Ryan Marks, President

As a North-End Virginia Beach kid growing up, I looked up to my parents and my brother, Pete Smith, Wes Laine, Bob Holland, the Wareings and a host of other 71st Street Anglers. I spent my free time surfing and playing golf for Cox High School and attended the College of Charleston in Charleston, S.C. After graduating CofC with a B.A. in Corporate Communications and Philosophy, I moved to Wilmington, N.C., where I became involved in copywriting, campaign organization and strategic brand management. I relocated to Central Florida and spend my working time in Orlando and my spare time at New Smyrna Beach.

I began this firm because I have two passions: public relations and surfing. Talking with people; writing about events, people and companies; and being involved in the matrix that is PR is my professional passion. Being able to travel the world, meet new people, learn from other cultures, stay healthy and appreciating my home-break defines my passion for surfing.

Ryan@lionizepr.com

Dustin Markland, Creative Director

My family has saltwater running through our veins. My dad began pushing me around on a surfboard at the age of two and I was hooked. I grew up surfing Sunglow Pier, Ponce Inlet and New Smyrna Beach; places I still call home to this day. I am continuing that tradition with my own family today with my amazing wife and our little boy- he’s the man!

My father is a photographer and I’ve always had an eye for being creative. I began making homemade skate and surf movies when I was young and continued my education earning a degree in Digital Media Graphics. While managing a local surf shop, I’ve designed, coordinated, and produced the store’s Web presence and advertising.

I am not a surfer because I just enjoy it, surfing is my church, my therapist, my freedom… it's who I am and will always be. Being able to combine two passions like surfing and creativity is more than I could ever imagine.

Dustin@lionizepr.com