Direction Is Key

With more than 15 years of experience in marketing and advertising, Blake Hardin brings a proven track record of creative and agency success to Harbinger. Prior to co-founding the firm, Blake has held the title of Creative Director for several local and regional advertising agencies across the Southeast, servicing such recognizable clients as Bank of America, Goodyear, Holiday Inn, McDonald's, Shoney's and Subway for which he holds numerous awards for creative excellence. He has also held an adjunct professorship in advertising at the University of West Florida, his alma mater. Since moving to the Triangle area in 2001, Blake has been instrumental in the reestablishment of the local chapter of the American Advertising Federation, and has held advisory positions with Rotary International, The Raleigh Chamber, and Haven House Services for runaway youths.

Having excelled in nearly every facet of advertising agency operations including account management, media placement, and copywriting for print, radio and television, Hal brings a wide range of industry experience to the firm. Prior to co-founding Harbinger, Hal has worked for several regional and national advertising agencies, servicing such recognizable accounts as American Express, General Electric, Lockheed Martin and Duke University. Hal graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Appalachian State University and holds several industry awards for creative excellence.

Before joining Harbinger, Michael Chase was President of Cool Cat Creative, a web design and development company headquartered in Raleigh. An award-winning graphic designer with more than 10 years of experience, Michael focuses on developing intuitive and attractive websites as well as creative print design solutions. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Studio Art from Florida State University, and prior to moving to Raleigh, he managed the graphics department of a public relations and advertising firm in Tallahassee, Florida. Michael has worked on projects for numerous organizations including American Cancer Society, American Lung Association of Florida, the Florida Chamber of Commerce, PhRMA, Delta Connection and the St. Joe Community Foundation.

Carly Caswell is the firm's Art Director. An extremely talented graphic designer and artist, she studied photography, illustration and graphic design at East Carolina University where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Communication Arts. Carly also holds a minor in Art History and has received numerous accolades for her original artwork.

Julia brings an in-depth knowledge of agency management as the firm’s Media Director. An Appalachian State University graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology, she has handled design, account services, public relations and media planning and placement for publishing companies and advertising agencies throughout southern Florida. Her work has involved numerous travel and tourism accounts including Discovery Cruise Line, Old Bahama Bay Resort and Sonesta Beach Resorts.

Ashley brings a high level of skill and experience to the accounts she manages for the firm. She holds multiple degrees from Florida State University including a BA in Communication Studies with a minor in Theatre, and a Master's degree in Integrated Marketing Communication. Before joining Harbinger, she was an Account Coordinator for a Florida-based ad agency and handled public relations, branding, event planning and public affairs for many clients including Ford Motor Company, The Partnership for Prescription Assistance, Florida Patient Safety Corporation and Florida Sterling Council.

Angela provides website design and development for the firm. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Meredith College and holds Bachelor's degrees in both Graphic Design and Computer Science. While at her alma mater, she provided graphic and web design services for the Meredith College Career Center and the North Carolina Museum of Art.