Exceptional talent
Genuine partnerships
our greatest strength is in our people, bar none.
We are more than just colleagues; we are a community that values creativity, collaboration, and the courage to think differently. Our commitment to each other is reflected in our commitment to our clients, dedicated to creating an environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to do their best work.
Our people are at the heart of every success story. Nearly 100 strong, we bring together engineers, designers, craftspeople, and strategic leaders who are all driven by a shared passion for creativity and excellence. We excel at tackling complex challenges and pushing creative boundaries, delivering projects that consistently surpass expectations.
But beyond their skills and expertise, our people are great humans who genuinely care about their work, their colleagues, and our clients. This spirit of camaraderie and mutual respect defines our culture and shapes every project we undertake.
the power of partnership
Stronger together.
We know that great work is built on great partnerships. We’ve combined our strengths to form a full-service experiential marketing agency powerhouse that delivers immersive, emotionally engaging activations. Together, we push creative limits, merging custom 3D props with leading-edge strategies to create experiences that captivate audiences and elevate brands to new heights.
This partnership doesn’t just add new capabilities, it amplifies what makes us unique. With our combined expertise, we tackle complex challenges head-on, delivering solutions that are as visually stunning as they are strategically impactful. This synergy allows us to approach each project with a fresh perspective, blending art and strategy to create moments that not only stand out but also drive meaningful results.
Mission
Create a human experience that connects the minds and hearts of an audience. We produce unique brand encounters that leverage innovative strategies and emerging technologies to turn creative visions into reality.
Vision
Transform every brand interaction into a moment of connection, setting new benchmarks for creativity and impact.
Values
Our core values are the foundation of everything we do. They inspire us to continuously elevate our work, foster collaboration, and create an environment that empowers us to succeed.
Respect
Listen. Acknowledge. Have empathy. Validate contributions. Be kind. Be thankful.
Integrity
Choose courage over comfort, choose what is right over what is fun, fast or easy.
Courage
Respond to risk, challenges and fear with compassion, determination, and confidence.
Balance
Manage the needs of others with what is healthy for ourselves and NPARALLEL + Atomic Props.
Growth
Look at problems from a different angle. Be bold in thought and action. Learn. Teach.
Honesty
Tell the truth.
Exhibiting Good
Care for each other and our clients; give back to the greater community as a team.
Our leaders help drive us forward.
Meet our leadership team who drive us forward with passion, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Each leader brings a unique blend of creativity, strategic insight, and hands-on experience, shaping our culture and ensuring we deliver standout solutions.
Together, they inspire our teams to think bigger, create bolder, and connect brands with their audiences like never before.
Megan Diamond
Megan Diamond
Megan Diamond, known to most as Meg, is the heart and soul of NPARALLEL + Atomic Props as our President and CEO. Meg is our ride-or-die and a strategic leader who deeply values human connection, making our team feel more like a family. Meg drives our company’s direction with authenticity and integrity, overseeing everything from human resources to finance while keeping our values at the forefront.
With a rich background in experiential marketing, Meg has shaped NPARALLEL into not just a top workplace but a space where people and ideas thrive. She’s a true advocate for our team and clients, always championing what’s right and meaningful.
Beyond the office, Meg is dedicated to giving back as a board member of the Sanneh Foundation, supporting youth development across the Twin Cities. In her downtime, you’ll find her soaking up moments on the lake with her family, friends, and her dog, Katie. A true explorer at heart, Meg enjoys discovering new fashion trends and boutique gems, continuously finding fresh inspiration in her travels.
Don Gonse
Don Gonse
Meet Don Gonse, one of our true OGs. From our humble beginnings in a small office in Edina, MN, Don has been instrumental in shaping our journey, bringing our first client, Hearth and Home, to life and setting the stage for our success. His passion for sales and client care runs deep, driven by his unwavering belief that it’s our team and clients who fuel our brand’s growth.
As a leader in business development and client management, Don pushes the limits of innovation, ensuring that every project not only meets but exceeds expectations. He’s dedicated to equipping our team with the tools they need to thrive, constantly fostering an environment where creativity turns ideas into reality.
For Don, the most rewarding part of his role is watching ideas evolve, seeing the company grow, and witnessing his team deliver outstanding results.
Outside of the office, Don’s all about family, the great outdoors, and catching a good game. Whether he’s at the lake, hunting, farming, or cheering on his favorite teams, Don brings the same passion and dedication to every aspect of his life.
Dan Broady
Dan Broady
Dan Broady, our Chief Operating Officer (COO), brings a blend of expertise, humor, and hands-on leadership that defines our culture. Dan’s journey with us began nearly 20 years ago as our first official warehouse hire, and his dedication has been a cornerstone of why so many of our team members stay with us for decades.
With a background in business communications and experience as a Trade Show Manager, Dan’s path from Asset Manager to COO showcases his commitment to operational excellence. His leadership has been instrumental in earning numerous manufacturing and operational awards. Dan’s quick wit and dynamic presence keep things lively, but it’s his hands-on approach that truly sets him apart.
Outside of the office, Dan loves spending his time with family, biking, and staying active. He enjoys walks with his wife and dogs and is constantly striving to hit his step goals with his Apple Watch.
