What we really want to figure out, and it’s something we try to achieve every day, is how we can help you become a better marketer online. We strive to grow and develop your brand and business digitally, through your website and social media platforms.

Since 2014, we’ve been constantly exploring new ways to improve so we can impart these skills and knowledge to you. From our humble beginnings establishing some of Dublin’s largest names in hospitality online and raising their brand awareness, to working with large international brands; building their online communities and marketing campaigns.

A team of digital natives, we are passionate and proactive in our marketing approaches. Our job is not done until we know every detail about your business goals and desires so we can flip, hop and skip these wishes into concrete online marketing strategies. Our engaging nature means we work intrinsically with your team to get everyone on board the digital marketing express train, dedicated to picking up all your customers along the way.

Our open-minded nature extends into our own business culture; our office is based in the creative space of WeWork. The creative culture and open collaboration is a constant source of inspiration to our team, and we welcome all our clients in to sit down with us to talk through ideas or challenging areas.

Andy Nolan

Managing Director

Andy co-founded Escalate when he spotted the lack of digital marketing skills within the hospitality industry. He decided to take this opportunity and within the first year of business, Escalate was working with some of Ireland’s largest hospitality names through transforming their online marketing and increasing their revenue substantially.

Andy is always looking for new opportunities and partnerships for Escalate, along with building strong relationships with our clients. Don’t be surprised if you see him seeking out new cafes and restaurants across Dublin, likened to a food critic! On the weekends you can expect to find Andy out golfing, hiking or brunching.

Aaron McGee

Digital Strategy Director

Having worked in the Bar & Hospitality industry for years, and then with some of Ireland’s biggest digital agencies, Aaron saw the gap for a marketing agency which focused on the unique needs of the hospitality industry. Along with Andy, Aaron co-founded Escalate in 2014.

He loves developing brand strategies which come together to drive results that achieve clients’ marketing goals. When he’s not in the Escalate office, he’s traveling and exploring, from exploring coffee fields in Cuba to paddle boarding under Mt. Fuji. He loves visiting new and different places, getting out of the comfort zone and always looking for the next adventure.

Aoife Smyth

Director of Operations

Aoife joined Escalate in 2016. Prior to that, her focus was on the Design Industry. Surprisingly, the principles learned from this have helped her pave the way to a successful career in marketing. It’s all about helping people and achieving goals, right?! Aoife’s focus is on growing Escalate; overseeing projects and always on the hunt for new opportunities whilst achieving the best results for clients. 

If she’s not in the office she’s more than likely half way up a mountain or by the sea embracing the fresh air and views our beautiful country has to offer. Or drooling over some antique furniture and red brick walls.

Conor O’Carroll

Digital Account Manager

Conor joined the Escalate team in 2021, having spent most of his time working in traditional marketing and sales in the alcohol industry and working on some Dublin-based start-ups.

His expertise lies in building a brand strategy, implementing new innovative brand campaigns and copywriting.

Conor loves to travel and to-date has spent time working and/or studying in Madrid, Chicago, Toronto, San Diego and Melbourne.

Conor is a little bit obsessed with football culture & in his spare time is reading up on or listening to podcasts all about; fan culture, football in society, politics in football, football traditions, how football has impacted music, art, fashion & so on. You can read some of his work here.”

Alex Clarke

Content Marketing Executive

Alex joined the team in 2022 with a strong background in graphic design, having studied it at DKIT as well as several years working in the digital marketing space as a graphic designer.

He has also dabbled in a bit of photography and podcasting.

When he is not designing and creating amazing new content online you will likely find him doing one of three things; playing video games and e-sports, listening to or playing some music, or watching movies (he is self-admittedly a big film nerd!).

Elaine Rodgers

Digital Account Manager

Elaine joined the Escalate team in 2023, having worked in the media and marketing industry for several years. She has a strong background in all things content creation, from social media content, to photography and video.

Her love of social media came about when running her own cake making business and utilising online platforms to show off her creations.

She loves all things fitness and adventure. In her spare time, you’ll probably find her in the gym, out doing something active, or looking up where she can travel to next!

Emily Merchant

Graphic & Web Designer

Emily has been working with Escalate since 2018. Fuelled by an impressive amount of tea, and taking inspiration from the many countries / cities / businesses she visits and engages with on her travels, Emily loves developing tailor-made graphic solutions to suit the needs of our clients. Be it a full-scale rebrand, or redeveloping an existing website – she’s on it!

When she’s not at her desk, Emily spends most of her evenings and weekends dancing a style called “Kizomba” (don’t ask us – we’re not sure either?! But it sounds cool! :D).

She’s always glad to get back into the office on a Monday to let her feet cool off a little before the next adventure.

Daniel Dunne

Content Creator

Dan creates exciting and engaging photo and video content for our clients. He loves creating content to a standard that a client has not experienced before. He’s not just a guy behind the camera but a friendly face to clients during shoots, engaging and finding out exactly what they want to achieve is all part of the fun!

When Dan’s not behind the camera he can be found cheering on Liverpool and attempting a spot of golf when the sun is shining and that’s only if he’s not globetrotting around the world exploring new places and opportunities.

Digital Marketing Strategy Status:
ESCALATED