About Conceptual Minds

We’re on a mission to help your business market smarter and grow faster!

Yushan Pan, MA, Computer Science

Data Analysis & Computer Science Wunderkind

At work, Yushan focuses on driving value for clients by analyzing and optimizing digital campaign/ website performance, and helping with adoption of new technologies, such as marketing automation software.

At home, Yushan loves playing soccer and watching matches with his cat. If he’s not at home, he’s probably traveling on a mission to explore all 50 US states (so far, he’s visited a whopping 27)!

Kabir Tuteja

Content Writer


Kabir is a budding marketer who is involved in promoting the businesses as well as educating the consumers on various products and services through his content writing skills.

Learning new skills at each step from the experts in his team, he is determined to master the industry.

At home, he loves staying updated on the financial markets, listening to R&B music and exploring new places to hangout with friends and family.

Our Story
Since opening our doors in 2016, our focus has been help small and mid-sized businesses market smarter and grow bigger. We’re dedicated to serving consumer-facing companies, their automotive, home services, insurance, and other industries that typically don’t have biggest marketing the budgets or robust marketing support. By implementing the right marketing resources and expertise, help clients unleash their potentials for tremendous growth, often didn’t think was possible prior to partnering with us.

Alec Gray

Business Development Manager


Alec Gray is the Business Development Manager at Conceptual Minds, where he focuses on building people-first processes that drive growth and long-term success. He thrives on helping others achieve their goals and has a track record of launching and scaling sales teams with a customer-first mindset at the center of his work.

Outside of work, Alec enjoys cooking, spending time outdoors, reading, gaming, and relaxing with his two cats. A fan of fantasy, sci-fi, and personal growth, he brings curiosity and creativity into everything he does. He also hopes to be good at golf one day

Meet Our Founder-in-Chief

Taran is the Founder and CEO of Conceptual Minds.

Prior to launching Conceptual Minds, Taran honed his skills in a variety of roles at several transportation related organizations. He has literally lived the movie (albeit accidentally) – Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.

He served as an Airport Planner in his early career, was a key member of United Airlines’ Washington Dulles Airport Operations transition team, led National Sales & Customer Service teams for an entertainment distribution start-up within the Amtrak network, and oversaw Sales & Marketing for an investor backed mobile tire start-up.

Taran launched Conceptual Minds to focus on his true passion – helping small to mid-sized businesses reach new heights by unleashing their full marketing potential.

He earned his Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Florida Tech and his Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from University of Maryland University College. He resides in the Washington DC region with his wife and son.

An avid sports fan, he follows the Green Bay Packers, Texas A&M Aggies, Washington Capitals, and the US National Soccer teams. He also enjoys music, traveling, and biking.

Our Core Beliefs

Conceptual Minds was founded on idea that powerful and effective marketing solutions, should be accessible to local small and mid-sized businesses who matter within the communities they serve. In order for team to provide clients, with these best possible value for marketing investments focus on following four beliefs:
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We treat your money like is money.

We know you can’t afford to waste money in areas where it won’t deliver results and offer up solutions proven to do just that, always up front with options, never leaving you guessing.

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We think outside the box (and your industry).

We get big ideas from the top leaders in marketing and use our expertise in your industry to create powerful solutions often leaps and bounds ahead of your direct competitors.

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We’re all about client transparency and education.

We don’t believe in withholding information or leaving you out of decision making and will always keep you informed on what’s working, what isn’t, and what’s next.

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We’re hyper-focused on maximizing your ROI.

Above all else, we want to understand your business goals and needs so we can help create, regularly monitor, and improve marketing solutions that get you the biggest bang for your buck.

Our Core Team

Our core team may be small, but we’re mighty in more ways than one. Together, we make up a high-energy, results-oriented, and mission-driven unit fueled by getting our clients results that make a difference to their bottom line. We also have a number of other team members supporting us and our clients.

Taran Sodhi, MBA

Fearless Leader & Master Marketer

Taran Sodhi, MBA

Fearless Leader & Master Marketer

At work, Taran is either pitching a winning client strategy, coaching a client or a staff member on identifying the best step forward or brainstorming the next big idea to propel our clients to reach even greater heights!

