspire. Her attention to detail and commitment to staying ahead of trends in digital marketing make her a valuable asset to The Rocket Group’s mission of crafting impactful marketing strategies for clients.
Kelsey’s passion for storytelling and dedication to digital excellence continue to elevate the content she creates, helping clients connect with their audiences in meaningful ways.
A native of Cole County, Missouri, Kelsey recently relocated to Arizona.
Contact The Rocket Group
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