About
Upstream 360
We are a curiously nerdy bunch of strategists, project managers, marketers, scientists, illustrators, designers, copywriters, producers, directors, videographers, editors, and more!
Our Story
Upstream Media began in 2001 with one goal: create product demos that made science simple and stories unforgettable. We knew great ideas deserved more than just technical specs, they needed to connect.
That spark kept growing. By 2017, we had evolved into Upstream 360, a full-scale product communication company bringing R&D and marketing into the same conversation. Today, we help teams turn complexity into clarity and potential into impact.
What’s never changed? Our belief that the best product stories blend art, science, and just the right amount of curiosity.
2001
Neal Morris launches Upstream Media
2000s - 2010s
Upstream 360 grows beyond video. Product demos evolve into product stories.
2017
Mike Thomas joins the team, pushing Upstream 360 into full-scale product communication.
2024
Science gets deeper with the introduction of U360 Medical for medical and healthcare stories.
Built for What's Next
We’ve turned innovation into impact, with science and standout product communication for nearly 25 years.
Our People
We’re your friendly neighborhood curious nerds. We like board games and dogs. Our artists draw science, and our engineers write poetry.
And we believe that every voice on our team matters. It’s why we have artists and writers on video shoots and video directors in WOW workshops. Our experts are present at every step, from concept to completion because execution in the idea phase and ideas in the execution phase create better product stories.
Stop in Upstream 360 any day and watch us do the daily work of cultivating curiosity and embracing the unknown even if, or most especially, when it’s scary or challenging. That’s what makes us different. It’s what gives us our edge.
Our Leadership
Mike Thomas
CEO, Owner, Jedi.
He began his career as a Chemical Engineer in R&D at Procter & Gamble with a focus on holistic product design and innovation strategy before transitioning to marketing before joining Upstream in 2017. He loves Star Wars, baseball, softball, and the Steelers.
Ben Patrick
Chief Creative Officer, Board Game Connoisseur.
With significant agency experience, Ben combines his extensive creative and artistic talent with his advertising background to create stunning product stories. He enjoys walking his dog and collecting over 200 board games.
Liz Cullum
Chief of Staff, Sports Fan.
With over 15 years of experience, Liz has developed strong client relationships across billion-dollar brands. The key to her success? Strong communication and intense attention to detail. She spends her free time cheering on her daughter and son on fields, courts, and pitches all over the country.
Cheri Swanson
VP, Science & Strategy, Band Nerd.
She started in R&D at Procter & Gamble and has spent over 20 years turning complex science into meaningful consumer experiences. Known for bringing order to ambiguity and energy to big ideas, she leads teams to deliver work that is both technically sound and creatively sharp. She runs on caffeine, keeps a full calendar, and is her kids’ biggest fan.
Kev Ungi
Vice President of Client Development, Perfect Martini Maker.
Hailing from the UK, Kev’s background in Biomedical Research and pharmaceutical product launch helps him connect client needs with Upstream 360 capability across a wide range of health, wellness, and personal care brands. He knows how to make a mean (slightly) dirty martini.
Melissa Holmes
Director of Science and Strategy, Baking Enthusiast.
With nearly a decade of experience as a food scientist, she combines scientific precision with strategic creativity at Upstream 360. She has a knack for finding clarity in complexity, keeping projects moving forward, and turning technical challenges into thoughtful, impactful solutions. Beyond the office, she channels that same creative energy at the pottery wheel.
Anna Ibold
Head of Marketing, Chaos Coordinator.
With 18+ years in marketing and public relations, Anna brings a creative spark, strategic insight, and storyteller’s heart to her role as Head of Marketing. A proud Purdue fan with a Communications degree from Indiana University, she expertly balances brand building with family adventures, sports schedules, and foodie explorations alongside her husband, three kids, and their Yorkie, Pearl.
Dan Rapp
Executive Creative Director, Lifelong Phish Fan.
After working in some of Cincinnati’s top creative agencies, Dan has been copy- and ad-writing as well as creative directing for over twenty years. He joined Upstream 360 in 2020 where he has continued to work in creative, strategy, and production. He loves a good Phish concert—he’s been to over 100 shows!