MEET THE ARAS TEAM
The people behind the high-quality service Aras provides our clients. We hire dedicated, motivated, and personable individuals to ensure our clients have the best experience. With service that always supports you with a smile, you’ll feel confident your business is in good hands.
Sara O’Driscoll - President
sara@araspromotions.com
After years in the liquor industry and doing promotional events, I noticed Wisconsin needed a quality agency. Now, almost 20 years later, Aras serves not just Wisconsin but also Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, and South Dakota.
I've recently taken the leap to acquire another well-respected promotional staffing agency in the South East. We are officially now servicing North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.
Owning Aras has been a whirlwind adventure that I would never change! I have worked-hard, laughed-hard and met tons of unique ambassadors. I’ve made amazing connections/clients, and most importantly, enjoyed coming to work every single day. The intense work I have put into this company has been celebrated by becoming a Certified Women-Owned Business.
I'm also a wife and mom to 3 boys. We love to vacation, swim, and be outdoors. When I have any more time, I enjoy working out, shopping on-line, wine, and watching my husband cook. (I've always made a better bartender than cook)
Ashley Janz - Vice President
ashley@araspromotions.com
I started out as a brand ambassador for Sara in 2007. Fall of 2013 I was brought on full time and have been loving it ever since!
We have a solid team and the most thoughtful boss ever! Each person at Aras excels at something different which makes our office effective and efficient. We have the best customers who keep us going and motivated.
I love pool days in the summer with my family or having friends over for a cookout. The simple things.
Maddie Otto - Chief Operating Officer
maddie@araspromotions.com
Throughout my career, I have gained 10+ years of industry experience. My industry journey started at Aras as a recent college graduate, so this truly feels “full circle”. After working at Aras I transitioned to Badger Liquor as a Brand Manager and then embarked on a successful six-year career at Pernod Ricard USA. My background in distribution & supplier ways of working is pivotal to our full-service offerings.
Outside of my busy work life, I embrace the role of chaos coordinator to my energetic 6-year-old twin boys & two Bernese Mountain Dogs.
Tara Biever - Vice President of Operations
tara@araspromotions.com
My journey with Aras began in 2016 as a Brand Ambassador which led me to fall in love with the industry and never look back. I managed a territory for 5 years which gave me amazing learning tools and furthermore, opportunities. Intent on learning more I now enjoy working with Clients on another level with Programs and Portfolio Management.
The culture and fast pace are such rewarding aspects of being part of the Aras Team. It is absolutely important to say that you enjoy what you do, and this for me is so rewarding!
I'm a busy mom to 3 kids who are always keeping me on my toes. We are your typical small town Wisconsin outdoors-y family and wouldn't change it for the world, enjoying life to its fullest!
Gwen Gannon - Region Manager, Midwest
gwen@araspromotions.com
I joined the team at Aras in May of 2024 as the Expansions Market Manager and covered the IA, NE, KS, MO and Dakotas markets. I come from an HR and recruiting/staffing background which has been key in creating and maintaining successful brand ambassador teams. In April of 2025 I was promoted to Regional Manager.
This team of women is so strong in coming together to resolve tough situations and create amazing events. I've learned so much already, and it makes me so excited to think about what is still to come. I have loved building relationships with every new person I've had the chance to interact with.
Outside of work, I am a part-time music director, an avid piano player, and a plant waterer. I love being outdoors, staying active, and traveling!
Jenna Lacy- Director of Operations, Southeast
jennalacy@araspromotions.com
My journey began in Atlanta as a promotional model, where I then made the leap to Legacy Marketing partners on behalf of Pernod Ricard, overseeing promotions across Georgia. My thirst for adventure took me to Alaska, where I excelled as a Logistics Manager for Princess Cruises, managing complex operations in a fast-paced environment. For the past eight years, I have served as Operations Manager for a Georgia-based staffing agency. With over 15 years of industry experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise that will greatly enhance our capabilities.
Outside of work, I am an avid traveler, exploring different cultures around the globe. I also prioritize my health with regular Pilates sessions and enjoy crafting in my spare time.
Layne Heidemann - Senior Market Manager, Midwest
layne@araspromotions.com
I started my journey with Aras in August 2017 as a Brand Ambassador, then worked in our office as an intern for my last semester of college, and in June 2021 I was offered a full-time role as a Market Manager.
Working in a very strong woman environment has made me feel extremely empowered. We work hard to build each other up and strive for the ultimate goal; make the customer happy. Working in the spirits industry has its obvious perks, and my background in bartending makes deep-diving into liquor products exciting and enticing.
I am also a yoga and cycling instructor, with a passion for health and wellness. Most of my free time is spent in a fitness class with friends, or on a patio enjoying a cocktail with my family and sphynx cats.
Olivia Wall - Senior Market Manager, Midwest
olivia@araspromotions.com
I began my journey with Aras as a Brand Ambassador in February 2022 and was offered a full-time position as the office's Executive Assistant that following August. Quickly worked my way up to a Market Manager position and have been enjoying every step of the way!
I love working for Aras Promotions for many reasons, but my favorite is our motto, "Work Hard Play Hard!". We have such a dedicated and empowering group of women who strive to exceed our client's expectations while having fun along the way.