As part of giving back, Taran has become a regular fixture as a judge for Top Shop Award by Tire Review and in 2020 he also had the privilege of being a judge for Women In Automotive Communication Award.

At home, Taran is usually hanging out with his wife and son, enjoying a good meal, cheering on his favorite sports teams (Packers, Capitals, and Texas A&M Aggies), working out, or off on his next travel adventure.


Recently Published Work

Emily Goldman

Direct Mail Manager

Emily Goldman

Direct Mail Manager

Born and raised in Silver Spring, Maryland, Emily brings a passion for marketing and a keen eye for detail to her role as the Direct Mail Manager She has honed her skills and expertise in planning, coordinating and executing direct mail campaigns by blending creativity with strategic vision to meet the needs and goals of her clients. Emily holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Maryland. In her free time you'll usually find her hiking with her dog, Daisy, spending time with family and friends, playing the piano, staying active at the gym, and doing DIY projects around the house.

Yushan Pan, MA, 
Information System

Data Analysis & Marketing Analysis

Kabir Tuteja

Content Writer

Jordan Bartels

Reputation Manager

Jordan Bartels

Reputation Manager


Jordan oversees reputation strategy for Conceptual Minds’ automotive clients, ensuring every review response aligns with each brand’s voice, tone, and standards. Known for his precision and commitment to process, he builds systems that help shops strengthen trust, improve ratings, and stand out online. His foundation in reputation management was built in the hospitality industry, and he now enjoys bringing that same level of care and consistency to the automotive world.

Originally from Iowa, Jordan earned his BA in Business Administration from the University of Northern Iowa and now calls sunny Orlando home. He enjoys basketball, football, baseball, and MMA. Jordan is a proud Iowa Hawkeyes fan and also roots for the Chicago Bulls, Dallas Cowboys, and St. Louis Cardinals. He collects sports cards and memorabilia and values faith, family, friends and the simple things in life. When he has down time, you’ll find him by the pool with a good cigar. .

M. D.

Brand Strategist

Sophia Meurer

Promotions Manager

Sophia Meurer

Promotions Manager


Sophia started in the automotive world by selling tires and handling customer service at a small startup company in 2010. Since then, she has worked with Conceptual Minds in various aspects of marketing, honing her understanding of the industry. She brings a solid knowledge base of both the consumer and the auto shop spheres. She currently works in the promotions department, as well as internal editing and quality assurance. Outside of work, she stays busy with her husband and 2 children. She enjoys reading, crafting, volunteering, and spending time with her family and friends. She loves to laugh and enjoys the little things in life.

Ann Buderus

Sr. Account Executive

Ann Buderus

Sr. Account Executive


Ann Buderus brings extensive automotive aftermarket experience to Conceptual Minds, with a career focused on helping automotive repair organizations improve operations, adopt technology, and successfully grow their businesses. Her experience spans independent repair shops, multi-location operators, franchise and enterprise organizations, giving her a strong understanding of both the individual-shop environment and the complexities of managing growth across multiple rooftops. Ann specializes in helping automotive businesses connect their marketing strategy with real-world operational goals, including increasing car count, identifying location-specific growth opportunities, improving customer acquisition, and scaling across multiple markets. She is passionate about customer success and believes the strongest partnerships are built on accurate data, transparent communication, practical recommendations, and a clear understanding of each customer's business objectives. At Conceptual Minds, Ann works closely with customers to identify where marketing can have the greatest impact and develop strategies designed to support sustainable, measurable growth

Philip Kline

Marketing Automation Expert

Philip Kline

Marketing Automation Expert


Philip is a CRM and communications professional with more than eight years of marketing experience across service, healthcare, tech, and nonprofit industries. With an emphasis on email marketing, automation, and integrations across marketing / sales / customer success lifecycles, Philip specializes in using contact management tools to implement seamless and effective communication journeys.