Julie Gustafson
Julie Gustafson
Julie Gustafson, NPARALLEL + Atomic Props’ Chief Experience Officer (CXO), is a driving force behind our commitment to exceptional client experiences. With decades of leadership in experiential marketing and trade shows, including roles at Sparks and Group Delphi, Julie’s passion for exceeding client expectations shapes everything we do.
Julie works closely with our account team, ensuring that clients not only receive impactful projects but also experience the unwavering support and trust that define our organization. Her dedication to building strong relationships and delivering exceptional service is at the heart of our promise to create outstanding customer experiences.
Beyond her professional achievements, Julie is deeply committed to her community. She has served on the Dayton City Council, completed multiple Susan G. Komen 3-Day events, and even built a park in her hometown of Montevideo.
Darrin Maxwell
Darrin Maxwell
Meet Darrin Maxwell, our VP of Strategic Accounts, who is the go-to leader for managing our project-based clients with precision and insight. With a background in business administration and marketing, Darrin brings a well-rounded perspective to NPARALLEL + Atomic Props, blending his early experience in retail project management and store design with a passion for experiential marketing.
Since joining the company in 2015, Darrin’s journey from Account Director to VP of Strategic Accounts showcases his commitment to excellence and hands-on leadership. He thrives on the dynamic nature of his work, where no two projects are alike, and takes pride in turning ideas into tangible experiences within our fabrication space. For Darrin, it’s all about the thrill of seeing concepts come to life and the impact they create.
Day-to-day, Darrin is all about problem-solving, solution-building, and ensuring clear communication with clients and partners, pushing his team to perform at their best. His dedication to finding innovative solutions keeps our projects moving forward with purpose.
Outside the office, Darrin embraces the great outdoors, enjoying hiking, camping, and biking with family and friends.
Jodi Lewis
Jodi Lewis
Jodi Lewis is the creative force behind NPARALLEL + Atomic Props as our Vice President of Creative. With a hands-on approach, Jodi leads a talented team specializing in 3D, 2D, motion graphics, and print production, ensuring every project runs smoothly and creatively exceeds expectations.
A proud Bemidji State University alumna, Jodi is passionate about education, mentorship, and building opportunities for the next generation of creatives. Her dedication to internships and mentorships has fostered strong relationships and set a solid foundation for aspiring talent.
Jodi’s leadership is rooted in teamwork and individual growth, always pushing her team to think bigger and make the impossible happen. Whether she’s troubleshooting equipment, refining processes, or inspiring innovative solutions, Jodi’s commitment to excellence shines through every challenge and creative opportunity.
Beyond her role, Jodi is a lifelong learner and adventurer. She’s a rookie kiteboarder, a silversmith, and an enthusiastic traveler who loves diving into new experiences. Her passion for creativity doesn’t just stay in the office—it’s a way of life.
Jim Vylasek
Jim Vylasek
Meet Jim Vylasek, our Vice President of Technology, who brings over 30 years of IT and software development expertise to our team. A true innovator, Jim is dedicated to building high-performing teams that drive success through technology. His experience at SS&C GlobeOp and Wells Fargo Global Fund Services highlights his knack for leading complex tech initiatives and fostering collaborative, forward-thinking environments.
Since joining us in 2019 as Director of Technology, Jim’s leadership has been pivotal in elevating our tech capabilities. He’s been the architect of our technology department, integrating leading-edge solutions that keep us ahead in our industry. Jim’s approach goes beyond strategy—he’s a hands-on problem solver who dives into the details to find the best solutions.
Outside of work, Jim channels his creativity into woodworking, fishing, and 3D printing and loves spending time with friends and family.
Our Commitment: Diversity, EQUITY + InclusioN
At NPARALLEL + Atomic Props, we believe that true strength comes from embracing different thoughts, perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to equity and a sense of belonging that feels real and meaningful. We’ve created a space where everyone, whether they work for us or with us, can genuinely thrive and reach their fullest potential.
We place immense value on diversity in thought, perspective, and experience, and we stand firmly by the principles of equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and anti-discrimination. Core to who we are is our commitment to ensuring that every employee, consultant, client, partner, and friend—regardless of their gender identity, race, color, sexual orientation, language, national origin, religion, disability, or age—is embraced, respected, and valued for exactly who they are. The outcomes of our work will reflect this dedication, free from the biases of these identities.
We define antiracism and anti-discrimination as an active, ongoing effort to oppose and dismantle all forms of racism and discrimination. This means promoting equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging not just in theory, but in everything we do. As an organization committed to these values, we are continuously identifying, discussing, and confronting issues of equity and inclusion, not only within our own walls but also in the communities we serve and the people we touch.
We hold ourselves and each other accountable to ensure that NPARALLEL + Atomic Props remains a truly inclusive, welcoming, and supportive space for all who engage with us—whether as employees, partners, or friends. This is our promise, and we live it every day.
Here, we’re building a community where everyone is encouraged and empowered to be their most authentic self. Whether you’re part of our team or one of our valued partners, we are dedicated to ensuring that every person has the support, respect, and opportunities they need to thrive and realize their full potential.