When not sampling our wide variety of products, you will see me exploring the city of Milwaukee! I love trying new restaurants, weightlifting, and the occasional reading & wine night.
Joy Phillips - Office Manager, Midwest
joy@araspromotions.com
I began my journey at Aras Promotions in May 2025, and I’m excited to be part of this dynamic team! After a 10-year break from the corporate marketing world to raise my three wonderful children, I’m eager to re-enter the workforce and bring my passion and creativity to Aras. I take pride in being part of a team dedicated to creating impactful promotions for the food and beverage industry.
Outside of work, gardening is my sanctuary. Tending to my plants and watching them bloom brings me peace and inspires my creativity. I also cherish the time I spend with family and friends. Whether we’re sharing laughs, cocktails or creating lasting memories, those moments fill my heart. I’m excited to continue growing with Aras and can’t wait to see the results we achieve together!
Lexy Chatham - Market Manager, Midwest
alexa@araspromotions.com
After graduating from Madison in 2021, I found myself in the recruiting world. I acted as a recruiter until May of 2024, when I applied as the Fox Valley and North Central Wisconsin Market Manager. I had loved working as an ambassador with Aras, and love working as a market manager even more.
When I’m not working I’m either crafting, reading, or spending time with my friends and family. I adore fiction books, especially fantasy! I also love to crochet and make earrings (and I do accept requests!)
Nicole Bottom - Market Manager, Midwest nicolebottom@araspromotions.com
I started my journey with Aras in the summer of 2023 as a brand ambassador. Working at any and every event I could, I fell in love with the industry and knew I wanted to stay with Aras long-term. I was given the role of summer marketing intern for the 2024 summer where I learned so much more about the company and industry while working on my degree in marketing! As my internship came to an end I was offered the role of Associate Market Manager. I have big shoes to fill but have learned from the ground up from the best team and can't wait to see what next year holds!
Outside of Aras I love baking, crafting, and spending time with family, friends, and my little dog.
Chloe Zabel - Market Manager, Midwest chloe@araspromotions.com
I am thrilled to join Aras Promotions as a Midwest Market Manager. After graduating from Edgewood College with a degree in Business Marketing in December 2024, I am excited to bring my background in product marketing to this role.
Joining the Aras team has been an incredible opportunity. I feel very fortunate to be working alongside such an inspiring group of strong and empowered women. The environment at Aras is truly motivating, and I’m excited to contribute to a company that values innovation, creativity, and making a positive impact in the communities we serve.
Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, reading, and spending quality time with my family and friends. I also love taking my dog, Tito (like the Vodka!), on walks. I’m excited to work and grow with Aras Promotions to contribute to both the company’s and the industry's success.
Grace Pecore - Market Manager, Midwest grace@araspromotions.com
I joined the Aras Team in May of 2025 as a Market Manager. After graduating from Marquette University looking for a role that incorporated both Marketing and Human Resources, Aras had the perfect fit for me! I'm thrilled to bring my background into a growing industry and expand my skills.
Working at Aras Promotions has been an amazing opportunity for me, and I enjoy working around a group of powerful women. The environment is very welcoming and I'm excited to learn from the talent group around me.
When I'm not working, I'm either going for a run, baking, or spending time with my loved ones. I really enjoy spending time outdoors, playing games like tennis or spikeball, and going for a run on the beach are my favorite activities!
Stephanie Fitzpatrick - Market Manager, Southeast
stephaniefitzpatrick@araspromotions.com
I began my career in the marketing industry in 2018 as a Brand Ambassador for Excalibur Marketing in South Carolina. My performance quickly led to my promotion to Area Manager, and eventually to State Manager for both the Carolinas following the merger with Trade Lions in early 2020. I have always thrived in collaborative events and am always eager to provide on-site support wherever it’s needed.
My passion for family and creativity shines through in all aspects of my life, which thrives in my work environment. When I’m not working, I cherish time with my family, friends, and my beloved dogs. I enjoy staying active whether it’s at the gym, grocery shopping, or crafting with my daughter.
Reiss Buettner - Market Manager, Southeast
reiss@araspromotions.com
I I started my journey with Aras Promotions in August of 2024, as a brand ambassador. I loved working the events and the people that I was working with, which made me want to work for the Aras team in their office. I was offered the role as a Market Manager in March of 2024 and have been learning so much about the company since starting. I can’t wait to see what the next year will bring.
Outside of Aras, I enjoy spending time outdoors like biking, pickleball or golfing and value time with family and friends. I believe in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and bring that same energy and positivity to my professional life.
Racheal Hurst - Associate Market Manager, Southeast
rachealhurst@araspromotions.com
I bring 8 years of industry experience as a brand ambassador and full-time employee. My unwavering dedication presented me with an opportunity to transition my title to Associate Market Manager for GA in 2022. In this role, I have effectively leveraged my expertise to develop and implement successful marketing strategies, ultimately enhancing product visibility and contributing to the overall growth of the brands represented.
Outside of work, you can often find me enjoying my time outdoors, whether it be riding my motorcycle, kayaking, or RVing with my family. My adventurous spirit and appreciation of balance make me a well-rounded person, both professionally and personally.