Meet the team

Landon Rhodes

Founder & CEO

Landon started Grindstone on the floor of his apartment in 2018. He wanted to find a way to help companies promote their products and services beyond the traditional door-to-door sales model. He also wanted to take the work ethic he developed on his family farm near Exeter, Nebraska and grow his own successful business.

To keep himself sharp, Landon listens to podcasts and reads books focused on entrepreneurship and personal development. He even hosts his own podcast called Spark to Fire where he interviews other successful business leaders. He’s a firm believer in the mantra: “If you’re not growing, you’re dying,” and applies that mentality to everything he does.

Fun fact: Landon’s impressions are impeccable. Ask him to do anyone and he won’t disappoint.

Jenna Rhodes

Video Strategist & Business Development Manager

Jenna graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 2011 with degrees in History and Spanish. She spent the last ten years working for Stanley Black and Decker in various sales and marketing roles. As the Business Development Manager, Jenna works with prospective clients to determine how Grindstone can best serve their needs. Passionate about the details, Jenna is committed that Grindstone delivers the best quality work for each client, no matter the project scope.

Fun fact: Jenna lived in Costa Rica for six months to study Spanish.

Sam Trocki

Digital Marketing Manager & IHM Coach

Sam has a passion for contributing to the growth of a business and building connections by developing savvy strategies and compelling content for social media campaigns. Her creative mind and constant curiosity help her think outside the box and bring any vision to life. Sam found her calling through extensive experience in Account Management and earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. She finds joy in the little things, and can usually be found outside tending to her garden or exploring a new hiking trail.

Fun fact: Sam attended Tony Robbins first-ever Virtual Unleash the Power Within event and is excited to be a future fire walker at the next in-person event!

Collin Mccarthy

Audio Engineer

Collin started his deep dive into the audio production world back in high school when he began building a home studio in his parent’s basement. After high school, Collin moved out to Seattle to pursue music with his band. Since then, he has recorded 2 EP’s & 1 full-length album with the group, & is currently working on a solo project under the name CP/M, where he has released 2 songs thus far. After moving back to Lincoln, Collin became increasingly interested in the growing popularity of podcasts. His first production for a podcast was the title theme song for the show “Tech Refactored” at UNL’s College of Law, Nebraska Governance & Technology Center.

Fun fact: Collin’s been on tour from California to New York… & everything in between!

Tanner smejdir

Account Executive

Tanner grew up in a small town known as Friend, Nebraska. He eventually graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, earning his Bachelor of Journalism degree. UNL is where Tanner found his passion for the media industry. After working several different jobs, he found a home at Grindstone. As an Account Executive, Tanner will be the direct point of contact between Grindstone and its clients. He values the relationships he has created and looks forward to the ones that are yet to happen.

Fun fact: Tanner had a short-lived child-acting career. At the ripe age of 4 months, he starred as “Baby Jesus” for the town’s Christmas program. He decided to retire after that as the fame was too much.

Alexis Koetters

Account Executive & Sales Asst.

Alexis is from a little town named Hinton, IA. Hinton High School is where she fell in love with marketing concepts. She competed with DECA placing first place at the state level three years in a row. Alexis graduated from Buena Vista University in 2018 with a BA in Business Marketing. While at BVU, she played volleyball and ran Track and Cross Country. Combining her experience in sales with her drive to build lasting relationships, she’s finding her groove as an Account Executive and Sales Assistant at Grindstone. When she’s not working, you can find her playing volleyball with friends or at a local brewery with her pup, Willy.

Fun fact: Alexis is allergic to hamsters, preventing the office from ever having one as a classroom pet.