Professional certifications and expertise center around HubSpot, SharpSpring, Eloqua, MailChimp, Zapier, and similar tools. A proud Philadelphian (go Birds!), Philip enjoys exploring new parks and cities with his wife and sons./p>

Becky Strohl

Social Media Maven

Becky Strohl

Social Media Maven


Becky Strohl has more than a decade of experience professionally writing and developing marketing strategy for clients ranging from nonprofits to international brands. She specializes in content creation, social media strategy, brand messaging, and targeted marketing campaigns.

Her passion for creative writing and history with language, education, and marketing has put her in a unique position to help brands effectively tell their story. Becky enjoys seeing brands positioned for success and moving towards their full marketing potential.

Becky received a Bachelor's from UC Berkeley and is currently pursuing her Master's in Marketing from Johns Hopkins Carey School of Business. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading, writing, dressing up for Halloween, and taking care of her boxer dog, Bella, and her fat cat, Keeta Fajita.

Kim Morales

Account Executive

Kim Morales

Account Executive


Kim started her career in the Automotive Aftermarket in 2005 with a startup company Identifix. She cut her teeth for quite a few years there and moved to Shop-Ware, another startup. And then moved to Todays Class and yes, you know, another startup. Her love for the repair shop owners brought her to Conceptual Minds. She currently works in the sales department. Outside of work she enjoys life in Las Vegas Nv with her many grandchildren. She loves spending time with family and friends. She loves to make others laugh.

Desiree Homer

Content Creator

Desiree Homer

UX / Content creator


Desiree Homer is a Midwest native (St. Louis Cardinals fan) and delights the world as a content creator. Her writing chops hail from 20+ years of career experience in sales, television, advertising, staffing, automotive, and marketing roles. You can always spot her personality and unique perspectives coming through in her writing, too.

Desiree Homer is a Midwest native (St. Louis Cardinals fan) and delights the world as a content creator. Her writing chops hail from 20+ years of career experience in sales, television, advertising, staffing, automotive, and marketing roles. You can always spot her personality and unique perspectives coming through in her writing, too.

Our Core Team

Our core team may be small, but we’re mighty in more ways than one. Together, we make up a high-energy, results-oriented, and mission-driven unit fueled by getting our clients results that make a difference to their bottom line. We also have a number of other team members supporting us and our clients.

Taran Sodhi, MBA

Fearless Leader & Master Marketer

Yushan Pan, MA, 
Information System

Data Analysis & Marketing Analysis

Business Development Manager

Kabir Tuteja

Content Writer

Emily Goldman

Direct Mail Manager

M. D.

Brand Strategist

Rob Overman

Account Executive

Joe Pfender

Marketing Strategist/Partnership Development Manager


Joe Pfender brings nearly a decade of experience in digital marketing and business development, with much of that time focused on the automotive industry. His background includes digital marketing, partnership development, and translating complex marketing initiatives into practical, results-driven execution for operators. At Conceptual Minds, Joe focuses on strategic partnerships and direct growth initiatives, working closely with clients and partners to support sustainable, scalable growth. He is known for his consultative approach, strong industry relationships, ability to bridge strategy with execution, and true passion for helping businesses grow sustainably with progressive marketing.

Becky Strohl

Social Media Maven

Desiree Homer

Content Creator

Sophia Meurer

Promotions Manager

Alec Gray

Business Development Manager

Philip Kline

Marketing Automation Expert

Check Out Our Trophy Case

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General – Local TV, 

Bronze Winner

2020

The Telly Awards

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Video Marketing 

Automotive

Promotion

2019

Muse Creative

Awards

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Video Marketing 

Home Services

Promotion

2019

Muse Creative

Awards

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Logo Design

Honorable Mention

2019

Muse Creative

Awards

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Automotive Specific 

Promotion

Honorable Mention

2019

Muse Creative

Awards

Webaward-logo

Best Financial

Services Website

2019

Web Marketing

Association

WebAwards

Webaward-logo

Best Shopping

Website

2018

Web Marketing

Association

WebAwards

Webaward-logo

Other Standard

of Excellence

2018

Web Marketing

Association

WebAwards

Webaward-logo

Best Home Building

Website

2017

Web Marketing

Association

WebAwards

Webaward-logo

Outstanding Website

Automotive

2017

Web Marketing

Association

WebAwards

We’d Love to Hear from You!