LUKE Stafford
Favorite Part of Job? It's easy enough to set your own personal goals and achieve them. But to set an ambitious goal that requires 
the collaboration of a team of creatives... that's a worthy challenge, with the ultimate rewards. When I hit big milestones that seemed unfathomable only a few years ago, that's my favorite part.
Most Inspiring Mentor: Different mentors have come into my life at the right times: Kevin Kelley, my journalism teacher at St. Mike's; Pat Howell and Mel Martin, former marketing agency owners in Brattleboro.
Tell us something fun about yourself that few people know: I'm an Eagle Scout and I can start a fire in the woods in any weather.
Favorite Vermont Escape: Anywhere where there's a foot of fresh snow and a downhill slope. The side-country off of Stowe Mountain probably takes the cake.
Favorite Downtime Activity: Spending the afternoon with a chainsaw and tractor, gathering firewood.
Favorite Social Media: Instagram for inspiration. Twitter for news and commentary. Still can't get into Snapchat.
Person you would like to share a Vermont beverage with: A Light in the Window (Burlington Beer Co.) with Jake Burton Carpenter.
What is the best career advice you have received? Hire people smarter than you, and never ever stop learning.
Where do you see yourself professionally in ten years? I'll still be at the helm of Mondo Mediaworks. I hope to have written a book or two by then.
Career Highlights: My first big break was when I landed the job as Snow Reporter at Mount Snow. (Thanks, Chris Lenois!) I was BORN to do that job. The next few years made me realize that media, specifically online video, was going to be my future. I gradually gained the confidence to start my own marketing agency and opened up my one-man shop in my living room. A year or so later, opening an office and hiring my first employee at Mondo Mediaworks was a huge leap forward. And then hitting the $1,000,000 mark in gross sales 3 years later, that was a big moment. Now, with 16 employees and big growth plans, the future looks just as exciting as the past.
Community Involvement: I volunteer on 3 different boards. As Vice Chair of the Newfane School Board, I preserve our board’s mission to ensure quality education for Newfane’s elementary schoolchildren while respecting residents’ opinions. On the SeVEDS (Southeastern Vermont Economic Development Strategies) board, I actively develop long-term strategies to build a vibrant regional economy. And on the Latchis Corporation board,
I help manage and grow the Latchis Hotel, theater and associated business outlets in Brattleboro.
Earlier this year I was selected to participate in the Small Business Administration’s Emerging Leaders program; the program tasks business owners to build sustainable growth plans for long-term resiliency. I also maintain and manage the South Newfane/Williamsville Bulletin Board on Facebook, a resource for local news, events and, sometimes, just pretty pictures. Lastly, I’m a commentator for Vermont Public Radio, where I donate my time in lieu of payment.